Eco-label Project – Marketing for tourism 2006 Work on the Implementation of the EU Eco-label Scheme in the Areas of Marketing Lot 8 Interim Report Ref. ENV. G2/SER/2005/0024 12 July 2006 G & L Werbe und Verlags GmbH Kundmanngasse 33/8 A-1030 Wien in consortium with ENERGON Energie- und Umwelt- management GmbH Jasomirgottstraße 6/7 A-1010 Wien and as subcontractors ACTA Associazione Cultura Turismo Ambiente Via Scarlatti 27 I-20124 Milano SPEED DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS SA 30 Averof Street GR-11141, Athens, Hellas BIO INTELLIGENCE SERVICE S.A. 1 rue Berthelot F-94200 Ivry-Sur-Seine ECOCAMPING e.V. Blarerstr. 56 D-78462 Konstanz ENVIROS Na Rovnosti CZ-120 00 Praha 3 CES Angyal Utca 15/b H-1094 Budapest
Transcript
Eco-labelProject – Marketing for tourism 2006
Work on the Implementation of the EU Eco-label Scheme
in the Areas of MarketingLot 8
Interim ReportRef. ENV. G2/SER/2005/0024
12 July 2006
G & LWerbe und Verlags GmbHKundmanngasse 33/8A-1030 Wien
in consortium with
EnErGon Energie- und Umwelt-management GmbH Jasomirgottstraße 6/7A-1010 Wien
and as subcontractors
ACTAAssociazione Cultura Turismo AmbienteVia Scarlatti 27I-20124 Milano
SPEED DEVELoPMEnT ConSULTAnTS SA30 Averof Street GR-11141, Athens, Hellas
BIo InTELLIGEnCE SErVICE S.A.1 rue BerthelotF-94200 Ivry-Sur-Seine
2. STATUS REPORT ............................................................................................. 5
2.1. Objectives and final output as stated in our proposal..................................................................... 5 2.2. General approach............................................................................................................................... 8 2.3. Organizational framework ................................................................................................................ 9
3. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES IN DETAIL.......................................................... 10
3.1. Kick-off meeting ............................................................................................................................... 10 3.2. Development of Information tools .................................................................................................. 10 3.3. The website ....................................................................................................................................... 12 3.4. Press activities................................................................................................................................... 13
4. FAIRS AND EVENTS....................................................................................... 15
4.1. Ferienmesse Wien, 12–15 January 2006......................................................................................... 15 4.2. Reisepavillon Hannover, 3–5 February 2006 ................................................................................. 16 4.3. Estoril Conference, 16–17 February 2006...................................................................................... 17 4.4. BIT Milan, 18–21 February 2006.................................................................................................... 18 4.5. ITB Berlin, 8–12 March 2006.......................................................................................................... 19 4.6. Reisecamping Essen, 22–26 March 2006 ........................................................................................ 21
5. COUNTRIES REPORT .................................................................................... 22
6. EU WIDE ACTIVITES ...................................................................................... 46
6.1. Tour Operators................................................................................................................................. 46 6.2. Hotel Chains ..................................................................................................................................... 46
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1. Executive Summary
The interim report covers the marketing activities of the contracted team (contractor G&L with Energon, ACTA, Speed, Enviros, CES, BIOIS and Pro Sustainability) from 1st January to 31st June 2006. According to the proposal and the results of the kick-off meeting in Brussels, 17 January 2006, all activities were carried out very successful.
