Tourism2030 - Projects & Activities

2025-2026

2025-10-08T09:33:55Z

Valdichiana Going Green: Empowering Rural Economy and Citizen Engagement for Sustainable Development

Valdichiana4Green is a FUTURAL project which aims to support rural development by aligning production and transformation processes in the hospitality and agri-food sectors with global sustainability and competitiveness goals. The project focuses on productive differentiation—particularly the synergy between tourism and agri-food—in a rural area where agriculture and tourism generate over 60% of local GDP. Key challenges include economic diversification, sustainable tourism promotion, fostering innovation in rural SMEs (which often face limited digital access and funding), and supporting young entrepreneurs.

The key objectives of Valdichiana4Green include supporting rural and tourism-related businesses in adopting sustainable practices and, ideally, achieving sustainability certifications, enhancing competitiveness through digital tools, and engaging young entrepreneurs in the exchange of knowledge and experiences on sustainability practices. The project also aims to foster dialogue between the public and private sectors, with a focus on sustainable planning aligned with EU and national policies and financial instruments.

The project has two pillars:

1. Digital dimension: A collaborative platform hosting:

Valdichiana Going Green certification software, based on Ecotrans' 30+ years of experience and a first prototype software already used for hotels.
Going Green Map, clustering certified and committed actors, to be also integrated in the Destinet.eu ecosystem, as a European showcase.
Online training courses on sustainability.
A digital, community-based feedback system co-designed via workshops to shape a new local business model and future policy guidelines.

2. Participatory dimension: Applying the IA2P "Spectrum of Public Participation" model to ensure inclusion of stakeholders, validation of tools, shared criteria development, and improved interinstitutional cooperation for long-term planning.

Partners:

ACTA-Sensi Contemporanei LTD Social Enterprise (Lead Partner)
ECOTRANS e.V.
Strada del vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei sapori della Valdichiana Senese
Unione dei Comuni Valdichiana Senese

See details on: Valdichiana4Green pitch (PDF, 03 June 2025)

2022 -2024

2025-07-31T14:52:29Z

	European Tourism Going Green 2030 (ETGG2030) To boost the necessary transformation in tourism the ETGG2030 consortium is establishing a European cluster for sharing and transferring innovative best practice between the countries, to enable 70 tourism SMEs and supporting organisations in 6 countries in implementing sustainability, in achieving third party certification and in being promoted through the "Green Travel Maps" on Tourism2030. ECOTRANS is co-coordinator of the Project (2020-2023). A ECOTRANS experts team is helping to select a "European Mosaic of Best Practice Examples" of SMEs which significantly contribute to sustainable development in their destinations. See Good Practice Collection: 70 businesses for the SDGs Project website: European Tourism Going Green 2030 (ETGG2030)
	Glasgow Declaration - Collaboration with "Mirabilia" A collaboration between two signatories of the Glasgow Declaration - the Mirabilia Chambers of Commerce Network and Ecotrans Network for Sustainable Tourism Development – working together to measure and manage the carbon footprint of Tourism SMEs (2022 -2023) See project page
	LabelGuide 2023 The international labelguide introduces to sustainable tourism certification, includes tips and presents a selection of national and international certificates for tourism out of more than 100 labels around the world. The Guide was launched 8th March at ITB 2023 as print version in German language, in collaboration with Tourism Watch, Nature Friends International and fairunterwegs (2022-2023) DOWNLOAD:Nachhaltiger Tourismus: Führer durch den Labeldschungel (2023)
	Going Green Maps for destinations Development of the Going Green Mapping system for destinations to collect, display and monitor "all on one map": stakeholders and initiatives making tourism more sutstainable, businesses and destinations going green and certified tourism. Pilot application in East Bavaria in collaboration with FUTOUR and East Bavaria Tourism.(2022-2023) Pilot destination: East Bavaria
	From Talk to Action, Germany The project "From Talk to Action - Practical Impulse Program for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in German Tourism" was funded by the Federal Environment Agency Umweltbundesamt and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (2022-2024). The project was implemented in a consortium of ECOTRANS e.V., KATE Umwelt & Entwicklung und TourCert in cooperation with the network fo destinations Exzellenzinitiative Nachhaltige Reiseziele It includes the following components: The tandem program as a core element Stakeholder dialogue for climate and biodiversity-friendly tourism Industry conference "Climate Protection & Biodiversity in Tourism "Certification Finder "Going Green Check" for sustainable companies (pilot application in Germany 2024) Project page: https://www.wissensportal-nachhaltige-reiseziele.de/praxisimpulse
	Travel Green Planet Maps for Promotion and Marketing Organisations Provision of listings of the Travel Green Planet Maps to tourism organisations, tour operators, travel agencies and booking systems for identifying and promoting certified sustainable tourism businesses. The partner organisation FAIRWEG serves as B2B solution provider for sustainability data management. See: Promotion and Marketing Partners
	Presentation of Tourism2030 - Tools for Going Green The presentation introduces ECOTRANS the tools for Going Green on the Tourism2030.eu platform to professionals in tourism, e.g. businesses, destinations and business support organisations (BSO). See: ECOTRANS & Tourism2030 Tools for Going Green
	Travel Green Planet 2030 initiative The Travel Green Planet collaboration initiative 2020-2030 shall bring together international and national organisations and networks for boosting sustainable tourism in destinations with protected areas and raise the market share of environmentallly and sustainably certified tourism from 1% to 10% world wide - and 100% in protected areas. More: Travel Green Planet initiative
	... see also the Tourism2030 NEWS BULETIN

