WP1 - State of the art: study on sustainability in the accommodation sector

Work Package 1 (WP1) laid the foundation for the MAST project by analyzing how sustainability is currently understood and practiced in the accommodation sector — both globally and within participating Mediterranean countries.

The work focused on three key activities:

  1. Study on Sustainability in the Accommodation Sector
    Using a scoping study methodology, the MAST partners examined the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the accommodation sector. This analysis provided an overview of the sector’s sustainability challenges, best practices, and opportunities for improvement — from resource efficiency and waste management to inclusiveness and community engagement.
  2. Empirical Study on Drivers of Sustainability
    Through a large-scale survey and qualitative interviews with accommodation providers and sustainability consultants across all partner countries, the consortium identified the main drivers and barriers influencing the adoption of sustainable practices and certification standards such as ISO 21401. The study revealed diverse local realities, highlighting the need for tailored and accessible tools for SMEs.
  3. Recommendations for Future Action
    Insights from both studies were translated into a set of actionable recommendations guiding the development of the project’s upcoming tools — the Sustainability Protocol and Self-Assessment Tool — designed specifically for small and medium-sized tourism accommodations.

📄 Deliverables produced under Work Package 1:

WP2 - Sustainability Protocol definition

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
WP3 - Sustainability Self-Assessment tool development

Work Package 3 (WP3) builds upon the analytical and conceptual results of WP1 and WP2 to design and develop a digital Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool for small and medium-sized accommodation providers. This tool is the project’s central output — a practical, user-friendly platform that helps SMEs evaluate their sustainability performance, identify areas for improvement, and progress towards ISO 21401:2018 compliance.

Activity 3.1 – Market Search: Digital Inventory of Existing Tools

  • The first phase of WP3 focused on conducting a global digital inventory of existing sustainability assessment tools for the accommodation sector. The objective was to analyze their functionality, usability, and scope, identifying best practices while avoiding common limitations. This analysis provided the foundation for designing a tool that is modern, practical, and specifically tailored to the needs of SMEs.
  • 📄 Deliverable 3.1 – Market Search Report

Activity 3.2 – Planning and Software Design

  • Following the market research, the consortium defined the technical and functional specifications of the tool. This phase involved requirements analysis, software architecture planning, and design validation by project experts. The planning ensured that the tool would be accessible, intuitive, and aligned with the sustainability goals of the accommodation industry.

Activity 3.3 – Content Creation and Criteria Definition

  • The project partners collaboratively developed the content and assessment criteria that form the core of the tool. Based on the results of WP1 and WP2, these criteria reflect environmental, social, and economic indicators relevant to the accommodation sector. Careful selection and validation of content ensure that the tool remains practical and relevant to SMEs.

· Activity 3.4 – User-Based Assessment (Beta Release)

  • A beta version of the tool was tested with real users to gather feedback on its functionality, usability, and accuracy. SMEs and partners assessed the interface, response logic, and clarity of questions, providing valuable insights for refinement.

·Activity 3.5 – Improvement of the Tool

  • Using a continuous improvement approach (“Plan–Do–Study–Act”), the consortium incorporated feedback from testing and validation phases (WP4) to enhance the tool’s performance, structure, and clarity. This process ensures the tool is robust, adaptable, and effective for SMEs in different contexts.

· Activity 3.6 – Official Presentation and Training Webinar

  • A joint training and presentation webinar will be organised to introduce SMEs to both the Sustainability Protocol (developed in WP2) and the Self-Assessment Tool. This session will guide participants on how to use these tools, interpret results, and integrate sustainability into their business operations. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback for final adjustments.

· Activity 3.7 – Production of the Final Self-Assessment Tool

  • The final phase of WP3 involves the production and release of the completed Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool. The final version will enable accommodation SMEs to assess their sustainability level, monitor progress, and identify priority areas for action across the three pillars of sustainability in line with ISO 21401:2018.
WP4 - Validation of project outputs through stakeholders involvement

Work Package 4 (WP4) builds upon the tools and frameworks developed in WP2 and WP3 by focusing on their validation, improvement, and wider uptake among stakeholders. This phase ensures that the MAST Sustainability Protocol and the Online Self-Assessment Tool are not only technically sound, but also practical, user-friendly, and aligned with the needs of both SMEs and policymakers. Through stakeholder engagement, testing activities, and feedback collection, WP4 bridges the gap between development and real-world application, strengthening the relevance and long-term impact of MAST results.

Activity 4.1 – Manual and guide for the use of the sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool

  • The Manual aims to provide clear, structured instructions explaining how to use the MAST Sustainability Protocol to design and implement ISO 21401 in SME accommodation establishments. The instructions are written for SMEs, consultants, and public or sectoral support bodies and are directly grounded in the content and logic of the Sustainability Protocol developed under WP2 of the MAST project.
  • 📄 Deliverable 4.1.1 – Manual and guide for the use of the sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool

Activity 4.2 – Recommendations for policy makers 

  • A key component of WP4 is the development of policy recommendations aimed at supporting the transition of the accommodation sector towards more sustainable and circular practices. Based on insights gathered throughout the project, this activity provides guidance for policymakers, public authorities, and experts involved in shaping tourism-related regulations and initiatives.
  • 📄 Deliverable 4.2.1 – Policy Recommendations

·Activity 4.3 – MAST validation workshops

  • This activity focuses on collecting and analysing feedback from SMEs, stakeholders, and end users involved in testing the MAST tools. The objective is to refine and improve both the Sustainability Protocol and the Self-Assessment Tool, ensuring they are easy to use, relevant, and applicable in real operational contexts.
  • 📄 Deliverable 4.3.1 – Report for Outputs Improvement 
WP5 - Dissemination and EU networking

Work Package 5 (WP5) focuses on ensuring the visibility, dissemination, and long-term impact of the MAST project results. Building on the knowledge, tools, and methodologies developed throughout the project, WP5 aims to communicate key findings, engage stakeholders, and support the uptake of MAST outputs across the Mediterranean. Through coordinated communication activities, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, WP5 contributes to positioning MAST as a reference framework for sustainable tourism in the accommodation sector.

Activity 5.3 – Capitalisation and Knowledge Transfer

  • A central component of WP5 is the consolidation of project knowledge into a comprehensive publication that captures the MAST journey, key findings, and practical solutions developed throughout the project. This activity ensures that project results remain accessible, transferable, and useful beyond the project’s lifetime.
  • 📄 Deliverable 5.3.2 – MAST Book