The consortium of the project Star Growth (Single Market Programme) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Comparative Report of tourism SMEs’ . This report synthesizes the findings from national studies conducted in Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, Romania and Slovenia, each focusing on identifying the specific needs of beneficiaries tourism SMEs in the transition towards sustainable and digital growth. Information have been collected through surveys distributed to selected SMEs in Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, Romania and Slovenia during April-May 2024.
This comparison between SMEs of the same sector in different countries aims to identify common issues and differences, thereby enabling the development of targeted support and interventions. Understanding these needs is crucial for fostering a successful green and digital transition, which is essential for the competitiveness and resilience of tourism SMEs, particularly in rural areas.
The transition towards sustainability in tourism involves adopting practices that minimize environmental impact, promote conservation, and enhance the socio-economic benefits for local communities. For rural tourism SMEs, this means integrating sustainable practices into their daily operations, such as energy-efficient measures, waste reduction, the application for green certifications such as Ecolabel, UNI EN ISO 14001, EMAS registration and the promotion of local culture and heritage. The research seeks to understand how SMEs in different countries are currently implementing these practices and what additional support they require to enhance their sustainability efforts
Digitalization in tourism involves leveraging digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and expand market reach. For rural tourism SMEs, digital tools can help overcome challenges related to remoteness and limited resources. The research aims to assess the current level of digital adoption among SMEs and identify their specific needs for further digitalization. This includes understanding their use of digital marketing, online booking systems, digital payment solutions, and data analytics.
The findings from this research will help inform the development of capacity building, training, and cooperation activities tailored to the specific needs of tourism SMEs in each partner country. By addressing these needs, the Star Growth project aims to create a more resilient and competitive tourism sector that is well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern market and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Read the report surfing into the project website.