For more information please contact: herbert.hamele@ecotrans.de

2020 - 2021

2025-07-31T14:51:12Z

	TRIANGLE Knowledge Alliance 2020 Since the successful determination of the TRIANGLE project (2016-2019) ECOTRANS is acting as secretariat of the TRIANGLE Knowledge Alliance. More: TRIANGLE Knowledge Alliance
	STAR The project “Sustainable Tourism Actions in Romania (STAR): capacity building and awareness raising measures for sustainable tourism” is carried out by the Romanian Ecotourim Association (AER) in collaboration with ECOTRANS, funded by the German Environment Trust (DBU). More: STAR (2018-2020/21)
	European Tourism Going Green 2030 (ETGG2030) To boost the necessary transformation in tourism the ETGG2030 consortium is establishing a European cluster for sharing and transferring innovative best practice between the countries, to enable 70 tourism SMEs and supporting organisations in 6 countries in implementing sustainability, in achieving third party certification and in being promoted through "Travel Green Europe" Apps. ECOTRANS is co-coordinator of the Project (2020-2023). More: European Tourism Going Green 2030 (ETGG2030)
	Contribution to the "Study on the feasibility of possible initiatives at EU level and establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform on quality of tourism accommodation services". This study was commissioned by Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) of the European Commission (EC), carried out by VVA Economics & Policy, Open Evidence and its partners BDI Research and Team.
	Travel Green Planet 2030 initiative The Travel Green Planet collaboration initiative 2020-2030 shall bring together international and national organisations and networks for boosting sustainable tourism in destinations with protected areas and raise the market share of environmentallly and sustainably certified tourism from 1% to 10% world wide - and 100% in protected areas. More: Travel Green Planet initiative
	... more activities & events on the Tourism2030 NEWS BULETIN

For more information please contact: herbert.hamele@ecotrans.de

2018 - 2019

2021-01-27T10:23:11Z

	ITB 2018: Tourism and SDGs 2030 - A Fairy Tale or a Fairy Tale Ending?
	TRIANGLE: Building a European Knowledge Alliance for Sustainable Tourism Within the framework of the EU’s Erasmus Knowledge Alliance programme, the European-wide Ecotrans Network for Sustainable Tourism Development has teamed up with leading universities (Algarve, Eberswalde, Sorbonne and Vienna) and businesses with core ICT and tourism interests (Eau de Web and Forum AndersReisen) to create an innovative European wide collaborative online learning delivery system for Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) to offer quality tourism sustainability training to destination administrators, SMEs and workforce individuals linked to tourism activity in Europe’s protected areas. TRIANGLE (2016-2019)
	ECOACT - Integrating Innovative Practices And Best Applications in EU with Regardo Eqf (Ecoact) Project The purpose of this project is to strengthen the cooperation between organization, institutions and forest services through the diversification of activities in ecotourism routes, transfer of concepts, experiences, skills and EU Applications with adapted learning and teaching methods. ECOACT (2016-2018)
	The Biosphere Destinations Initiative This project was initiated at the ST+20conference in Vitoria Gasteiz 2015 by UNESCO MAB and ECOTRANS in collaboration with La Palma BR and Bliesgau BR. The initiative is for developing and raising the economic, social and environmental benefits for Biosphere Reserves world wide through appropriate tools (e.g. a strong sustainable tourism brand), using the SDG 2030 and the MaB Lima Action Plan 2025 as guidance. Biosphere Destinations Initiative (2016 ongoing)
	European Tourism Labelling This study focusses on the current situation in the European Union regarding quality and sustainability labelling in tourism. There is concern that the existing volume and variety of labels has become a barrier to consumer choice, which in consequence may lead to lost opportunities to increase the competitiveness of the European tourism industry. The study analyses the possibility of the introduction of an EU standard(s) for tourism services through the initiation of a harmonised EU certification system and the potential for the establishment of a single European tourism label. Study on "European Tourism Labelling" (2017 - 2018)
	C3S European Tourism (2017-2019) The project used the results of the SECTEUR project (2015-2016) on the Climate Change information needs of 7 different economic sectors, including Tourism. The 13 consortium members developed apps for historic and hort to long term prognostic information to the European tourism sector. See ITB 2019: Copernicus announces new climate information service tailored to the European tourism industry
	STAR The project “Sustainable Tourism Actions in Romania (STAR): capacity building and awareness raising measures for sustainable tourism” is carried out by the Romanian Ecotourim Association (AER) in collaboration with ECOTRANS, funded by the German Environment Trust (DBU). STAR (2018-2020/21)
	Travel Green Planet The Travel Green Planet collaboration initiative 2020-2030 was presented at the GSTC conference on the Azores in December 2019. The initiative shall bring together international and national organisations and networks for boosting sustainable tourism in destinations with protected areas and raise the market share of environmentallly and sustainably certified tourism from 1% to 10% world wide - and 100% in protected areas. See Travel Green Planet initiative at GSTC conference
	... more activities & events on the Tourism2030 NEWS BULETIN

