24th of July 2024
By Institute for Tourism Research in Northern Europe (NIT)
Tourism SMEs from Cross-Re-Tour’s eight partner countries engaged in an online dialogue between January and May 2024, focusing on challenges across six primary areas—water, energy, furniture/equipment, food, plastic and transportation as well as client and staff nudging.
Water scarcity, maintaining water quality, and the high cost of sustainable infrastructure were prominent concerns. Similarly, energy inefficiencies, coupled with the costs of implementing renewable energy solutions, posed significant hurdles. SMEs emphasized the need for clearer regulations and governmental support to navigate these challenges effectively. In sourcing sustainable materials for furniture and equipment, SMEs face obstacles such as limited availability and high costs. Regarding food management, difficulties lie in minimizing waste and sourcing sustainably, exacerbated by unpredictable guest preferences. Initiatives like food waste reduction programs face hurdles in implementation due to regulatory constraints.
Plastic dependency emerged as a critical issue, driven by financial constraints and inadequate recycling facilities. Transportation challenges include high costs, limited sustainable options, and inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Efforts to promote sustainable alternatives and improve public transport connectivity were identified as crucial steps forward.
Engaging guests and aligning staff with sustainability goals proves challenging for SMEs. Effective communication of environmental principles and fostering a culture of sustainability requires innovative educational approaches and community engagement.
Beyond sector-specific challenges, SMEs highlighted broader issues such as limited digital literacy, regulatory compliance complexities, and talent retention difficulties. These factors hinder innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices essential in an evolving tourism landscape.
Recommendations include enhancing regulatory frameworks, increasing investments in sustainable technologies, and expanding educational programs to bridge knowledge gaps. Despite the many challenges, the dialogue demonstrated a shared commitment among SMEs to navigate towards sustainability and digital transformation.
After the dialogue concluded, each partner country summarized the identified challenges and knowledge gaps, and these findings were compiled into a “Report on Tourism SME Knowledge Gaps Regarding the Twin Transition”.
Read the full report here.