We are excited to announce the third Live webinar organised within the framework of the I-STARS project entitled "Navigating the I-STARS Journey: Insights and Benefits for Sustainable Tourism MSMEs".
 
Date:           Wednesday, 26th June 2024
Time:           15:00 - 16:30 CET
Where:          Zoom Online
Language:    English
 
We are excited to announce this informative webinar featuring six distinguished tourism businesses from Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain who received the I-STARS grant supporting them in their transition journey towards sustainability. During the webinar they will present their experiences and insights on their I-STARS sustainability journey.
 
This event aims to provide valuable information and inspiration for other businesses looking to enhance their sustainability practices.
 
We will also be joined by the I-STARS experts who will provide an update on the current stage of the I-STARS sustainability journey with their business clients and the significance of the I-STARS journey for modern tourism enterprises.
 
This event promises to be an enlightening session for all attendees, offering practical knowledge and real-world experiences from businesses and consultants deeply engaged in the I-STARS project.
 
Join us to discover how the I-STARS grant can support your sustainability goals and drive your business towards a greener future.
 
Register here now to receive your Zoom link!
 
For more information, please contact the I-STARS eLearning helpdesk, [email protected].
 
Follow the I-STARS project on Facebook and LinkedIn.

At a juncture where global dialogues are increasingly focused on environmental concerns, sustainable tourism has emerged as a crucial aspect of the tourism sector. Sustainable tourism is grounded in the concept of reducing the negative impacts of travel on the environment and local communities, highlighting responsible and ethical approaches.
 
The I-STARS project (https://ccci.org.cy/istars-project/) is happy to announce the date of the second of 2 free online live webinars to help your tourism business become more sustainable.
 
Join us for an enlightening experience as we delve into the world of sustainable tourism with the second session of the I-STARS Live Webinar series.
 
Date: Wednesday, 29th May 2024

Time: 15:00 – 17:00 CET
 
Opened by Ayako Ezaki from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and facilitated by seasoned sustainability experts, this two-hour webinar promises to provide participants with practical tools and guidance to develop a comprehensive sustainability mission and a draft sustainability policy tailored to their organisation's unique needs.
 
By the end of the session, attendees will gain:
 

• A clear understanding of the importance of sustainability missions and policies
• Step-by-step guidance on crafting a compelling sustainability mission statement
• Insights into key components and best practices for drafting a sustainability policy
• Practical tips on integrating sustainability principles into organisational culture and operations

 
This webinar offers a highly efficient and impactful way for companies to accelerate their sustainability efforts and make tangible progress towards their goals.
 
Register now to secure your place and embark on this transformative journey towards sustainability leadership.
 
Register here now!
 
For more information, please contact the I-STARS eLearning helpdesk, [email protected].
 
Follow the I-STARS project on Facebook and LinkedIn.

In occasione dell'Anno europeo delle isole, l'Osservatorio OTIE è lieto di invitarvi a partecipare all'evento "Il turismo sostenibile delle isole dell'Unione Europea", che si terrà a partire dal 24 Maggio presso l'hotel Tritone di Lipari (Sicilia-Italia).

Di seguito il programma dell'evento. 

​

In an era where global discussions are increasingly centred on environmental issues, sustainable tourism has become a pivotal element within the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism revolves around the idea of mitigating the adverse effects of travel on the environment and local communities, emphasising responsible and ethical practices.
 
The I-STARS project (https://ccci.org.cy/istars-project/) is happy to announce the date of the first of 2 free online live webinars to help your tourism business become more sustainable.
 
Join us for an enlightening experience as we delve into the world of sustainable tourism with the first session of the I-STARS Live Webinar series. Hosted by esteemed industry leaders, this event promises insightful discussions and invaluable takeaways on sustainability practices.
 
Date: Wednesday, 22nd May 2024

Time: 15:00 PM - 17:00 PM CET
 
In our first webinar, we are honoured to welcome sustainable tourism trailblazers:
 

• Ayako Ezaki- Online Training Manager, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
• Silvia Gatto– Marketing & Sustainability Specialist, Travel World Escape
• Suela Tahiraj– Sustainability Coordinator (Zbulo!, Travelife, etc.)
• Bernard Cahill– Wellbeing Manager, Armada Hotel
• Kim Butigan– Marketing and Project Manager,Adriatic Destination Management Company

 
Together, they will candidly share their transformative journeys towards sustainability, encompassing their motivations, milestones, challenges, and the remarkable benefits they have reaped along the way.
 