For more information please contact: herbert.hamele@ecotrans.de

2016 - 2017

2018-03-26T08:39:45Z

(determinded until December 2017)

Discover Eco-Romania, a tool for nature conservation, local development and education

ECOTRANS is providing technical support to AER, Romania, with financial support from the German Environment Foundation. German project title: "Umweltkommunikationsmaßnahmen zur Entwicklung eines nachhaltigen Tourismus im Nationalpark Călimani-Dornaland und weiteren Modellregionen in Rumänien"

The project aims to bring additional values for nature conservation integrating it into a modern concept of ecotourism destination, where protected area administrations together with local municipalities and tourism businesses are in partnership. The main reason for the partnership will be to guide the whole micro-region towards sustainable development and to better use the protected areas for education and communication about the natural and cultural values of the destination for visitors.

Romania(2014-2016)

Sustainability in tourism: A guide through the label jungle

In the handy brochure the leading international quality labels for accommodation providers, travel offers and tour operators are presented and their credibility evaluated. Who is behind the certification system? Are the criteria transparent and have they been published? Is the verification procedure reliable? Are all subject areas of sustainability included? „In the new edition, the focus remained on sustainability labels in the German-speaking countries as well as in popular European holiday countries“

Booklet (44 pages) with structured description of 20 leading sustainable tourism certificates worldwide and a compiled list of 30 additional labels, published in German language (March 2016) and English language (March 2016) by NFI, Brot für die Welt, Tourism Watch and ECOTRANS.

Labelguide 2016

SECTEUR

The SECTEUR project (Sector Engagement for C3S - Translating European User Requirements)aims to understand the requirements of climate information across a number of sectors: agriculture, forestry, coasts, health, transport, insurance and tourism. The project is co-ordinated by the University of Leeds, the project partner TEC is responsible for the tourism sector, ECOTRANS is contributing as so-called sector champion.

SECTEUR (2016-2017)

For more information please contact@ecotrans.de

2013 - 2015

2016-12-29T15:58:05Z

Integration von Biodiversitätsaspekten in aktuelle CSR Prozesse im Tourismus / Integration of biodiversity into CSR processes in tourism

Analysis of more than 20 labels and awards for tourism in Germany and recommendations to strengthen their biodiversity criteria for businesses, destinations and tour operators. Integration of recommendations in labels/awards, compilation and publication of their awarded/ certified tourism in a Green Travel Germany map on DestiNet. (2013-2015)

Projektinformation - DE project information - EN

ECOLNET

European Ecotourism Knowledge Network (2011-2013)

Partner of the Life Long Learning project with special focus on the development of indicators for the European Ecotourism Labelling Standard and the setting up of a European Ecotourism Network. The project is coordinated by Prisma (Athens)

INSPIRECO

The province of Isparta/Turkey starts a 2-years project with partners in Turkey, Greece, Slovenia, Italy and Germany: INSPIRECO (Inspiring new vocations in Ecotourism: a case study for Isparta) is supported by the European Leonardo da Vinci - Life Long Learning Programme. ECOTRANS is facilitating the use of DestiNet, Ecolnet and Fast-Lain results for knowledge exchange, training and networking from local to international level. October 2012 - September 2014.

site on DestiNet

OLYMPOS 2020

site on DestiNet

Contributions to International Initiatives & Events

Ferienmesse, Vienna (2013)
SUSTAIN Conference, Brussels (2013)
ITB Berlin (2013, 2014, 2015)
GSTC workshop, Hannover (2013)
Sustainable Tourism Conference, Malta (2013)
European Ecotourism conference, Brashov (2013)
Europarc Deutschland – Nationale Naturlandschaften (2014)
Sustainable Mountain Tourism Alliance, Chur (2015)
BMUB – Nachhaltiger Tourismus workshop, Berlin (2015)
European Parliament –TRAN committee (2015)
Luzern World Tourism Conference (2015)
Green Week, Brussels (2015)
Sustainable Tourism +20 conference, Vitoria-Gasteiz (2015)

