Page 154 - Sustaining Accommodation SMES

8 Implications for Policy and Practice

direct financial support
Subsidies, grants, tax deductions, or vouchers can accelerate the uptake
of sustainable practices. The mast recommendations highlight the im-
portance of providing targeted financial support to smes undertaking
iso 21401-aligned investments, such as energy-efficient technologies or
water-saving devices. Financial instruments can be designed to reward
both:

• Initial diagnostics (e.g., using the mast Self-Evaluation Tool).
• Long-term improvements linked to performance indicators.

Linking financial support to measurable outcomes increases account-
ability and maximises public value.

market incentives and visibility mechanisms
To motivate smes beyond compliance:
• Tourism boards can provide preferential access to destination mar-
keting campaigns for iso 21401-aligned establishments.
• Public administrations can offer priority placement in official plat-
forms, brochures, and itineraries.
• Award programmes can increase prestige and differentiation, creat-
ing reputational incentives.
Such measures enhance competitiveness and mobilise market forces
to drive sustainability. Moreover, they contribute to the construction of a
sustainable destination image, generating benefits for the entire locality
and community by enhancing its attractiveness to targeted visitor seg-
ments.

facilitated access to european funding
smes may require support when navigating complex eu funding instru-
ments such as life, erdf, Interreg, or Horizon Europe. Destination
management organisations and local authorities can:
• Assist smes in applying to funding calls.
• Provide technical guidance and project development support.
• Develop collective proposals to involve interested local actors and
smes, and reduce administrative burdens.

These can strengthen the financing ecosystem for sustainable tourism
innovation.

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