An EU funded project is supporting the businesses in the cross border region between Kosovo and Montenegro to increase their capacities in tourism sector.
Eco-labels and internationally recognised certifications are designations granted to products and services recognized for their reduced environmental impact compared to similar offerings, making them a more environmentally responsible choice. Within the hospitality industry, eco-labeling serves as a valuable tool for customers, offering insights into the sustainable practices that hotels incorporate into their daily operations. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report for 2019, a staggering 70% of global travelers express a greater inclination to book accommodations when they know the establishment prioritizes environmental friendliness, whether their primary goal is a sustainable stay or not.
For eco-labels to maintain their credibility, they must be conferred by independent third-party accredited certifiers who possess the expertise to assess hotels and accommodation entities thoroughly. The criteria used for Eco-Label certification should be made publicly available to consumers, ensuring transparency in the process. Ideally, a comprehensive eco-label should encompass all aspects of sustainability. In addition to environmental considerations, this encompasses social standards, such as the working conditions within the hotel, as well as cultural and economic factors. It is important that tourism benefits the destination and its local communities, allowing them to actively participate in and shape the tourism industry.“Our goal with this project is to foster a new, the Way Ahead thinking approach in the tourism industry within the cross-border region. This includes the introduction of eco labels, which represent one of the foremost standards in the global tourism industry, a standard that was previously unavailable in our region.”
Ahmet Jetullahu-meti, Executive Director of the Prishtina REA
In addition to meeting the required criteria, the certification process itself involves intricate procedures and substantial financial commitments that can be challenging to fulfill. Recognizing this, partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and municipalities in the cross-border region between Kosovo and Montenegro have embarked on an initiative to assist the local hospitality sector in obtaining Eco Labels certification.
Ahmet Jetullahu-meti, serving as the Executive Director of the Prishtina REA, leads the cross-border consortium responsible for implementing the “Tourism for Future” project. Among its various objectives, this project aims to provide support to hotels and similar hospitality establishments in the cross-bordering regions to help them embrace Eco Labels certification. Jetullahu explains, “Our goal with this project is to foster a new, the way – ahead-thinking approach in the tourism industry within the cross-border region. This includes the introduction of eco labels, which represent one of the foremost standards in the global tourism industry, a standard that was previously unavailable in our region.” It’s worth noting that this project is co-funded through the EU-supported Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) program between Kosovo and Montenegro, supported by Peja Municipality, Kolasin Municipality, Prishtina REA and IPER.
The International Eco Labels certification encompasses a comprehensive set of eligibility criteria, covering aspects such as infrastructure, environmental sustainability, staff professionalism, sourcing of fresh and eco-friendly produce from the local area, and the incorporation of cultural heritage into their offerings.
Currently, training sessions on these crucial topics are in progress for companies and toursim practicioners located in the cross-border regions. These training sessions, conducted separately in Peja and Kolasin, involve the participation of around 30 participants from each side of the border, who were selected through an open call process. Additionally, the project plans to provide training and certification to 15 auditors specializing in Eco Labels. As Ahmet Jetullahu-meti highlights, “Currently, there is a notable absence of certified Eco Labels auditors in Kosovo, Montenegro, or any neighboring countries. Therefore, achieving this certification will be a significant milestone for the tourism industry in the region.” We aim to certify at least 20 grantees with the Internationally recognised Eco- Label Certification (10 from Peja region and 10 from Kolasin region), aligning to a transparent call for grant applications, endorsed by the online e-platform, beign developed by the project side.
“Participation and interest from these companies are exceptionally high, and they deeply appreciate the support provided by the project.”
Ahmet Jetullahu-meti, Executive Director of the Prishtina REA
Beyond Eco Label certification, the project is actively assisting beneficiaries in the region by facilitating the development and implementation of Integrated Tourism and Communication strategies, as well as the promotion of cultural heritage and the local economy through a creative e-tourism platform developed aimign to promote and internationalise the cross-bordering tourism and cultural heritage sectors. Some of the noteworthy activities encompass cross-border tourism festivals and the organization of and promotion of two eco trails. Ahmet Jetullahu-Meti elaborates on the project’s background, noting that extensive research was conducted involving over 136 businesses from the cross-rorder regions. The majority of these businesses expressed a keen interest in receiving support for Internationally recognised Eco Labels certification. Jetullahu underscores the high level of participation and enthusiasm among company representatives, stating, “Participation and interest from these companies are exceptionally high, and they deeply appreciate the support provided by the project.”
Source: web portal WeBalkans.eu