GreenSET, a 33-month EU-funded project boosting circular tourism in the Mediterranean, kicked off on May 20–21, 2025, at the M9 Museum in Venice. The launch set the stage for innovative tools, training, and strategies to help SMEs thrive sustainably—discover how this bold initiative is reshaping regional tourism.
The GreenSET project was officially launched with a two-day kick-off meeting held on May 20–21, 2025, at the M9 Museum in Mestre, Venice. Funded by the Interreg Euro-MED 2021–2027 Programme and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the 33-month initiative supports tourism SMEs across the Mediterranean in adopting circular economy practices.
GreenSET presents the MEDSSIM (MED Sustainable Service Innovation Methodology) methodology, which gives Business Support Organizations the ability to mentor SMEs in creating sustainable, competitive tourism services. An implementation toolkit and competence pack for BSOs, a certification program for MEDSSIM specialists, and a collection of best practices and circular service patterns are among the main project results.
The project is led by STEP RI Science and Technology Park of the University of Rijeka (Croatia) and brings together a strong consortium of partners: R2M Solution (France), SINLOC – Sistema Iniziative Locali S.p.A. (Italy), CEEI Valencia – Business Innovation Center of Valencia (Spain), the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (Greece), Nicosia Tourism Board (Cyprus), Tertúlia Algarvia – Centro de Conhecimento em Cultura e Alimentação Tradicional do Algarve (Portugal), the Regional Development Agency of Tirana (Albania), and the Business Start-Up Centre Bar (Montenegro).
The kick-off meeting laid the groundwork for cooperative action to transform tourism throughout the region by concentrating on communication strategy, strategic planning, governance, SME participation, and carbon footprint evaluation.
GreenSET marks a shared commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable tourism model for the Mediterranean. Project updates and opportunities for engagement will be shared as the initiative moves forward.
What Is GreenSET?
GreenSET is a ground-breaking project funded by the Interreg Euro-Med Programme, aiming to empower tourism SMEs by transforming how sustainable services are designed and delivered. With Mediterranean tourism largely driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this project focuses on providing them with the right tools, support, and methodologies to adopt circular economy practices.
At the heart of the project is the MEDSSIM methodology (MED Sustainable Service Innovation Methodology), which enables Business Support Organisations (BSOs) to guide SMEs in building competitive and eco-friendly tourism offerings. Key deliverables include:
- A Certification Scheme for MEDSSIM Experts
- Implementation Toolbox & Competence Pack for BSOs
- Library of Best Practices & Circular Service Patterns
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