The main objectives:
• Increase the level of awareness • Find new applicants
Before the team started the implementation activities starter-kits were produced containing information and necessary application documents about the EU Eco-label. These starter-kits were sent to our partners who will actively disseminate the kits among applicants. During the first project period the team did co-ordinate its activities with the relevant CB’s for harmonized implementation activities in the individual member states. The 9 targeted countries are Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Spain. The team could already organise a number of events to promote the EU Eco-label and did already launch several application processes in various accommodation services and campsites. As planned we organised several meetings during the first six months and were present at several fairs such as Ferienmesse Wien, Reisepavillon Hannover, BIT Milan, ITB Berlin, Reise Camping Essen. At these fairs we organised press activities, presentations and hosted information stands to present the EU Eco-label to visitors. We also started to find partners in our target countries to win new applicants. This could be achieved by co-operating with regions (such as Nationalpark Hohe Tauern in Austria (www.nationalpark.at)) and with tour operators (such as MyTravel, which whom we currently co-operate to win applicants within the VIVA-Hotels group (www.hotelsviva.com) on the Balearic Islands.) Based on previous contacts we focused our activities on tour operators which have been active in sustainable tourism. We had several meetings during ITB Berlin in March 2006. Co-operation partners are MyTravel, LTU and support is also expected from TUI. We started our press activities at ITB in Berlin in March. We organised a press conference together with partners from Germany, Balearic Islands and Austria and could target many journalists who were already at this important fair. The main message was the launch of our project and in details the activities in the target countries. This basic press release was used from the partners to start activities in their countries.
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One of our strategies is to perform a minimum service for the eco-labeled hotels by providing a „Where-to-stay-guide”. This informative brochure contains all hotels which have been awarded up to now and have been distributed at fairs. It is also downloadable at the marketing website. The info and marketing website www.eco-label-tourism.com was updated regularly.
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2. Status report
2.1. Objectives and final output as stated in our proposal
In our activities we focused on the implementation of the EU Eco-label as follows:
2.1.1. Preliminary activities
• Identify interested parties for targeted information To get in-depth-knowledge about all key stakeholders a first general review was undertaken by the expert team. We took into account the relevance, size, influence and co-operation etc. of the key stakeholders. On the basis of these results the communication activities were started.
• Planning of Kick-off-Meeting in Brussels In order to co-ordinate the planned activities between the team members and the EU Commission, a kick-off meeting was organised. The meeting took place on 17th of January in Brussels. All contracting offices sent partners to this meeting. The output was confirmed package of activities.
• Production of relevant materials to inform key players and stakeholders Before starting all country and EU-wide activities a set of materials had to be produced: starter-kit, brochures, roll-ups, press-kit etc. All the productions were completed in April.
2.1.2. National implementation
Based on our experiences and previous projects we concentrated mainly on the dissemination of the EU Eco-label in pre-defined partner countries. It was planed to implement more or less the same strategy, methodology and tasks in all countries. However, as the implementation of the EU Eco-label is more successful in some countries than in other ones due to different reasons (organisational structures, budgetary situation etc.) it makes sense to develop more country specific strategies. Dependent on the current implementation success we see following cluster-strategy: 1. Member States: Countries with existing EU Eco-labelled services: main focus on acquisition of new companies, market penetration and set up a service for labelled companies Countries with no existing EU Eco-labelled services: main focus on pilot acquisition of first movers (and win as best-practice examples) Countries with existing national Eco-labelled services: main focus on getting a harmonisation process
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2. New Member States: First of all it will be necessary to provide Competent Bodies with all necessary information to start a sustainable information process for the implementation of the EU Eco-label scheme. We will give personal advice so that the information process towards tourist accommodation services and campsites can be started. This includes the production of information material and acquisition tools in native language. As a next step first applicants (first movers) should be found and informed on the criteria. 3. The national marketing objectives in detail: • Pilot-acquisition:
Implementation of the EU Eco-label in at least twenty-five tourist accommodation services or campsite services in 9 countries (including three in the New Member States). Countries are Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Spain.
• Support Competent Body (consultancy, provision of acquisition tools) • Meeting with stakeholders, tour operators etc. • Continous press activities in targeted countries
# 6 Spain Pro Sustain., Energon 1 1 Best-practice, Balearic islands, first mover
# 7 Czech Republic Environ 1 1 2 Best-practice, first movers
# 8 Hungary CES 1 1 2 Best-practice, first movers
# 9 Slovenia Energon, G&L 1 1 Best-practice, first mover
# 10 France BIO IS 1 1 Best-practice, first mover, harmonisation
optimal 27
at least 25 Result in brief: At the beginning we finalised the co-operation with Competent Bodies, defined regions and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. First implementation activities we started in Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Italy.
