Building on the findings of Work Package 1, Work Package 2 (WP2) focused on translating research insights into a concrete framework — the Sustainability Protocol — to guide small and medium-sized tourism accommodations in adopting sustainable management systems aligned with the ISO 21401:2018 standard.
Activity 2.1 – Mapping the Needs, Difficulties, and Barriers of SMEs
Through comprehensive consultations with accommodation providers in the five partner countries, this activity identified the main challenges and obstacles faced by SMEs in implementing sustainable practices. The analysis provided a clearer picture of their current sustainability levels and the structural barriers that limit progress — from financial constraints to lack of expertise and policy support.
📄 Deliverable 2.1 – Consultation Report on SMEs’ Needs and Barriers to Sustainable Practices
Activity 2.2 – Mapping of the ISO 21401:2018 Standard
This activity analysed the ISO 21401:2018 requirements for environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the accommodation sector. The study translated the standard’s technical framework into practical, SME-friendly actions, making it easier for small businesses to understand what compliance entails.
📄 Deliverable 2.2 – Consultation Report for the Implementation of ISO 21401:2018
Activity 2.3 – Comparative Analysis of SMEs’ Needs and ISO Requirements
By comparing the findings from Activities 2.1 and 2.2, the MAST consortium produced an in-depth comparative analysis identifying gaps between SMEs’ existing practices and ISO 21401 requirements. This analysis served as the foundation for designing a realistic and achievable sustainability protocol.
📄 Deliverable 2.3 – Comparative Analysis of SMEs’ Needs and ISO 21401 Requirements
Activity 2.4 – Definition of the Sustainability Protocol
This key milestone resulted in the creation of the Sustainability Protocol for SMEs Accommodation — a practical, step-by-step framework to help small accommodations transition toward sustainable management. The protocol integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions and will serve as a reference point for the Self-Assessment Tool developed in WP3.
📄 Deliverable 2.4 – Sustainability Protocol for SMEs Accommodation
Activity 2.5 – Improvement of the Sustainability Protocol
Based on feedback collected through pilot testing and stakeholder engagement activities in WP3 and WP4, the Sustainability Protocol will be reviewed and improved to address any identified challenges. The goal is to ensure the tool remains practical, adaptable, and user-friendly for tourism SMEs across the Mediterranean.
📄 Deliverable 2.5 – Improvement of the Sustainability Protocol (in progress)
