# Nachricht # Empowering Sustainable Tourism: Funding opportunities supporting SMEs to obtain the EU Ecolabel certification or EMAS registration [ commercial ](https://eu-ecolabel.de/en/the-eu-ecolabel/news/commercial "commercial")| 12/21/2023 A new call for proposals targeting SMEs in the tourism sector has been announced. A new call for proposals targeting SMEs in the tourism sector has been announced: “[Transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem – empowering tourism SMEs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/smp-cosme-2023-toursme-01?keywords=tourism&programmePart=&pageNumber=2)”. The primary goal is to assist the EU tourism sector to become more resilient and adopt more environmentally friendly and robust practices. The funding is designed to deliver a comprehensive package of support that includes training, financial assistance as well as advisory services, offered through a collaborative partnership, including key stakeholders in the tourism industry. **Who is the target audience for this funding mechanism?** The end beneficiaries of the funding mechanism are SMEs, including start-ups and entrepreneurs. Applications are welcome from consortia including key tourism industry stakeholders, business support organisations, specialised consultancies, tourism professionals, etc. (read the eligibility criteria in the [call text](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/smp/wp-call/2023/call-fiche_smp-cosme-2023-toursme_en.pdf#page=26&zoom=100,102,953)). **Why is it relevant to the EU Ecolabel and EMAS?** Among the various strategies available to assist SMEs in the tourism industry, the EU Ecolabel, together with the EMAS, the EU Eco-management and EMAS scheme - stands out as a credible and widely recognised scheme for enhancing resilience and sustainability. As such, **applicants can focus part of their proposal towards the promotion of environmentally friendly practices and/or adoption of certifications schemes such as the EU Ecolabel or EMAS**. Examples of activities may include: - **Increase awareness and train key tourism stakeholders** on EU certifications such as the EU Ecolabel and EMAS. - **Offering customised consulting services for SMEs**, including technical assistance, coaching or peer-to-peer learning initiatives, specifically geared towards achieving EU Ecolabel certification/EMAS registration for hotels or other accommodations. - **Gathering and showcasing success stories from establishments that already hold the EU Ecolabel certification** ([Tourist Accommodation Catalogue](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel-home/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation-catalogue_en))/EMAS registration aimed at increasing industry and policy-maker awareness. Collaborative project partnerships can also benefit – under certain conditions - from **direct financial support** to cover sustainability certifications , like **EU Ecolabel certification /EMAS registration costs** and implementation costs related to the certification/registration. **Budget** Projects are anticipated to range between €1,700,000 and €2,125,000 for a maximum available funding of €8,500,000. Projects should last between 30 months and 36 months. Projects are financed through grants. **Deadline** 21 February 2024 (17:00 GMT+1). **Policy framework** This funding mechanism is part of the European Commission [EU Transition Pathway](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/industry/transition-pathways_en) outlined in the updated Industrial Strategy (COM(2021)350 final), particularly the [Single Market Programme (SMP)](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/eu-funding-and-businesses/guide-eu-funding-tourism/single-market-programme-smp_en), which aims to make the EU single market stronger and boost SMEs' competitiveness and sustainability. **More information** - Call page: [Transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem – empowering tourism SMEs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/smp-cosme-2023-toursme-01?keywords=tourism&programmePart=&pageNumber=2). - The EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation Catalogue: [https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel-home/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation-catalogue\_en](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel-home/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation-catalogue_en) - Single Market Programme (SMP) related to the tourism industry: [https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/tourism/eu-funding-and-businesses/funding-guide/single-market-programme-smp\_en](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/eu-funding-and-businesses/guide-eu-funding-tourism/single-market-programme-smp_en) **ERROR:** Content Element with uid "205" and type "mediaconsent\_cns" has no rendering definition!