The incorporation of circular practices in the tourism sector has led to significant best practices, such as collaboration with local producers, utilization of local and seasonal food in catering, promotion of local culture and traditions, and collaboration with sustainable tour operators. By establishing strong partnerships with local farmers, artisans, and suppliers, these SMEs not only support the local economy but also reduce transportation emissions and foster a sense of community. By prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients, SMEs contribute to circularity by minimizing food waste, supporting local farmers, and providing visitors with an authentic culinary experience. These practices have demonstrated a positive impact and high replicability potential. Lessons learned include the importance of building strong partnerships, ensuring quality and sustainability standards, effective communication, and aligning initiatives with customer expectations. By sharing experiences and lessons, SMEs can inspire others to embrace circularity, fostering a sustainable and enriching tourism industry.

One notable project is the “Circular Economy Package” initiated by the European Union. The project aimed to promote the transition towards a circular economy by establishing targets, regulations, and incentives for waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable production and consumption. Italy actively participated in implementing the Circular Economy Package, leading to improvements in waste management practices, increased recycling rates, and the development of innovative circular business models. Lessons learned from this project include the importance of strong policy frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration for successful implementation.

Another significant initiative is the “National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism” launched by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism. The plan aimed to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector by promoting sustainable practices, cultural heritage preservation, and local development. Through this initiative, Italy focused on improving the sustainability performance of tourism businesses, fostering responsible tourism behavior, and supporting the development of sustainable tourism destinations. Lessons learned from this initiative include the need for capacity-building programs, public-private partnerships, and the integration of sustainability principles into tourism policies and strategies.

The circularity of tourism services is vital for achieving sustainable practices in the twin transition. The lessons that have emerged that are relevant to the topic are:

• Integration of circular principles into policy frameworks is crucial. Strong policies with clear regulations, targets, and incentives encourage SMEs to adopt circular practices, providing a supportive environment for implementation.
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration are essential. Involving SMEs, local communities, tourism operators, and industry associations fosters a collective approach. Collaboration platforms and knowledge sharing drive the adoption of circular practices.
• Capacity building and awareness are vital. Targeted training and sharing best practices bridge the knowledge gap, empowering SMEs to implement circular strategies effectively.
• Financial support is needed to overcome constraints. Exploring funding options, incentives, and collaborative approaches encourages SMEs to invest in circular initiatives and drive the transition.
• Effective communication strategies that highlight the benefits of circularity stimulate demand for sustainable tourism services.

By incorporating these lessons into future projects, Italy can accelerate the twin transition by promoting circularity in tourism. Strong policy integration, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, financial support, and effective communication strategies are key to achieving a sustainable and circular tourism sector.