Page 163 - Sustaining Accommodation SMES

8.5 Self-Regulation

formal regulatory frameworks in supporting the sustainable transition of
the accommodation sector. These mechanisms provide flexibility, allow
for experimentation, and can be adapted to diverse local tourism con-
texts. When well designed and aligned with recognised standards, self-
regulation can encourage innovation and support sustainability uptake
beyond minimum compliance.

ecolabels and destination certification
programmes
Ecolabels and destination certification programmes can function as ef-
fective self-regulation instruments when they are aligned with recognised
sustainability management standards. In this context, such schemes can
be strengthened by:
• Using iso 21401 as a reference framework to harmonise sustainabil-
ity criteria across local, national, and destination-level eco labels.
• Aligning eco label requirements with management system princi-
ples rather than isolated practices, strengthening consistency and
credibility.
• Enhancing comparability and transparency of sustainability claims
across destinations while allowing contextual adaptation.
• Linking destination certification programmes with firm-level sus-
tainability management practices to reinforce coherence between
destination and accommodation level governance.
When aligned with iso 21401, eco labels and destination certifica-
tion programmes can move beyond symbolic signalling and contribute
to structured, credible, and scalable self-regulation within the accommo-
dation sector.

the mast protocol as a self-evaluation instrument

The mast Protocol translates iso 21401 requirements into accessible
and operational guidance tailored to accommodation smes. As a self-
evaluation instrument, it supports voluntary engagement with sustain-
ability management by functioning as:
• A preparatory tool that builds awareness and supports readiness for
more formal certification processes.
• A continuous improvement guide that helps organisation’s structure
and prioritise sustainability actions over time.

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