Promoting sustainability among the European tour operator sector through a business led approach
Objectives & Tools
To update existing standards, trainings and (online) implementation tools to effectively implement sustainability within tour operators and their supply chain. A group of 45 advisors and auditors from 12 different countries will be trained and certified.
To develop standards, training modules, tools and criteria to reduce and better manage carbon and plastics, two of the key environmental impacts of the travel sector. Specific tools will be developed for the carbon management of (shore) excursions.
To engage and build capacities of a critical number of SME tour operators through a blended training approach (classroom training, online, webinar, video seminars). 175+ SMEs will be selected to benefit from the wider support programme.
To coach 120 tour operators towards complying with 100+ best practices through onsite, group and distance coaching. Companies will develop detailed sustainability reports.
To evaluate and certify tour operators independently on the basis of international standards. As a result it is expected that 120 tour operators will obtain the basic Travelife Partner award and 60 tour operators will receive the Travelife Certified award.
To develop and implement a methodology and online tool for the sustainability certification of excursions by involving excursion suppliers including (local) transport, activities (e.g. boating, diving, city tours), food and guiding services. They will be implemented in practice among 150+ excursions involving the assessment of 2000 tour operator suppliers.
To create market linkages and related financial benefits for the supported SMEs and to disseminate the project results to the wider travel sector via the networks of project partners.
To facilitate an effective implementation of SUSTOUR involving all project partners and external stakeholders leading to the planned impact, outcome and output of the SUSTOUR project and to report in detail on the results and impact of the support provided.