2.1.3. EU-wide implementation
Nevertheless we will focus also on common activities on EU level.
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The EU-wide activities cover following areas:
• Contact main tour operators and campsite guides Result in brief: Based on previous contacts we focused our activities on tour operators who have been active in sustainable tourism. We had meetings during ITB 2006. Co-operation partners are MyTravel, LTU and support is also expected from TUI.
• Acquisition of hotel-chains (via head offices), hotels and campsites Result in brief: We started to find partners in our target countries. With support of MyTravel we currently build a co-operation on the Balearic Islands with VIVA-Hotels (http:// www.hotelsviva.com).
• Promotion to raise the level of awareness and to make the flower more visible. At least three presentations at fairs and meetings to present the EU Eco-label at hotels or hotel-chains and campsite services were scheduled.
Result in brief: As planned we organised several meetings during the first six months and were present at several fairs such as ITB Berlin, BIT Milan and Ferienmesse Wien. At these fairs we organised press activities, presentations and hosted information stands to present the EU Eco-label to visitors.
• Production of a starter-kit for acquisition
Result in brief: Before we started the implementation activites we produced starter-kits con-taining information and documents about the EU Eco-label. These starter-kits were sent to our partners who will actively disseminate the kits among applicants.
• Provide necessary documentation (press-kit) for national and EU-wide press activities
Result in brief: We started our press activities at ITB in Berlin in March. We organised a press conference together with partners from Germany, Balearic Islands and Austria and could target many journalists who were present at this large fair. The main message was the launch of our project and in details the activities in the target countries. This basic press release was used from the partners to start activities in their countries.
• Service for eco-labeled hotels (production of a “Where-to-stay-guide”) Result in brief: One of our strategy is to perform a minimum service for the eco-labeled hotels by providing a „Where-to-stay-guide”. This informative brochure contains all hotels which have been awarded up to now and have been distributed at fairs. It is also downloadable at the marketing website.
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2.2. General approach
We embark following approach in detail:
1. Identify potential hotel groups, special interest hotels and campsite services.
Identify applicants by direct contacts and use of networks of tourist federations, municipalities, chamber of commerce, NGO's and create synergies by merge marketing and promotional activities:
• Marketing support for increase eco-label marketing • Material dissemination • Co-ordinated presentations
Benefit: List of all target groups
2. Enforce targeted acquisition. Develop a system for targeted acquisition including:
• Tourist accommodation services (in regard to environmental issues,
Competent Bodies (CBs) play a key role in the implementation of the EU Eco-label scheme at national level. Due to our experience we know that the imput of the CBs is quite different. In few countries they act powerfully, but normally they do not have financial and personal resources to assist on a larger scale. Our expectations are as follows:
• Good basis of communication and discussion • Support ongoing application activities • Act as speaker at meetings, presentations (e.g. fairs) • Distribution of promotional materials • Setting links at national web-sites
Initial talks were held with the many CBs and co-operations could be built.
2.3.2. Partnership with key-players
The acquisition of hotels will be only successful if there are important benefits. One of this benefit could be the close co-operation with relevant tour-opera-ors. First of all we intend to co-operate with members of the tour operators initiative. Good contacts already exist with the tour operator organisation ‘My Travel North’, which is willing to co-operate in Greece and Spain. Other partners could be LTU, Studiosus, CTS, Orizzonti and Settemari in Italy. We also had contact to TUI, who are more and more openminded towards the EU Eco-label for tourism. The main criteria for a co-operation is the willingness to support sustainable tourism in Europe. The acquisition of campsites will be only successful if co-operation with relevant tour guides can be build. First talks were already held with ADAC. Furthermore, other tour guide developers should be contacted as well to make the flower more visible.
2.3.3. Marketing team
For a successful implementation of the EU Eco-label we selected experts with in depth knowledge of the tourism marketing, especially sustainable tourism and experience with the EU Eco-label for our marketing team. Our team consists of:
• Ernst Leitner, marketing and environmental expert (EU Eco-label, Austrian Eco-label, etc.)