This two-hour session promises to be both educational and inspiring, offering attendees a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights from industry experts.
 
The I-STARS live webinarsare open to anyone, inviting individuals from all backgrounds to explore and contribute to the collective effort towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
 
Register here now!
 
For more information, please contact the I-STARS eLearning help desk, [email protected].
 
Follow the I-STARS project on Facebook and LinkedIn.

This May I-STARS is hosting LIVE webinars!  

1. Wednesday May 22nd, 15:00 CET for a webinar where esteemed industry leaders take center stage to share their inspiring journeys towards sustainability.  Zoom registration here.

2. Wednesday May 29th, 15:00 CET for a walk away equipped with a clear sustainability mission and a comprehensive (draft) sustainability policy tailored to your company's needs. Zoom registration here.

​

The I-STARS partners are pleased to sharethe “Report and Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for the Growth of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism in Islands”.
 
The research paper consists of bibliographical research in the international (scientific) literature and the results obtained from a survey questionnaire.
 
The aim of the I-STARS research activity coordinated by OTIE was to identify the main constraints limiting the development of tourism enterprises along the sustainability path, as well as to find the strategic elements and actions that enterprises can undertake for a long-lasting responsible development that is resilient to threats like the COVID-19, focusing especially on island tourism.
 
The research report considers and exploresthe following island conditions and characteristics:
 

• Islands Characteristics
• Islands Population
• Islands Labour market
• Economic structure
• Islands Public Sector
• Islands Transportation & Infrastructure
• Islands Capital Endowment
• Island food and service costs
• Islands Environmental sustainability
• Islands Tourism economies
• Islands Policies

 
In addition, it analysed three main Tourism models: the Tourism Industry-Based Model, the Tourism Community-Based Model, and theTourism Sustainability Model.
 
The second part of the report, instead, regards the results and their survey analysis, aimedat understanding the awareness and adoption of sustainability practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Ireland.The survey was carried out through a questionnaire distributed by the I-STARS project partner with the cooperation and support of their respective networks. The questionnaire was conducted in April 2023, involving 382 SMEs.
 
To consult the report and survey results, don't hesitate to get in touch with us:
OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS
email: [email protected] 
web: www.otie.org

The report will soon be available on the I-STARS project page: ccci.org.cy/istars-project
​
Social media:Facebook: @ISTARS   Linkedin: @I-STARS
​

The I-STARS partners are pleased to launch a practical online tool to support tourism businesses on their journey towards sustainability.
I-STARS promotes the sustainability monitoring of a company as a valuable tool to initiate improvements and increase efficiency. For this reason, the purpose of the I-START Monitoring Tool is to provide tourism businesses with a monitoring system to measure and compare the positiveimpact of more sustainablebusiness operations on the costs, environment, society, and the local economy.

An open-access tool:

The I-STARS Monitoring Tool is online, for free, and can be used on a computer or mobile device. In addition, it is available in Greek, English, Italian and Spanish.
A tool for measuring and improving sustainability in the tourism sector:The tool is designed for companies in the tourism sector, such as accommodation, restaurants, tour operators, museums, and other recreational and cultural activities.The I-STARS Monitoring Tool allows SMEs to monitor, analyse and record their business performance in waste management, carbon emissions, food waste management, energy management, water management, and local community engagement by filling 7 dedicated questionnaires:

1. SME policies and strategies
2. Waste Management
3. Water Management
4. Energy Management
5. Waste Food Management
6. Carbon Management
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainable Development Actions

A scoring system to monitor progress over time:
After completing each questionnaire, each user will receive a report with its sustainability score. By repeating the questionnaires, it will be possible to monitor progress over time.This will help businesses understand the efficiency, cost and competitiveness improvements that result from implementing more sustainable actions and activities.

