CIRCULAR TOURISM (Capacity Building for a Twin Transition towards a Circular Economy in VET, Tourism SMEs and Destinations in Albania)
PROJECT FACTSHEET
Project Title:
Capacity Building for a Twin Transition towards a Circular Economy in VET, Tourism SMEs and Destinations in Albania
Project Acronym:
CIRCULAR TOURISM
Duration:
3 years (01.01.2025 – 31.12.2027)
Budget:
EUR 376,317.39
Programme Rationale:
The Erasmus+ CB-VET programme prioritises the green and digital transition, institutional capacity building, knowledge transfer and stronger links between vocational education and the labour market.
Specific Priority Objective:
The objective is to contribute to the transition towards a circular economy in Albania’s tourism sector by strengthening the capacities of VET institutions, educators and tourism SMEs in green and digital skills, while promoting cooperation between education and business.
Lead Partner:
ITKAM – Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany (Germany) – Coordinator
Project Partners:
- ITKAM – Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany (Germany)
- EURAKOM SASU (France)
- DOMSPAIN Consulting SL (Spain)
- AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency of Vlora (Albania)
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tirana – CCIT (Albania)
- Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation – MEKI (Albania)
Associated Partners:
- Spoonbill Nest Innovation Center
- Elite Travel DMC
- Städtische Berufsschule II Regensburg
- Berufliche Schule Dienstleistung und Gewerbe Rostock
- Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)
- Institut Priorat
- GIP FORINVAL
Project Description
CIRCULAR TOURISM is an Erasmus+ project bringing together partners from Germany, France, Spain and Albania to support the green and digital transition of Albania’s tourism sector through the promotion of circular economy principles.
The project builds the capacities of Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, educators and tourism SMEs through:
- international study visits and mobilities;
- specialised training on circular economy and sustainable tourism;
- mentoring programmes for tourism SMEs;
- practical workshops and stakeholder engagement webinars;
- activities strengthening collaboration between VET institutions and businesses;
- the creation of a sustainable tourism skills ecosystem.
CIRCULAR TOURISM follows a four-step approach:
Training → Implementation → Collaboration → Sustainability
transforming circular economy principles into practical and applicable solutions for tourism businesses and VET institutions alike.
Project Relevance
The project addresses one of the key challenges facing Albania’s tourism sector: the lack of green and digital skills and the mismatch between VET curricula and labour market needs.
The tourism sector currently faces:
- limited knowledge and implementation of circular economy principles;
- insufficient adoption of sustainable business practices;
- weak cooperation between VET providers and businesses;
- growing demand for green and digital skills;
- limited mentoring and knowledge transfer mechanisms.
Therefore, CIRCULAR TOURISM is strategically important because it:
- supports the green transition of Albania’s tourism sector;
- modernises vocational education and training provision;
- strengthens cooperation between education and industry;
- improves the competitiveness of tourism SMEs;
- contributes to more sustainable and resilient tourism destinations.
Specific Objectives
- Strengthen the capacities of VET institutions and educators in circular economy and sustainable tourism.
- Integrate green and digital skills into VET programmes and curricula.
- Support tourism SMEs in adopting circular and sustainable business practices.
- Foster cooperation between VET institutions and the private sector.
- Develop mentoring programmes for tourism SMEs.
- Increase internationalisation through mobilities and the exchange of European best practices.
- Build a collaborative ecosystem for circular tourism development in Albania.
Main Activities
Capacity Building
- Training programmes on circular economy in tourism.
- Workshops for tourism SMEs and VET institutions.
- Stakeholder engagement webinars.
- Training activities for educators and tourism professionals.
Practical Implementation
- International study visits and mobilities.
- SME mentoring programmes.
- Piloting circular economy practices within tourism businesses.
- Strengthening cooperation between VET institutions and the private sector.
Collaboration and Sustainability
- Creation of networks among tourism stakeholders.
- Exchange of European best practices.
- Awareness-raising and dissemination activities.
- Long-term integration and sustainability of project results.
Key Results
Capacity Building Toolkit
Training manuals, methodologies and educational materials covering:
- circular economy principles;
- sustainable tourism practices;
- stakeholder engagement;
- mentoring methodologies;
- business-VET collaboration mechanisms.
Training and Learning Resources
- Training programmes for educators and SMEs.
- Practical workshop methodologies.
- Webinar series and learning materials.
- Mentoring tools and guidelines.
International Mobility and Study Visits
- Study visits to European partner countries.
- Exchange of experiences and best practices.
- Increased international cooperation among VET institutions and SMEs.
SME Mentoring Programme
A structured mentoring scheme supporting tourism SMEs in:
- adopting circular economy principles;
- improving sustainability performance;
- strengthening competitiveness and resilience.
Circular Tourism Skills Ecosystem
A collaborative ecosystem bringing together:
- VET institutions;
- tourism businesses;
- public authorities;
- business organisations;
- NGOs and local stakeholders.
Expected Impact
- More than 400 SMEs and tourism stakeholders supported.
- More than 400 educators and trainers involved.
- More than 130 VET institution staff members engaged.
- Over 3,000 VET students benefiting indirectly from updated curricula and improved learning opportunities.
- More than 9,500 direct and indirect beneficiaries reached throughout Albania and partner countries.
Project Website https://circulartourismalbania.eu/
Project Coordinator at CCIT
Aris Tasho
Project Director
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tirana (CCIT)