2011 - 2012

2016-12-10T14:55:06Z

	FAST-LAIN Further Action on Sustainable Tourism – Learning Area Innovation Networks (2011-2012) Conception and lead of the project in collaboration with regions and research partners in seven European couintries, and with financial support from the CIP programme for knowledge networks for the competitiveness and sustainability of European tourism, development and piloting of innovation clusters, developing DestiNet to the leading international networking platform for sustainable tourism, guidebook for setting up "Tourism Knowledge & Innovation Communities", March 2011 - August 2012. See the FAST-LAIN project section and use the FAST-LAIN results
	ECOLNET European Ecotourism Knowledge Network (2011-2013) Partner of the Life Long Learning project with special focus on the development of indicators for the European Ecotourism Labelling Standard and the setting up of a European Ecotourism Network. The project is coordinated by Prisma (Athens)
	INSPIRECO The province of Isparta/Turkey starts a 2-years project with partners in Turkey, Greece, Slovenia, Italy and Germany: INSPIRECO (Inspiring new vocations in Ecotourism: a case study for Isparta) is supported by the European Leonardo da Vinci - Life Long Learning Programme. ECOTRANS is facilitating the use of DestiNet, Ecolnet and Fast-Lain results for knowledge exchange, training and networking from local to international level. October 2012 - September 2014.
	OLYMPOS 2020 Participation at an international conference by RTM (picture: event location) on Sustainable Tourism in the Olympos/Antaly destination in Turkei in September 2012, conception of an international follow up conference on 24-25 April 2013 with special focus on sustainable tourism & ecotourism good practices and opportunities to support integrated regional development through tourism in the Kumluca region. ECOTRANS members will participate as international experts to showcase good practices and to develop an action plan for 2020. September 2012 - June 2013.
	Contributions to International Initiatives & Events (e.g.) Global Sustainable Tourism Council Global Sustainable Tourism Partnership DestiNet Partnership CSR Days, Vienna (2011, 2012) ITB Berlin (2011) - picture: VESTAS presentation EU conference, Budapest (2011) EDEN conference, Brussels (2011) P2P workshops, Brussels (2011, 2012) EU conference, Cyprus (2012)

2006 - 2010

2024-11-16T13:19:44Z

DestiNet partnership (since 2004)

TOURBENCH (2003-2006)

Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (2006-2008)

Financial Sustainability of Sustainable Tourism Certification Programs

Sustainable Tourism in Egypt and the Middle East (2008)

ACTIVITIES REPORT 2007-2009

Eco-Destinet (2007-2009)

Ecoturismo Mediterraneo (2008-2009)

Green Travel Bridge (2009-2011)

2001 - 2005

2024-11-16T13:14:08Z

Top Team NaTour (1998-2001)

Hostel 2000 - Environmental Module

ECOCAMPING (1999-2001)

Voluntary Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism (2000-2001)

European Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodation – development (2001-2002)

European Union action in the Tourism sector: improving support measures for Sustainable Tourism (2002)

How the German Alpine Club can support Sustainable Tourism Development in Alpine Regions (2002)

VISIT (2001-2004)

DestiNet partnership (since 2004)

Tourism and the Enlargement of the European Union (2005)

1993 - 2000

2024-11-16T13:04:55Z

The list below includes projects and activities from the early 90ies when the Internet and electronic pdf files were not yet very common. In such cases we added scanned content lists from the historic documents.

Environment and Tourism within the Context of Sustainable Development (1993)

Tourism and Environment in Europe (1994-1995)

ECOLETTER - Tourismus- und Umweltinformationen für die Praxis (1994-1996)

Badeorte und Umwelt in Europa (1995)

Nachhaltiger Tourismus - Theorie und Praxis - Workshop (1995)

European Seminars "Tourism and Environment: Allies for the Future" (1995)

The Book of Environmental Seals and Ecolabels (1995 -1996)

Bericht über den Einfluß des Tourismus in/aus Deutschland auf Natur und Umwelt sowie Maßnahmen und Handlungsbedarf zur Förderung einer verträglichen Entwicklung (1996-1997)

Bundeswettbewerb Umweltfreundliche Fremdenverkehrsorte in Deutschland (1996-1997)

Environmental Measures in Mountain Communities (1996-1997)

Sanfte Mobilität in Tourismusorten und –regionen (1996-1997)

Sustainable Tourism - the Key to Success (1997)