One more tool in the I-STARS toolbox:
The monitoring tool is complementary to other resources made available by I-STARS to tourism companies,such as the 6 online courses to empower organisations in their journey towards sustainability.

Interested can use the Monitoring Tool via the following link:bit.ly/3wQHenJ

I-STARS is a project co-funded by the European Union that aims to boost the knowledge of tourism SMEs in sustainability. I-STARS want to accompany tourism businesses operating on the islands of Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain on their transformation journey towards recovery and sustainability.

Discover the courses and resources of the I-STARS project: ccci.org.cy/istars-project/
 
For more information, contact us:
OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS
38, Via Emerico Amari, 90139 Palermo - ITALY
Mob. +39 3513064307
email: [email protected] – legal email: [email protected]  
web: www.otie.org

​I-STARS Social media:
Facebook: @ISTARS   Linkedin: @I-STARS

• A free 4-hour online training course aims to equip tourism businesses with skills and knowledge on sustainability and responsible business practices.

OTIE in the framework of the I-STARS project, launches a new online course to I-STARS eLearning platform hosted by the Talent LMS platform.

I-STARS is aware that this training is a comprehensive guide to effective stakeholder engagement in sustainable tourism. From understanding key concepts like stakeholder mapping to building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, MSMEs gain valuable insights to integrate sustainability seamlessly into their operations. With chapters dedicated to stakeholder mapping and engagement planning, MSMEs learn practical strategies to effectively engage stakeholders throughout the course. Quizzes ensure understanding and mastery of stakeholder engagement techniques, empowering MSMEs to make meaningful contributions to sustainable tourism.
In addition to the stakeholder engagementcourse, the platform offers the following training courses: digital upskilling, food waste management, waste management, water management and energy management.

Why choose I-STARS courses?

• Online. I-STARS courses are online, allowing participants to complete it at their own place and space.
• Flexibility. I-STARS courses can be completed at the pace and timetable of the participants choice. 
• Multilingual. All six I-STARS e-Courses are available in English, Greek, Italian and Spanish. 
• Duration.Each I-STARS e-Course learning is estimated to last around 4 hours, with an additional 1 hour of online quizzes.
• Certificate. As you progress through each I-STARS e-Course, quizzes are incorporated within the course content. To receive your Certificate, it's essential to achieve a minimum score of 75% on these quizzes during the course. Do not worry if you do not pass the first time, you can retake the Quiz as many times as you want: the aim is to acquire the knowledge.
• Support. Registered will be accompanied and supported by a team of sustainability experts throughout their learning process.
• Free. The platform is open and there is no cost to the public.

 
Interested can register through: https://istars.talentlms.com/
 
I-STARS is a project co-funded by the European Union that aims to boost the knowledge of tourism SMEs in the field of sustainability. I-STARS want to accompany tourism businesses operating on the islands of Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain, on their transformation journey towards recovery and sustainability.
 
Partners
The consortium is made up of six other organisations from Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Greece, Italy and Ireland: Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, INSULEUR, OTIE, Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, Fundació Mallorca Turisme and Vagabond. 

​For more information, contact us:
OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS
38, Via Emerico Amari, 90139 Palermo - ITALY
Mob. +39 3513064307
email: [email protected] – legal email: [email protected]  
web: www.otie.org

​Social media:
Facebook: @ISTARS   Linkedin: @I-STARS

• A free 4-hour online training course aims to equip tourism businesses with skills and knowledge on sustainability and responsible business practices.

OTIE in the framework of the I-STARS project, launches a new online course toI-STARS eLearning platform hosted by the Talent LMS platform.

I-STARS is aware that this training equips MSMEs with essential knowledge and actionable strategies to tackle food waste in their operations. From understanding the Circular Economy framework to implementing practical measures like procurement strategies and composting methods, MSMEs learn to minimise food waste generation. Through food waste audits, planning, and financial analysis, SMEs can develop effective strategies for waste reduction while quizzes ensure comprehension of key concepts. This training empowers MSMEs to make significant strides in reducing food waste and enhancing sustainability in their operations.

