The Cyprus Travel Expo takes place every year in Cyprus in which all stakeholders of tourism in Cyprus participate in a three-day exhibition. The exhibition offers all the information related to travelling from and to Cyprus. Representatives from the Greek Tourism Board, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry, travel agents, airline and cruise companies, hotels, resorts, regions, Greek islands and municipalities, and many more. During the expo, several events take place, that facilitate peer learning and presentation of best practices. This is the biggest networking event in Cyprus but many more events take place throughout the year. That includes the annual Cyprus Hotel Association conference in which SMEs that offer services to hotels, have the opportunity to present their products. During this event there are several presentations of the trends and best practices in global tourism and Cyprus. A similar platform the Organization of Cyprus Tourism Companies offers opportunities through their annual conference or their various activities for SMEs to exchange information, create new synergies and learn about the new trends in tourism.
The needs analysis conducted with 14 tourism SMEs in France revealed critical requirements that align with Topic 11 of the Transition Pathway, focusing on easily accessible best practices, peer learning, and networking for SMEs. Post-COVID-19, financial stability emerged as aconcern, with SMEs seeking funding to sustain operations and support digital transformation initiatives. They expressed a pressing need for accessible digital tools and training in digital skills to enhance competitiveness in the market. Sustainability was identified as a key priority, although challenges in implementation persisted due to financial constraints and the lack of commitment from potential partners.
The TOURISME project, for example, aimed to promote sustainable tourism development through collaborative networks and knowledge sharing, emphasizing the importance of accessible best practices and networking opportunities for SMEs, enabling them to adopt sustainable strategies effectively. The lessons learnt from TOURISME underscored the value of peer learning in driving positive change within the tourism industry. SusTour, on the other hand, focused on enhancing the capacities of tour operators and travel agents for sustainable tourism. SusTour’s emphasis on training, certification, and market linkages provided SMEs with valuable tools and insights to engage in sustainable practices and access information crucial for their transition. The project’s outcomes highlight the critical role of collaboration platforms and accessible resources in supporting SMEs’ engagement in sustainable tourism. Additionally, the Ecotours initiative aimed to promote eco-friendly tourism practices and raise awareness about environmental conservation among tourism stakeholders. Ecotours’ efforts in advocating for responsible tourism align closely with the objectives of Topic 11, emphasizing peer learning, networking, and the dissemination of best practices.
These projects collectively demonstrate the significance of collaborative approaches, knowledge exchange, and accessible resources in empowering SMEs to embrace sustainable tourism practices and contribute to the twin transition towards a greener and more resilient tourism sector.Several valuable lessons can be gleaned from the above-mentioned initiatives relevant to the twin transition and Topic 11, which focuses on accessible best practices, peer learning, and networking for SMEs in the tourism sector.
The projects highlighted the importance of collaborative networks and knowledge-sharing platforms in promoting sustainable tourism practices among SMEs. By facilitating peer learning and providing accessible resources, these initiatives demonstrated how SMEs can effectively adopt and implement sustainable strategies within their businesses. The outcomes underscore the critical role of accessible information and collaborative platforms in supporting SMEs’ engagement in sustainable practices and fostering industry-wide transformation.
During the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, ODYSWAY swiftly adapted its strategy to cater to the evolving needs of travelers, while also embracing sustainability as a core principle. With a strategic shift towards local tourism, particularly in France and across Europe, ODYSWAY capitalized on accessible transportation via train routes to facilitate travel during a time of closed borders and restricted mobility.Throughout the period from March to June 2020, ODYSWAY proactively crafted 15 immersive tours within National Parks and Natural Reserves (PN and PNR), focusing on local exploration and supporting regional economies. These new experiences not only showcased the breathtaking beauty of these natural landscapes but also fostered meaningful connections between travelers and the passionate locals residing within them. This shift led to an exclusive partnership with the federation of French natural parks (PNR).
Collaborative platforms should provide SMEs with access to detailed information on industry trends, environmental regulations, funding opportunities, and best practices in sustainability. In addition, specific tools, such as practice guides, sustainability assessment tools and sustainable business models, should be provided to support SMEs in the process of transitioning to more eco-friendly and socially responsible practices.
Collaborative platforms should provide opportunities for knowledge sharing through webinars, workshops, conferences and discussion forums. These events allow SMEs to access industry experts, participate in targeted training sessions, and exchange ideas and best practices with other tourism stakeholders. Knowledge sharing stimulates innovation, inspiration and co-creation of sustainable solutions.
These lessons learned highlight the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
CYSD – project under Erasmus+ focused on community-based and youth-led organizations.
The main objectives are:
Engage community-based youth organizations and young leaders to become agents of change and play a constructive role in marginalized areas in Europe and Africa.
Improve the capacity of community-based youth organizations and young leaders to better integrate the specific needs of people with disabilities and vulnerabilities.
Achievements include:
Initiated, tested and developed a capacity building program on “youth work, project management, leadership and community development.”
Increased socio-professional development of young leaders involved in training and job-shadowing activities: equipped with usable knowledge, key skills and tools to apply in their daily work with/for vulnerable youth and children.
Strengthening international cooperation, exchange of best practices and capacity building among young leaders, community organizations and local actors working in the field of youth and community development in the European Union and Africa.
The main project of the Consorzio Together is Kore Siciliae, an example of how different businesses can come together to promote the area and propose a mode of conscious tourism. The project aims to enhance the origins, the Sicily of wheat, sulfur, salt, and chalk, which fully testifies to the multifaceted Mediterranean identity, its countless nuances and the skillful balance between man and nature. In fact, UNESCO Global Geopark sites are geographical areas of special geological value. In this evocative territory rich in history is set the myth of Kore, hence the name of the project: Kore Siciliae. This stems from the desire to make people experience a different journey from the usual mass tourism, to get to know Sicily in its most intimate and authentic part, through what is called experiential tourism. A journey under the banner of the most vivid experience of the territory through the words and gestures of master craftsmen, farmers and breeders, and guides who lead the traveler to discover the origins of myth.
Since its renovation and opening of the agrotourism facility, the owners understood the importance of networking, peer learning, and practice exchange. They supported and participated in events by youth associations and women associations, while also sponsoring events in their community that bring together locals with visitors for a genuine local experience. They strive to grow their network by traveling abroad to obtain new knowledge and establish relationships. They have earned awards for their social responsibility and sustainability performance. The agrotourism facility’s environmental performance, provided a good opportunity for an application for a green certificate. The SME has applied for the Green Key certification and has been approved. The certification will ensure that the strong environmental policy that the SME has already in place is recognised and it is certified. The certification provides a positive image for its guests and future clients as well as for the local community.
