In the heart of Europe, in Szeged, Hungary, a groundbreaking study visit on sustainable and circular tourism took place. From 29 to 31 May, the city hosted the ECOTOURS project, an exciting initiative that aims to transform the way tourism SMEs and local communities address environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The innovation of circular tourism
ECOTOURS, an acronym for ‘Empowering local communities by turning them into laboratories for co-developing circular and sustainable tourism ecosystems’, aims to strengthen the capacities of tourism SMEs and their community ecosystems. Through transnational cooperation, the project fosters mutual learning and capacity building, and promotes state-of-the-art environmental practices and standards.
The study visit offered a rich programme of activities, starting with the presentation of the Business Model Canvas results from Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Hungary. The days were enriched by visits to emblematic places such as the Paprika Museum in Röszke and the Thousand Years Park in Mórahalom, followed by excursions to the Canopy Promenade and the Hagymatikum Spa.
Peer learning and good practices
One of the most innovative aspects of the study visit was the focus on peer learning. Through round tables and brainstorming sessions, SMEs shared best practices and developed sustainable national itineraries. This approach made it possible to create a collaborative network between different European realities, facilitating the exchange of ideas and effective strategies.
The transition to circular business models was the focus of the discussions. Participants explored how to apply circular economy principles to their tourism services to address the environmental challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the use of digital marketing and storytelling techniques to promote sustainable tourism.
What’s next?
The enthusiasm and energy that characterised the Szeged study visit is a tangible sign of change in the tourism sector.
The meeting in Szeged marked the beginning of a journey that promises to have a lasting impact on European tourism SMEs. The information gathered during the visits and discussions will be used to provide tailor-made support to the participating companies, helping them to integrate sustainability and circularity principles into their business models.
Join us on this journey towards more responsible tourism, the next leg of our journey will be in Kozani, Greece from 18 to 21 September on ‘Sustainable Marketing and Destination Management in the Framework of Circular Tourism’.
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Tourism SMEs and tourists themselves are called to be key players in this revolution, helping to build a world where tourism not only respects, but enhances and regenerates natural and cultural resources.
Be part of the circular tourism movement!