The I-STARS project, co-funded by the European Union, has awarded a total of 125 tourism businesses from Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain with grants of up to €5,600 each. This initiative marks a pivotal step in fostering environmentally conscious approaches within the tourism industry across Europe.

Launched through an Open Call in July 2023, the I-STARS project invited enterprises from diverse tourism activities to apply for support aimed at facilitating their transition towards sustainable business practices. The response was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a growing commitment within the industry to embrace sustainability as a core principle.

The awarded businesses now have the opportunity to utilize the financial support to engage sustainability experts of their choice. This allocation enables them to embark on various initiatives geared towards enhancing sustainability within their operations.

Among the diverse initiatives to be undertaken, some businesses will allocate funds towards obtaining sustainability certifications, a crucial step in validating their commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Certification not only enhances the credibility of businesses but also demonstrates their adherence to international standards of sustainability.

Other recipients of the grants will focus on developing comprehensive sustainability strategies and action plans tailored to their specific operations. By investing in strategic planning, these businesses aim to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their functioning, ensuring long-term viability while minimizing environmental impact.

Moreover, a significant portion of the awarded funds will be dedicated to improving crucial aspects of sustainable tourism, such as food waste management, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. By addressing these key areas, businesses can significantly reduce their ecological footprint while simultaneously enhancing the overall quality of their services.

As these awarded businesses embark on their sustainability journeys, they not only contribute to the preservation of natural resources but also position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. Through their collective efforts, they pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the tourism industry, benefiting both present and future generations.

For the full list of the tourism businesses awarded with the I-STARS grant per country click here.