Stakeholder involvement from various sectors—academia, entrepreneurship, civil society, and public entities—creates a collaborative environment that fosters the sharing of sustainability-focused best practices and facilitates technology transfer. While small-scale examples of this model exist at the local level, the lack of coordination among training providers and tourism SMEs in larger economic environments remains a significant challenge.
One of the key insights is the absence of a dedicated network that brings together experiential tourism stakeholders to provide training and share knowledge. This gap inhibits the scaling up of best practices and peer learning, limiting SMEs’ potential to grow and adapt to new trends, such as sustainability and digitalization.
However, regional programs like the Campania Region Program and ERDF 2021-2027 offer a promising opportunity to bridge this gap. These programs are aligned with European and national strategies for ecological and digital transition, and they focus on enhancing tourism competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation. Notable initiatives include the Digital Tourism Hub and Integrated Funds, which support tourism SMEs in becoming more competitive in the digital space and promote sustainable tourism through lesser-known routes and the revitalization of neglected sites.
A crucial takeaway is that peer learning, networking, and best practice sharing should be standard practices, especially at the local level where cooperation among stakeholders is easier to achieve. Local authorities and tourism offices play a pivotal role in facilitating the creation of networks that support SMEs in their growth journey, enabling them to learn from each other and share experiences that contribute to a more sustainable, competitive, and innovative tourism sector.
Latteria Montecatini is a family-run dairy from Salerno, producing artisanal buffalo mozzarella since 1991.
The company is committed to traditional methods, hand-pulling mozzarella to maintain quality and authenticity. Their products, including treccione, zizzona, stracciatella, and fior di latte, are crafted from fresh buffalo milk, sourced locally for optimal flavor.
With a focus on three key principles—Territory, Raw Materials, and Mozzatura—they ensure each product retains the rich, timeless taste of the region.
Peer learning and networking platforms face significant challenges as a result of their reliance on the commitment of their members to ensure progress and continued implementation. This dependency can lead to obstacles, such as member engagement and participation fluctuates. In addition, the lack of resources and internal capacity is a significant obstacle for operating smoothly operation and sustainable growth.
In the past, the Brandenburg Tourism Network was managed by a single person who was responsible for both content creation and technical performance. Whilst this approach was initially functional, it proved to be inefficient and unsustainable in the long term. To overcome this limitation, a reorganisation was initiated and a dedicated team was formed. An editorial team was formed to manage the content, with the overarching aim of efficiently collecting and disseminating information.
However, the transition to a team-based approach can present challenges in terms of coordination, communication and alignment of efforts. Careful planning and coordination is required to ensure that all team members are working towards common goals and that responsibilities are clearly defined. It may also be necessary to further optimise and refine processes to maximise the team’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing the network and platform.
Potential gaps and difficulties for the success of such a platform are member engagement, resource constraints, technological barriers, relevance of content and sustainability of initiatives.
The Brandenburg Tourism Network brings together key players in the tourism industry in Brandenburg and informs its members about topics that are of interest to them, but also about topics that are politically important or prepare tourism businesses for economic competitiveness in the coming years.
A wealth of expertise and knowledge is gathered and shared with interested stakeholders, supporting local businesses and creating awareness. The network offers a variety of educational programmes, webinars, and courses, which benefit members and support the tourism industry as a whole to implement Brandenburg’s tourism strategy.
It is a successful way of involving local interest groups and informing them about current projects. The platform is a digital collection point for projects that are being worked on and to communicate these successfully with industry partners. The network aims to make important topics accessible, educate, inform and invite the industry.
The innovative best practice is the Green Cup, a 5-week long sustainability challenge organized by Up2You. It involves company teams competing against each other through missions and tasks on the PlaNet Green Cup platform. The challenge aims to complete missions, earn PlaNet Points, climb the rankings, and beat other teams while supporting certified carbon offset projects with EcoIn coins.
Companies can register one or more teams, each comprising a maximum of 10 participants, to take part in the Green Cup challenge. The challenge takes place on the PlaNet Green Cup platform, where teams share news, tips, and complete quizzes, photos, and videos related to environmental impact and digital emissions. The dedicated team at Up2You manages the platform, approves content, and calculates scores, relieving companies of administrative burdens.
The Green Cup challenge not only promotes sustainability practices within companies but also fosters team building, employee engagement, and a sense of collective responsibility towards the environment. By gamifying the sustainability journey and providing a platform for knowledge sharing, the Green Cup inspires participants to actively contribute to the green transition of their organizations.
Invitalia, as the national agency for inward investment and economic development, has implemented several programs and funding opportunities to support sustainable initiatives. Through financial support, grants, and incentives, Invitalia has encouraged SMEs to adopt environmentally friendly technologies, improve energy efficiency, and implement sustainable management practices. These initiatives have aimed to reduce the environmental impact of SMEs and promote their transition towards sustainability. The results of these projects include increased adoption of sustainable technologies, improved resource efficiency, and enhanced sustainability performance among participating SMEs.