• Dagmar Diwok, Italian environmental expert (EU Eco-label, EMAS etc.) • Stella Alexopoulou, Greek environmental expert (EU Eco-label, EMAS,
etc.) • Rainer Stifter, Austrian and international environmental expert (EU Eco-
label, EMAS etc.) • Cecile des Abbayes, French expert (EU Eco-label help desk) • Marco Walter, German environmental expert for campsites
(EU Eco-label, Ecocamping) • Ana Moreno Avana, Spanish expert (EU Eco-label auditor) • Monica Pribilova, Enviros, environmental expert in Cech Republic • Vilma Eri, CES, environmental expert in Hungary
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3. Preliminary activities in detail
3.1. Kick-off meeting
All partners participated in the EU Commission Kick-off Meeting in Brussels including one presentation regarding the implementation activities in the home country (first approach, objectives, situation …). The meeting was co-ordina-ted by Ernst Leitner and Rainer Stifter. All activities have been discussed and confirmed by representatives of the EU Commission.
3.2. Development of Information tools
3.2.1. Starter-kit
The objective of the starter-kit is to provide precise comprehensive infor-mation to all participants of the national activities. The starter-kit contains: Brochures, business fact sheets, application pack, verification pack, editorial letter, give-aways. As an extra a CD-ROM was produced, which contains all relevant documents for the application process. 270 kits were produced for LOT #8 and partially sent to following partners:
Starter-Kits LOT #8
Recipient Date Number
Cyprus, Competent Body End of March 20
Italy, ACTA Milan April 30
Greece, SPEED April 30
France, BIOIS April 10
Hungary, CES April 20
Czech Republic, ENVIROS April 20
Germany, ECOCAMPING April 30
Austria, home office May 20
Other: EU Commission, Austrian Consumer Association (VKI, Austria), Alpheeis (Daniela Sanna), My Travel (Kim Hansen), Landidyllhotels
May 10
Spain, Pro Sustainabilty Will be disseminated Sept. 20
Slovenia Will be disseminated at the planned meeting
20
Available at office of G&L 40
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3.2.2. Info-brochures
In order to provide professional promotional materials information brochures were produced in Hungarian and Czech (each 1,500 packs). Other languages are available at the Eco-label helpdesk. The Czech and Hungarian brochures have meanwhile been sent to the national partners, who started to disseminate during meetings and presentations.
3.2.3. MS Power point
For meetings a professional MS Power Point-presen-tation is provided in English. The partners modified this presentation for their own purpose and translated it into their native languages. The presentations cover general information on the scheme, benefits and advantages, overview of criteria and marketing implementation.
3.2.4. Roll-ups
A powerful info-tool is the EU Eco-label roll-up which was produced at the beginning of the project period. It is at present permanently in use for presentations at meetings, photo-shootings, press events etc. The standard roll-up is in English. Another one is available in Italian and already in use by the Competent Body in Italy.
3.2.5. Where to stay guides
Based on the success of the “Where to stay guide” of the EU Eco-labelled hotels we produced a “Where to stay guide” in German, English and Italian in order to present the first European Eco-labelled companies. The German and Italian versions were printed digitally with about 500 items each. The guides were available at all fairs and events: Ferienmesse Vienna, Reisepavillon Hannover, BIT Milan, ITB Berlin, Reise Camping Essen and the presentation workshops. All versions are available as PDF at www.eco-label-tourism.com.
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3.3. The website
The info and marketing website www.eco-label-tourism.com provides easy access to reliable information regarding the appli-cation process. To keep the web-site attractive, it is our aim to update it regularly. See the list of articles in the following list which have been launched during the first half year.
