The green transition for tourism companies and SMEs involves adopting practices that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability and can take the form of specific solutions for reduced CO2 emissions or improved resource management. A notable example is the initiative by INSETE, which has developed a toolkit to support sustainable tourism development, including resources such as studies, manuals, videos, and articles that guide businesses in aligning their operations with EU sustainability targets​​. Moreover, the initiative emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging businesses to stay updated with the latest sustainability practices and regulations. Another significant aspect is the focus on renewable energy and resource efficiency, where businesses are encouraged to invest in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices. For instance, the green transition of Astypalea as a destination, supported by the Volkswagen Group and centrally by the Greek State government, showcases the integration of renewable energy sources and electric transportation to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability​​.

The majority of Greek tourism SMEs have not implemented significant green transition projects, indicating a gap in the adoption of sustainable practices. The need for sustainability certification, self-assessment, and access to funding opportunities were identified as challenges. The lessons learnt emphasize the importance of providing resources and support for SMEs to undertake green transitions.

Among significant initiatives for green transition of tourism SMEs is the “Accessible Nature and Culture-Sustainable Tourism” project (see Annex), submitted by the Municipality of Rethymno and the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities on behalf of Greece, and the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Municipality of Sotiras on behalf of Cyprus. The project focuses on improving accessibility to natural and cultural spaces in the two municipalities, promoting these spaces, and developing common strategies and tools aimed at tourism for all. The project includes interventions to improve the accessibility to selected natural and cultural sites of the three municipalities, the creation of accessible models and maps, actions to promote accessible tourist destinations through publicity material and an accessible website, and information workshops. It also includes a joint strategic plan for the development of accessible tourism, a guide to the emblematic accessible points of the natural and cultural heritage of the two islands, proposals for packages of accessible tourist routes, and a common system for assessing accessibility and placing a certification mark on “accessible to all-natural and/or cultural heritage sites”.

Lessons Learned:

• Exchange of Good Practices: Exchanging good practices is important, particularly in terms of improving the green impact of tourist infrastructure.
• Attracting New Visitors: The research has highlighted that combining green transition and social considerations is important to attract new visitors, including individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility. This can help improve the quality of the tourist product, extend the tourist season, and expand the tourist market share.
• Capitalization Activities: Capitalisation through replication of activities in further territories, serving to mainstream results in regional, national, and European policies, can help establish a critical mass for sustainable and circular growth in the Mediterranean region.