In addition to the food waste managementcourse, the platform offers the following training courses: digital upskilling,stakeholder engagement, waste management, water management and energy management.
Why choose I-STARS courses?

• Online. I-STARS courses are online, allowing participants to complete it at their own place and space.
• Flexibility. I-STARS courses can be completed at the pace and timetable of the participants choice. 
• Multilingual. All six I-STARS e-Courses are available in English, Greek, Italian and Spanish. 
• Duration.Each I-STARS e-Course learning is estimated to last around 4 hours, with an additional 1 hour of online quizzes.
• Certificate. As you progress through each I-STARS e-Course, quizzes are incorporated within the course content. To receive your Certificate, it's essential to achieve a minimum score of 75% on these quizzes during the course. Do not worry if you do not pass the first time, you can retake the Quiz as many times as you want: the aim is to acquire the knowledge.
• Support. Registered will be accompanied and supported by a team of sustainability experts throughout their learning process.
• Free. The platform is open and there is no cost to the public.

 
Interested can register through: https://istars.talentlms.com/
 
I-STARS is a project co-funded by the European Union that aims to boost the knowledge of tourism SMEs in the field of sustainability. I-STARS want to accompany tourism businesses operating on the islands of Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain, on their transformation journey towards recovery and sustainability.
 
Partners
The consortium is made up of six other organisations from Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Greece, Italy and Ireland: Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, INSULEUR, OTIE, Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, Fundació Mallorca Turisme and Vagabond.
 
For more information, contact us:
OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS
38, Via Emerico Amari, 90139 Palermo - ITALY
Mob. +39 3513064307
email: [email protected] – legal email: [email protected]  
web: www.otie.org

​Social media:
Facebook: @ISTARS   Linkedin: @I-STARS

• A free 4-hour online training course aims to equip tourism businesses with skills and knowledge on sustainability and responsible business practices.

OTIE in the framework of the I-STARS project, launches a new online course to the I-STARS eLearning platform hosted by the Talent LMS platform.

I-STARS is aware that this training equips SMEs with vital knowledge and practical strategies to enhance their sustainability efforts in tourism. By covering topics such as sustainable tourism principles, waste management concepts, and practical waste reduction strategies, SMEs can align their operations with global sustainability goals. Through bin audits, waste management planning, and financial analysis of waste reduction projects, SMEs can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to optimise their waste management processes. This training ensures thorough comprehension of sustainable practices, facilitating MSMEs' contributions to a more sustainable tourism industry.

In addition to the waste managementcourse, the platform offers the following training courses: digital upskilling, food waste management, stakeholder engagement, water management and energy management.

Why choose I-STARS courses?

• Online. I-STARS courses are online, allowing participants to complete it at their own place and space.
• Flexibility. I-STARS courses can be completed at the pace and timetable of the participants choice. 
• Multilingual. All six I-STARS e-Courses are available in English, Greek, Italian and Spanish. 
• Duration.Each I-STARS e-Course learning is estimated to last around 4 hours, with an additional 1 hour of online quizzes.
• Certificate. As you progress through each I-STARS e-Course, quizzes are incorporated within the course content. To receive your Certificate, it's essential to achieve a minimum score of 75% on these quizzes during the course. Do not worry if you do not pass the first time, you can retake the Quiz as many times as you want: the aim is to acquire the knowledge.
• Support. Registered will be accompanied and supported by a team of sustainability experts throughout their learning process.
• Free. The platform is open and there is no cost to the public.

 
Interested can register through: https://istars.talentlms.com/
 
I-STARS is a project co-funded by the European Union that aims to boost the knowledge of tourism SMEs in the field of sustainability. I-STARS want to accompany tourism businesses operating on the islands of Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain, on their transformation journey towards recovery and sustainability.
 
Partners
The consortium is made up of six other organisations from Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Greece, Italy and Ireland: Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, INSULEUR, OTIE, Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, Fundació Mallorca Turisme and Vagabond.
 
For more information, contact us:
OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS
38, Via Emerico Amari, 90139 Palermo - ITALY
Mob. +39 3513064307
email: [email protected] – legal email: [email protected]  
web: www.otie.org

​Social media:
Facebook: @ISTARS   Linkedin: @I-STARS