Web site articles
Articles - Success Stories Source Date
Green hotels for Austria’s most magnificent alpine region Hohe Tauern National Park
Hohe Tauern National Park
January 2006
Alpi Marittime – A Park with Two Certifications
Alpi Marittime Natural Park
May 2006
Youth hostels win first green awards, Lockton, North Yorkshire, Langdon Beck in North Pennines Area, United Kingdom
DEFRA May 2006
First hotels awarded the Flower in France and Malta – Les Orangeries and Hilton Malta
EU Commission
June 2006
Articles – Fair reports Source Date
ITB Berlin 2006 – The place to be Berlin
G&L March 2006
Big acquisition tour in Cyprus Cyprus
Speed Consultants
April 2006
First Czech seminar on the EU Eco-label, Prague Enviros April 2006
Presentations of the EU Eco-label for services (tourist accommodations services) in co-operation with the "Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern" Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
Hohe Tauern National Park
May 2006
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3.4. Press activities
Presence in the media is important to reach wide audience. We carried out our activities in connection with presentations at fairs or relevant meetings. We followed our activities as stated in our proposal:
• One kick-off press release to announce the ongoing activities and the programme for the coming months. This main press event took place at ITB Berlin in March 2006 (see fair report in the annex).
• Provide articles for journalists concerning the EU Eco-label (background information).
• Collect magazine clippings with articles about the EU Eco-label Kick-off press event Press brunch about the European activities of the EU Eco-label in nine European regions, Friday, 10.03.06 from 10.30 until 11.30 am. During this press brunch we introduced the new EU-project aiming at dis-seminating the EU-Flower in 9 member states. Focus lies on the following regions: Italy (Trentino, Sicily); Greece (Kos, Rhodes Island); Germany (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria); Austria (Hohe Tauern/Salzburg); Cyprus; Spain (Balearic Islands,) Czech Republic (National Park Areas); Hungary (Balaton area); Slovenia (Julian Alps) and France. Press activities Germany The following table gives an overview of the press activities in Germany: Press Activity Result Date
Advertisement in “Verträglich Reisen”
published Jan. 2006
Report about project in ECOCAMPING Newsletter 2/2006
350 recipients (campsites, stakeholders, authorities, tourist and environmental associations, etc.)
25.2.2006
Article about activities of ECOCAMPING for EU Eco-label
Report in Campingwirtschaft Heute 2/06
Feb/March 2006
Press release during Camping Forum of German Campsite Association and Fair Essen
March 2006
Report about EU Eco-label stand at the fair in Essen in ECOCAMPING Newsletter 3/2006
350 recipients (campsites, stakeholders, authorities, tourist and environmental associations, etc.)
31.3.2006
Interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung“ about ECOCAMPING and EU Eco-label
Article published in April 13/14.04.2006
Presse release about stand at fair Essen
Report in Campingwirtschaft Heute 3/06
April/May 2006
Television report about EU Eco-label for Campingplatz Elbsee, Aitrang
On television “Bayern3” 23.5.2006
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Press activities Greece During the reporting period, SPEED submitted an Eco label short presentation article (for tourism and for products) to ECOTEC magazine (published maga-zine) and to the HOTELS & RESTAURANT magazine (internet magazine). ECOTEC has not included this short presentation in its material while HOTELS & RESTAURANT gave space to its website for the presentation of the EU Eco-label in tourism. Press activities Austria We focused our activities on two important points: the co-operation with the Nationalpark (NP) Hohe Tauern and the start of the ongoing project. Press Activity Result Date
Press conference in Vienna Official press release of NP Hohe Tauern
10. 1. 2006
Press release starting the project
Official announcement of project start (press conference ITB)
March 2006
Press release in Mittersill Official press release about the co-operation with NP Hohe Tauern
18.5. 2006
Press activities in Hungary A press conference with the Hungarian Tourist Office/Board took place on 5 July 2006 in co-operation with the Hungarian CB. A detailed report will be attached in the final report. Press activities in Italy Press relations is basically done by ARPA, mostly parallel to regional workshops. Generally, in Italy the interest for similar issues is very low in the press, specialized as well as generalist. Environmental issues are usually only touched connected to natural desasters or discoveries of major environmental pollution or crimes. Positive initiatives like the Ecolabel are not „notice” and therefore press releases, pictures and contacts are not followed up by the journalists.
