In today’s fast-paced world, the hospitality sector is under pressure to adapt to two critical challenges: sustainability and digital transformation. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in hospitality, which form the backbone of the industry, are especially affected by these demands. Many lack the resources, training, and guidance to adopt eco-friendly practices and the latest digital tools. That’s where the EcoSmart Hospitality project comes in.
Why is this project needed?
The hospitality industry is vital to the European economy, but it’s also a major contributor to environmental impact. From energy use to waste generation, the sector faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices while also staying competitive in a digital-first world. EcoSmart Hospitality addresses these challenges head-on, aiming to support SMEs in their transition to more sustainable and digitally enabled operations.
Our Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of EcoSmart Hospitality is to enhance digital readiness and sustainability across the hospitality sector. We aim to equip VET providers, educators, and SMEs with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious and digitally-driven environment. Specifically, our objectives are:
- Empowering VET providers and educators to integrate sustainability and digital practices into their curricula.
- Supporting SMEs in adopting green practices and digital tools that improve efficiency and resilience.
- Building a knowledge base that helps the industry stay competitive and aligned with European sustainability goals.
What’s in the Pipeline?
We’ve laid out a series of exciting activities to achieve these objectives:
- Digital and Green Competence Framework & Curriculum
We’re developing a framework that outlines the essential competencies for both digital readiness and sustainability, tailored to the hospitality sector. This framework will be used to create a curriculum that VET providers can integrate into their programs, ensuring future hospitality professionals are prepared for the challenges ahead. - Training Resources, Toolbox & VET Packages
Our comprehensive suite of training materials and a practical toolbox will help SMEs adopt digital tools and sustainable practices. These resources will be designed for flexible use in classrooms, online learning environments, and hybrid settings, ensuring accessibility across Europe. - Green and Digital Readiness and Risk Assessment Application
We’re creating an innovative application that allows SMEs to assess their digital and sustainability practices, offering personalized feedback and actionable steps for improvement. This will help businesses become more resilient, sustainable, and competitive in a changing market.
Who’s Involved?
EcoSmart Hospitality is a collaborative effort led by an experienced group of partners:
- Universidad de León (Spain) – A leading academic institution with a focus on sustainability in hospitality and tourism, providing research and curriculum expertise.
- Bursa Uludağ University (Turkey) – Known for its strong ties to the hospitality and tourism sectors, BUU brings valuable experience in education and sustainability.
- The Vision Works (Germany) – Specialising in ESG, sustainability, and educational technologies, they are key to developing the project’s training tools and resources.
- The Food Hub (Ireland) – A catalyst for sustainability and vocational training, the Food Hub will help bridge the gap between theory and practical application in the hospitality sector.
- European E-Learning Institute (Denmark) – Experts in digital learning, EUEI will develop online courses and digital learning solutions that ensure the project’s resources are accessible to all.
Together, these partners are working to create a more sustainable, digital-ready hospitality sector across Europe.
EcoSmart Hospitality is more than just a project—it’s a movement to transform the hospitality industry. By equipping educators and SMEs with the right tools, knowledge, and strategies, we’re helping shape a greener, more digitally enabled future for hospitality. Stay tuned for updates and learn how you can get involved!
Written by Kathryn O’Brien, EUEI