€5,600 in funding for tourism enterprises

In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry reaffirms its commitment to supporting Cypriot tourism businesses on their journey toward sustainability.

Sustainable tourism has gained significant momentum in the industry, with both travelers and businesses adopting eco-friendly practices. This shift prioritizes responsible resource management, waste reduction, carbon emissions reduction, and the preservation of natural habitats. According to the 2023 Booking.com Sustainability Report, 76% of today's travelers express a desire to travel more sustainably, with 43% actively seeking eco-certified accommodations.

Recognizing the urgency of transitioning to sustainable practices in the tourism sector, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CEVEE) is taking action through the European project "Island Sustainable Tourism Action through Resilient SMEs" (I-STARS). This initiative will sponsor approximately 25 Cypriot tourism businesses, providing up to €5,600 in funding per business. Notably, this sponsorship is fully funded by the European Union.

The I-STARS sponsorship scheme is open to businesses across the tourism spectrum and encompasses various aspects of sustainability, including:

1. Attaining sustainability certifications such as EU Ecolabel and Travelife.
2. Implementing sustainability strategies, including energy and waste audits, water management, CSR initiatives, carbon management plans, and sustainability data reporting.
3. Acquiring tools and technological solutions to enhance sustainability performance.
4. Conducting Organization Environmental Footprint Assessments (OEF).
5. Participating in sustainability education and training programs.

Businesses interested in applying for sponsorship can submit their applications online at [https://bit.ly/ISTARSapplication](https://bit.ly/ISTARSapplication). The application deadline is October 25, 2023, at 6 pm.

This initiative underscores the growing importance of sustainable tourism and the proactive measures being taken to ensure the long-term environmental and economic viability of Cyprus's tourism industry.