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4. Fairs and Events
One of the major tasks is the presentation of the EU Eco-label at important fairs and events in close co-operation with Competent Bodies, tourist asso-ciations and important stakeholders. During the presentations the following topics have been presented:
• Framework of the EU Eco-label scheme • How to get through the application process • Criteria to be fulfilled • EU-wide and national marketing benefits
4.1. Ferienmesse Wien, 12–15 January 2006
Type of activity: Presentation of the EU Eco-label for services (tourist accommodations services and campsite services) at the Viennese Tourism Fair from 12-15 January 2006 Where: At the stand of Federal Ministry of Environment Date: Four days from 12–15 January 2006 Place: Fairground Messeplatz 1, hall B The Ferienmesse Wien is the largest tourism fair in Austria. With about 133,000 participants the best result in the history was recorded. During four days the EU Eco-label was presented as co-operation partner at the stand of the Austrian Eco-label. The stand was hosted by representatives from the Federal Ministry and from Eco-label marketing. The main goals of the fair were
• The active presentation to relevant stakeholders in tourism • Raise the level of recognition among decision makers in tourism • Find interest tourist companies to apply for the EU Eco-label • Meet relevant tour operators to position this environmental award and
achieve support We distributed the following promotional material (in German language):
• Where to stay guide for tourist accommodation services • Where to stay guide for campsite services • Eco-label brochures • Fact sheets for tourist accommodation services • Fact sheets for tourist accommodation services • Promotional leaflets from eco-labelled companies (all campsites eco-
labelled in Austria) • Presentation of a self-running PPT-presentation about the EU Eco-
label on an Apple Computer • We also could hang up one big poster (70 x 100 cm) and place the
roll-up behind the desk.
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4.2. Reisepavillon Hannover, 3–5 February 2006
Type of activity: Presentation of the EU Eco-label and participation at events Where: Stand of Ecocamping Date: Four days from 3–5 February 2006 Place: Hannover fairground Reisepavillon Hannover is a unique sustainable tourism forum for travel operators, holiday regions and a great variety of institutions and NGOs worldwide. 18,000 visitors were recorded, approximately 300 exhibi-tors from all over the world participated. Together with Ecotrans the EU Eco-label was presented to key stakeholders in sustainable tourism during several events, e.g journalists, tour operators and consumers. In particular, this took pla-ce during a workshop organized by Ecotrans to illustrate instruments for sustainable tourism (pictures available) and the annual meeting of EUROPARC, the international organisation of nature parks (pictures!). Dagmar Diwok participated in this workshop and could present the EU Eco-label. At several partner stands (Ecocamping, Ecotrans) a lot of brochures for the EU Eco-label could be disseminated to stakeholdes and visitors. The presentation took place on 3rd February 2006, 13.30–15.00 p.m., hall 2, room Prag. The main subject of this meeting was “Making Tourism More Sustainable - helpful instruments and examples of good practice in Europe”. Mrs. Diwok presented “The Adamello
Mrs. Doraja Eberle, Environmental Minister of the Federal province of Salzburg, presents the co-operation
The friendly presentation team hosting the stand
Interested auditory during the presentation of Dagmar Diwok
Marco Walter and Dagmar Diwok
at the stand of Ecocamping
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Brenta Park in Italy as model example in protected/mountain areas”. In her presentation she pointed out the important role of the EU Eco-label as an environmental instrument in protected areas.
4.3. Estoril Conference, 16–17 February 2006
Type of activity: Presentation of the EU Eco-label at the 1st International Conference on Tourism and Environmental Certification Date: 16–17 February 2006 Place: Estoril Conference Center, Portugal More than 110 participants from 12 different countries were gathered in Estoril on the 16-17 February during the 1st International Conference on Tourism and Environmental Certification in Portugal. The international conference was organised by Nordeconsult and took place in the Estoril Conference Center. The main objective of the conference as stated in the programme was to describe and present different environmental management systems and eco-labels available for the tourism industry, including a number of case studies or different tourist enterprises, in order to stimulate the implementation of en-vironmental management systems in the sector as a way to increase competitiveness and sustainability. Rainer Stifter and Ernst Leitner participated in this conference and met rele-vant stakeholders and informed them about the EU Eco-label. Mr. Stifter also achieved an invitation as speaker on the second day. He focused at the beginning of his presentation on the Eco-label in general and explained ongoing activities in Europe. He also introduced the LIFE project “Train-to-Eco-label” which started half a year ago. This is a valuable instrument to support qualification processes in the tourism sector helping optimising environmental processes like energy, water and waste management, which results in reduced operational costs and higher quality. The participation at the conference provided to get outstanding contacts to important stakeholders in the field of tourism and environment. Mr. Leitner and Mr. Stifter utilized the chance to promote the EU Eco-label in this important audience during face-to-face meeting in the break and during lunch and dinner.