SME Connect Italia has focused on fostering networking and collaboration among SMEs in Italy, including those in the tourism industry. This initiative aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing, peer learning, and collaboration opportunities within various sectors, including tourism. By connecting SMEs and providing platforms for exchanging ideas and experiences, SME Connect Italia aimed to drive innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices. The project has resulted in increased awareness of sustainable practices, the development of collaborative projects, and the sharing of successful case studies among SMEs.
Peer learning and networking are crucial for the growth and development of SMEs. By connecting with other industry professionals, SMEs can gain insights into innovative approaches, successful strategies, and emerging trends. This knowledge exchange helps SMEs understand industry dynamics and identify new opportunities for growth. Interacting with peers who have encountered similar issues provides diverse perspectives and potential solutions, saving time and resources while fostering innovation and resilience. Establishing relationships with complementary businesses enables SMEs to leverage each other’s strengths, creating synergistic opportunities. Collaborative projects, joint ventures, and shared resources can increase competitiveness, expand market reach, and enable tackling larger projects that might be beyond the capacities of individual SMEs. Networking also provides access to valuable resources such as funding opportunities, industry experts and specialized training programs, helping SMEs overcome barriers and accelerate growth. Peer learning and networking keep SMEs informed about market trends, customer preferences, and industry developments. Interactions with peers help gather market intelligence, identify emerging opportunities, and adapt strategies accordingly, which is essential for staying competitive. Building relationships with peers who understand the unique pressures of running a small business offers emotional support, encouragement, and motivation, helping SME owners navigate obstacles and maintain resilience. Moreover, peer learning and networking offer opportunities for professional development through workshops, seminars, conferences, and industry events. These activities enable SMEs to gain new skills, acquire industry certifications, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field. Continuous learning fosters personal and professional growth, enhancing the capabilities of SMEs and their workforce.
The innovative best practice is the organization of events, networks, and partnerships with various stakeholders in the tourism sector to raise awareness about different topics such as sustainability, digitalization, and the twin transition. These networks aim to foster collaborations and partnerships among participants, promoting responsible tourism practices and driving positive change in the industry.
The Association of Responsible Tourism in Italy, through its dedicated team, organizes events and initiatives that bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses from the tourism sector. These events provide a platform for knowledge sharing, discussions, and workshops on topics like sustainability, digitalization, and the twin transition. The association actively encourages participants to form collaborations and partnerships, facilitating networking opportunities and fostering long-term relationships.
The innovative best practice is the Green Cup, a 5-week long sustainability challenge organized by Up2You. It involves company teams competing against each other through missions and tasks on the PlaNet Green Cup platform. The challenge aims to complete missions, earn PlaNet Points, climb the rankings, and beat other teams while supporting certified carbon offset projects with EcoIn coins.
Companies can register one or more teams, each comprising a maximum of 10 participants, to take part in the Green Cup challenge. The challenge takes place on the PlaNet Green Cup platform, where teams share news, tips, and complete quizzes, photos, and videos related to environmental impact and digital emissions. The dedicated team at Up2You manages the platform, approves content, and calculates scores, relieving companies of administrative burdens
Geographical and institutional isolation are identified as the main challenges hindering access to best practices and peer learning. Distance from other SMEs implementing good practices or Business Support Organisations active in the field of Tourism is detrimental to the progress towards twin transition. SMEs active in mountainous or otherwise remote locations have little to no access in such networks. The lessons learnt indicate the need for a cooperation framework and a repository of sustainable practices to guide the industry, that can also be accessible in a way circumventing geographical isolation.
In the realm of tourism, the “Pescatourism” initiative in Greece exemplifies an effective approach to best practice sharing, peer learning, and networking for SMEs. This project fosters an interregional cooperation network that highlights local fishing traditions across eighteen localities. By promoting fishing as a tertiary activity, “Pescatourism” not only mitigates overfishing but also preserves traditional vessels, thereby enriching local material culture and providing an additional income source for residents. A key component of this initiative is an online platform that disseminates fishing tourism concepts and promotes local destinations. This platform facilitates peer learning and networking among local actors, enhancing their capacity through shared experiences and joint training sessions. The network created by “Pescatourism” serves as a valuable resource for SMEs, enabling them to learn from each other and adopt best practices in sustainable tourism development.
Other successful examples of initiatives/projects enabling networking & knowledge exchange among SMEs are:
CROSS – COASTAL – NET: This project focuses on sustainable tourism in the coastal areas of Greece and Cyprus. It aims to establish a network for promoting sustainable forms of coastal tourism. The project introduced innovative policies of sustainable tourism management of coastal areas, designed with the active participation of stakeholders. It also provided an e-networking/promotion platform for information sharing and networking among stakeholders.
CapTour: This project aims to strengthen the key factors affecting entrepreneurial success in the tourism industry within the cross-border area. It focuses on SMEs in the tourism and hospitality industry. The project provided business support via a partnership opportunity e-platform, host networking opportunities, and organize sectoral round tables & business forums. It also offered training, consulting, and mentoring actions for potential entrepreneurs.
