How does a sustainability label work in the tourism sector? What are the advantages of being labeled? How to choose the right label and get it? The EU-funded SwitchMed programme has produced a publication to help tourism practitioners in the Southern Mediterranean region find the answers to questions related to the certification of tourist accommodation and tour operators.

The guide synthesises the lessons learned from the eco-labeling experience of two pilot projects supported by SwitchMed in Tunisia: Dar Zaghouane and the tourism agency Tunisia Ecotourism.

This publication presents pertinent recommendations for those involved or interested in a sustainability approach in the countries of the southern Mediterranean. For tourist accommodation, this guide provides a better understanding of the existing labels and what steps must be taken to obtain certifications. For tour operators, the guide presents the different possible options to consolidate the responsible tourism approaches and to communicate on these approaches, notably through the labels.

The guidebook is only available in French for now.

The SwitchMed sustainable consumption and production programme aims to promote a switch by the Mediterranean economies towards sustainable consumption and production patterns and green economy, including low-emission development, through demonstration and dissemination of methods that improve resource and energy efficiency. It also seeks to minimise the environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of products and services and, where possible, to promote renewable energy.

Read more

Press release

Download the guidebook (FR)

SwitchMed website