Mr. Rainer Stifter presents ongoing projects of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services
Mrs. De Pinto presents the Portuguese experience about the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services
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4.4. BIT Milan, 18–21 February 2006
Type of activity: Presentation of the EU Eco-label for services (tourist accommodations services and campsite services) at BIT Milan Where: Stand of the EU Eco-label (ACTA) Date: Four days from 18–21 February 2006 Place: Fairground Fiera Milano One of the major objectives was to look for potential companies to apply for the EU Eco-Label. Another aspect was to discuss with representatives of certified hotels about their experiences and impressions about the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services. Our strategy was as follows:
• Identify potential regions and hotel groups with a context to nature and environment
• Find partners for the promotion of the EU Eco-Label (e.g. tourist provinces and tour operators)
• Find potential companies to apply for the EU Eco-label (hotels, hotel chains)
We distributed the following promotional material (in Italian/English language):
• Where to stay guide for tourist accommodation services (Italian) • Where to stay guide for campsite services (Italian) • Eco-label brochures (Italian) • Fact sheets for tourist accommodation services (Italian) • Fact sheets for campsite services (Italian) • Promotional leaflets from eco-labelled companies •
We also could hang up the flag and poster (70x 100 cm) and place the “Roll-up” behind the desk. The acquisition team:
Mrs. Dagmar Diwok, 18-21.2.2006; Mr. Rainer Stifter, 18.2.2006
Left: Mrs. Diwok explaining details to a visitor
Right: Mrs. Minestrini congratulating owner of the first Italian campsite, Mr. Valentini from Camping Dolomiti, for the achievement of the EU-Eco-label
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4.5. ITB Berlin, 8–12 March 2006
Type of activity: • Presentation of the EU Eco-label for services (tourist accommodations
services and campsite services) at ITB Berlin • Press Conference to launch the ongoing project • Presentation together with Ugo Pretato, Toroc, Olympic Games Torino
Where: Stand of the EU Eco-label Date: Four days from 8–12 March 2006 Place: Fairground Messe Berlin The ITB Berlin was represented with a stand in hall 4.1. The stand was hosted by Mr. Stefan Tauchhammer and Mr. Ernst Leitner. The ITB is one of the largest tourist fairs in the world. In 2006, more than 162,000 people came, including 94,000 trade visitors, making it the most relevant fair for the EU Eco-label. One of the major objectives was to meet main stakeholders in tourism (hotelgroups, tour operators, representatives of national tourism organisations and relevant journalists) and to look for potential enterprises to apply for the EU Eco-Label. Another aspect was to discuss with representatives of certified hotels their experiences (Hotel Jardim Atlantico) and impressions about the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services. In summary, the fair was important to increase the visibility of the EU Eco-label at main stakeholders in tourism.
