Circular Economy in Tourism

ended

SMEs, in particular of the tourism sector, are slowly approaching the challenges of moving from a linear to a circular economic model and, given the average size, do not normally have the resources and skills to face it with the appropriate tools and references. Tourism systems are very tied systems that benefit from an integrated approach to business development, both in terms of efficiency and promotion. It is therefore important to support SMEs in the development and implementation of circular businesses (in terms of knowledge transfer, skills, innovation, certifications) and to realise them within an integrated system for the local development. The project wants to: 1. develop and test an effective support scheme for SMEs to provide them with the necessary skills, knowledge and the appropriate mindset and resources (also in terms of local governance) to develop innovative solutions toward a circular economy, increasing their capacity to rethink their business models, products and services; 2. help the participating SMEs to develop and implement solutions for circular models, in particular foster brainstorming and innovative solutions through design thinking approaches, establishing communities of practices and cross-sectoral cooperation 3. create an enduring network of Institutions that can collaborate on circular economy support schemes for SMEs in the tourism sector. 4. promote the exchange of practices and results at EU level within a circular economy network of stakeholders and the development of an operational framework to replicate the business support scheme elsewhere.