More time to apply, more tourism businesses to benefit Following the demand from SMEs dedicated to pioneering sustainable practices within the tourism sector, OTIE is pleased to announce the extension of the I-STARS open call period until December 6th, 2023, 5pm Italian time. This extension offers a unique opportunity for tourism SMEs to apply for grants of up to 5,600 euros, emphasizing the manifold benefits of integrating sustainability into their operations. Sustainability in tourism is not just a buzzword; it's a strategic imperative. Tourism SMEs play a pivotal role in shaping the industry's future, and embracing sustainable practices can yield numerous advantages. By participating in the I-STARS open call, SMEs stand to gain: 1. Financial Support: Grants of up to 5,600 euros, 100% funded, to support the implementation of sustainable initiatives. De minimis rule does not apply. 2. Enhanced Reputation:Consumers are increasingly conscientious about supporting environmentally responsible businesses. Participating SMEs will not only contribute to a greener future but also enhance their brand image and appeal to environmentally conscious travellers. 3. Operational Efficiency:Integrating sustainable practices leads to increased operational efficiency, reducing costs in the long run. This, in turn, enhances the overall competitiveness and resilience of SMEs in the dynamic tourism market. 4. Access to Networks and Resources: Successful applicants will join a network of like-minded businesses, gaining access to resourcesto further advance their sustainability goals. As the tourism industry grapples with environmental challenges, the role of SMEs in driving positive change is more critical than ever. The extended open call period presents an ideal opportunity for SMEs to not only secure financial support but also to position themselves as leaders in sustainable tourism. OTIE urges eligible tourism SMEs to seize this opportunity and submit their applications before the extended deadline in 4 simple steps: 1. Read all details https://ccci.org.cy/istars-project/#grants 2. Contact the I-STARS Sustainability Expert of your choice https://bit.ly/ISTARSexperts 3. Register on the I-STARS eLearning Platform https://bit.ly/ISTARSePlatform 4. Fill in and submit your Application Form online https://bit.ly/ISTARSapplication Together, we can foster a more sustainable, resilient, and vibrant tourism industry for the benefit of all. For more information, please contact OTIE helpdesk, Tel: +39 3513064307, Email: [email protected] Follow the I-STARS project on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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OTIEĀ announces the second extension of I-STARS Grants Scheme exclusively for tourism businesses14/11/2023 OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS announces the second extension of I-STARS Grants Scheme exclusively for tourism businesses NEW Application Deadline: 6th December 2023 17:00 CET Embracing sustainability is not just the right thing to do; it's the only way forward that makes sense for business profitability, local communities, and the environment.
What are the I-STARS Grants all about? The I-STARS Grants Scheme is the gateway to financial support and mentorship, designed to help tourism businesses flourish through sustainable practices. Such practices reduce operational costs and increase profitability of businesses. The I-STARS Grants scheme is addressed to tourism businesses of any sector and the grant amount reaches up to €5,600 per business, 100% funded, while de-minimis rule does NOT apply. What it covers:
Applications for the I-STARS Grant Scheme can only be submitted online until Wednesday 06 December 2023, 17:00 CET. Apply now. For the ‘Call for Applications’ and all related files visit https://bit.ly/ISTARSCall. For more information, please contact the OTIE helpdesk: [email protected] Follow the I-STARS project on Facebook and LinkedIn.Top of the form On 10th November 2023, OTIE President, Prof. Giovanni Ruggieri, will participate in the round table during the BTE event.
The speech will focus on the impact of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on hospitality sector in the islands. The event will take place in Palermo (free entry) at the Cruse Terminal, at 15:30. At a time when environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, sustainable tourism has emerged as a critical component of the tourism industry. The concept of sustainable tourism revolves around minimizing the negative impact of travel on the environment and local communities, while promoting responsible and ethical practices. Certification schemes play a key role in achieving this goal by providing travellers with a reliable means of identifying accommodations, travel agents and destinations that put sustainability first. Recent surveys, such as the Booking.com 2023 survey of 33,228 respondents in 35 countries, highlight the growing interest of travellers around the world in sustainable travel.
The above findings illustrate the substantial influence that certification schemes have on travelers' decision-making process. Travelers are now actively looking for accommodations certified as sustainable, highlighting the importance of certification in shaping travel choices. The OBSERVATORY ON TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN ISLANDS - OTIE, within the framework of the EUco-funded project I-STARS, offers direct grants for the certification of sustainable tourism enterprisesup to €5,600 per business, 100% funded. With the guidance and support of sustainability experts, tourism businesses will receive consulting services and sustainability action plans tailored to each business individually, they will travel through their adaptation process, and in the end they will receive the sustainability certificate of their choice. Applications for the I-STARS Grant Scheme can only be submitted online until Wednesday 15 November 2023, 5 pm Italy time. Apply now. For the ‘Call for Applications’ and all related files visit https://bit.ly/ISTARSCall. For more information, please contact OTIE helpdesk, Tel: +39 3513064307, Email: [email protected] Follow the I-STARS project on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand. In Italy, at least 25 tourism SMEs can receive a grant of €5,600 each, 100% funded, de-minimis rule does NOT apply. The I-STARS Grants Scheme finances:
I-STARS is a project co-financed by the European Union that supports tourism businesses based in Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain during their transformation journey towards sustainable business practices and resilience, through a direct grants scheme and capacity building activities. Apply to be considered for the I-STARS grants now. Choose your I-STARS sustainability expert from this list https://ccci.org.cy/istars-project/#sustexperts and start preparing your application. Read all details in the "Call for Applications" https://bit.ly/ISTARSCall Need more information? Contact the I-STARS Helpdesk at [email protected]
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