An Erasmus+ collaboration fostering sustainable transformation and green innovation in the European tourism sector
The tourism industry is not only one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy but also among those with the greatest environmental impact. Increasing energy consumption, waste generation, intensive use of water resources, and carbon emissions have prompted the hospitality sector to reconsider its approach to sustainability. At this very juncture, the Circular4Hospitality (C4H) project emerges — an innovative European initiative designed to integrate circular economy principles into the hotel industry and accelerate sustainable transformation across the sector.
Circular4Hospitality is a multi-partner project supported by the Erasmus+ programme. It is jointly implemented by educational institutions, tourism associations, and industry stakeholders from Spain, Greece, Italy and Türkiye. In Türkiye, project activities are coordinated by Akçakoca Tourism Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. The school leads the initiative to embed sustainability modules into hospitality education, ensuring that environmental awareness becomes a core competence of future tourism professionals.
The project’s overarching aim is to develop a circular economy-based training curriculum for employees and students in the hospitality sector. Through this, the next generation of tourism experts will gain the ability to manage resources responsibly, think creatively, and act as agents of sustainable transformation.
The circular economy represents a paradigm shift away from the traditional “take–make–dispose” linear model of production and consumption. Instead, it seeks to retain materials, products, and resources within the system for as long as possible, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. In the hospitality context, circularity means recognising waste as a resource, not a liability. Hotels adopting this model prioritise energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, reuse of materials, and local sourcing. These strategies promote operational sustainability while maintaining service excellence and economic efficiency.
The C4H project’s educational programme is structured around six key modules, each combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications:
- Introduction to Circularity and Environmental Legislation
- Sustainable Project Management
- Green Certifications
- Sustainable Practices
- Guest Engagement and Impact Measurement
- Manager’s Guide and Resources
For example, the “Green Certifications” module explores international eco-labels such as Green Key, EU Ecolabel, and LEED, while the “Sustainable Practices” module demonstrates how hotels can enhance circularity in energy, water, and waste management using real-world examples and measurable impact indicators.
Circular4Hospitality is more than an educational initiative — it is a transformative movement for the tourism industry. The project assists hotels in reducing environmental footprints, lowering costs, and enhancing guest satisfaction through sustainable operations. Through hands-on workshops and knowledge-sharing events, the project fosters awareness and promotes best practices across the sector. Additionally, networking events bring together local governments, tourism bodies, and private operators to co-create policies under the principles of: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Renew, Recycle, and Recover.
This collaborative approach not only drives environmental innovation but also strengthens the alignment between policy development and industry practices — ensuring the hospitality sector contributes actively to Europe’s green transition.
The Turkish coordination of the project, led by Akçakoca Turizm MTAL, marks a pivotal step in modernising vocational education. By embedding sustainability and circular economy concepts into the curriculum, students gain both environmental awareness and international competencies consistent with European standards. In this way, Circular4Hospitality contributes to the educational foundation of sustainable tourism, empowering young professionals to become leaders in a greener, more resilient hospitality industry.
Circular4Hospitality aims to transform sustainability from a goal into a standard practice. By applying circular economy principles, hotels not only protect the environment but also generate social and economic value. The future of tourism rests on models that consume less, share more, and coexist harmoniously with nature. On this journey towards a circular and sustainable future, Circular4Hospitality stands as both a guide and a catalyst for meaningful change.
Check out their Social Media:
Author: Sibel Dağdelen, Vice Principal / International Coordinator, Akçakoca Turizm Vocational and Technical High School.