ADRILINK: This project aims to promote Landscape Tourism in the Adriatic Region through the creation of a network of Landscape Interpretation Centres. These centres were digitally connected through an ICT platform, ensuring the integrated management of tourist services. The project established an Adriatic Network for Tourism on Landscape and develop a digital platform and app for Adriatic Tourism.
LABELSCAPE: This project aims to develop mechanisms for integrating sustainability labels in wider tourism policies and provide support for destination-based initiatives in the certification process. It addressed the latest challenges of certified destinations and businesses, such as recognisability and digital transformation. LABELSCAPE reached its objectives through “Exchange of Experience” workshops, an online capacity building platform, policy-change actions, and transferable policy recommendations.
ToCulter: This project aims to create a common tourist identity based on water trails, specialized according to each location’s identity. It plans to use an innovative platform and networking activities to develop promotional tourism packages, thereby improving the cross-border tourism product and services and enhancing tourism flow in the area. The project developed a range of actions such as e-tools to improve the cross-border tourism product and services, digital signage networks, media and tourism operators networking events, and the creation of a Local Quality Agreement of Tourism Enterprises. It also implemented activities (fairs/promotional events) outside the Programme area to enhance the “local” tourism product in new domestic and foreign markets. The results of the project benefitted various groups including the local population, tourists/visitors, local businesses in tourist and relevant sectors, local/regional authorities dealing with development planning regarding tourism, associations for the elderly people, and tour operators.
Lessons Learned:
Sustainable Tourism Management: The CROSS – COASTAL – NET project demonstrates the importance of sustainable tourism management. It shows that protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable forms of tourism can have a positive impact on local economies. This aligns with the green transition by prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Strengthening SMEs: The CapTour project highlights the importance of strengthening SMEs in the tourism industry. It shows that providing business support, hosting networking opportunities, and organizing sectoral round tables & business forums can improve entrepreneurship conditions. This aligns with the digital transition by using digital platforms for networking and business support.
Community-Based Projects: The ADRILINK project emphasizes the value of community-based projects. It shows that involving the community in the planning and implementation of tourism initiatives can lead to more sustainable and successful outcomes. This aligns with both the digital and green transitions by promoting digital connectivity and sustainable tourism management.
Sustainability Certification: The LABELSCAPE project underscores the effectiveness of sustainability certification in addressing the challenges faced by Mediterranean destinations. It shows that integrating sustainability labels in wider tourism policies can improve the quality of tourism offer, strengthen cooperation between tourism providers and the local community, and enhance communication with visitors. This aligns with the green transition by promoting responsible use of natural and cultural resources.
Innovative Platforms and Networking Activities: The ToCulter project illustrates the benefits of using innovative platforms and networking activities to develop promotional tourism packages. It shows that digital tools can improve cross-border tourism products and services and enhance tourism flow in the area. This aligns with the digital transition by leveraging digital technologies to enhance tourism.
The institute has developed a toolkit that addresses several challenges faced by the tourism industry. Among the 6 thematic categories, one addresses Sustainable Tourism Development. The content of this section spans from the sustainable operation of an accommodation unit to sustainable destination management. Offering access to 26 relevant studies, 8 manuals, 6 videos and 2 articles, INSETE aims to raise awareness and understanding of E-S-G issues, while providing accommodation units with tools to change their operation and align with EU sustainability targets.
Since 2013, INSETE has focused on key aspects of sustainable development through its research and educational work. Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability due to contemporary environmental challenges, changes in the legislative framework, the evolution of travel behavior after the pandemic, and the needs of local communities, INSETE has gathered essential information, studies, tools, and educational videos to support the transformation of Greek tourism.
The creation, classification and provision of these materials in a comprehensive toolkit creates an attractive learning opportunity for professionals of the field.
The identification of the challenges that are relevant for the stakeholders of the sectors requires the establishment of a methodology of research and significant experience. The Institute should know how to pinpoint the needs of the sector to be also able to provide valuable insights. This is especially relevant when quality operation and innovation heavily rely on knowledge of relevant E-S-G issues to either provide additional value to the touristic product or alter the impact of the sector and diminish externalities.
As risks associated with the tourism industry are becoming increasingly perplex (eg.Pandemic, climate change) the Institute should evaluate the impact of a microevent on the industry and gather and provide relevant knowledge to address issues and knowledge gaps, that could potentially harm sectoral stakeholders or even the sector as a whole.
The tools provided inscribe a vision for Greek tourism to be accomplished, while integrating the latest developments in the relevant policy at EU level. The key strategic goals of promoting Greece’s tourism sector competitiveness, while turning towards sustainability, are supported by the tools provided by the Institute. While these are free and openly available, other organisations can replicate the practice of creating informative and educational material to support change in their sector/sub-sector of economic activity.