We distributed the following promotional material (in German/English language):
• Where to stay guide for tourist accommodation services (German, English)
• Where to stay guide for campsite services (German, English) • Eco-label brochures (main languages) • Fact sheets for tourist accommodation services (main languages) • Fact sheets for campsite services (main languages) • Promotional leaflets from eco-labelled companies • We also could hang up the flag and poster (70x 100 cm) and place the
“Roll-up” behind the desk. All the important contacts will be followed up from the EU Eco-label marketing team! The ITB team:
• Mr. Ernst Leitner, G&L • Mr. Stefan Tauchhammer, G&L • Mr. Rainer Stifter, Energon
Additionally, the following two relevant events were carried out by the European Eco-label team:
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1) Press brunch regarding the European activities of the EU Eco-label in nine European regions, Friday, 10.03.06, 10.30–11.30 am. During this press brunch we introduced the new EU-project aiming at disseminating the EU-Flower in 9 member states. Focus lies on the following regions: Italy (Trentino, Sicily); Greece (Kos, Rhodes Island); Germany (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria); Austria (Hohe Tauern/Salzburg); Cyprus; Spain (Balearic Islands,) Czech Republic (National Park Areas); Hungary (Balaton area); Slovenia (Julian Alps) and France. The following speakers presented their activities: Mr. Pep Martorell, Conselleria de Medi Ambient, Balearic Islands, Carina Dambacher, Eco Camping Germany, Rainer Stifter from Energon, Austria; 2) "Green Torin to Win" – Hosting a public event on success of the European Eco-label in the Olympic region of Torino, followed by a quiz game. Saturday 11.03.06, 14.30–15.00 p.m. The event was opened by Mr. Ernst Leitner, followed by Mr. Rainer Stifter from Energon who introduced the European Eco-label to the public. Afterwards, Mr. Ugo Pretato from the Olympic Team introduced his activities towards the European Eco-label in Torin, Italy. This event was completed by a quiz game held by Mr. Leitner where several hotel stays in the Torin region could be won. For participating in the quiz game the people had to fill in a small ticket. Those, whose tickets where drawn could join the quiz where they had to answer questions on interesting environmental topics. Like every year, the numbers according to the questions were determined by turning the "Eco-label Wheel".
Mr. Leitner moderating the press brunch
Left: Mr. Ernst Leitner moderating the quiz-game Right: Mr. Ugo Pretato, Toroc Torin, and Mr. Ernst Leitner during the interview regarding the Olympic Games
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4.6. Reisecamping Essen, 22–26 March 2006
Type of activity: Presentation of the EU Eco-label for campsites towards campsite owners Where: Stand of the Ecocamping Date: Four days from 22–26 March 2006 Place: Fairground Messe Essen The ECOCAMPING Association set up a stand at the Reise Camping in Essen in order to inform as many vi-sitors and potential camping guests as possible about the European Eco-label. The 30 m2 stand was orga-nised by ECOCAMPING and pre-sented the new EU Eco-label roll-up with the EU-Flower, posters, and brochures in addition to a nature oriented design with flowers, woo-den elements and green parts imita-ting grass. The roll-up and the poster served as primary information about the EU Eco-label and the camping sites that are already awarded with the flower. Brochures supported this approach and were handed over to interested guests. Moreover, information was provided to guests of the fair at the stand by Carina Dambacher, Constance Braun and Marco Walter. The fair registered more than 100,000 visitors during the 5 days. The main part of the visitors was German but also other guests from other European nations were present, e.g. from the Netherlands and France. The EU Eco-label stand has been a good opportunity to inform potential camping and other tourist guests about the EU Eco-label and the already awarded camping businesses. The camping fair in Essen also attracts a lot of campsite managers mainly from Germany but also from other European countries. It is a central meeting event of the branch in spring. This allowed a lot of conversations with campsite managers about the Eco-label. Moreover, various stakeholders have been present and Carina Dambacher, Constance Braun and Marco Walter were involved in various talks and discussions with multipliers and interested parties. Amongst them were the ADAC – German Automobile Club, the BVCD – Federal German Camping Association, CIVD – German Caravan Industry and Trade Organisation, the ECC – European Camping Guide / Drei Brunnen Verlag GmbH, and 11 regional camping associations. At the BVCD-Forum, the central and annual meeting of the Federal German Camping Association, Marco Walter held a presentation about the EU Eco-label for campsites to more than 100 campsite managers and stakeholders. The presentation included information about the criteria, the process of applying for the label and the marketing possibilities.
Marco Walter during the presentation of the EU Eco-label for campsite services
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5. Countries report
5.1. The selection of countries
Implementation in the EU Member States Number State Focus mainly on # 1 Italy • Destination approach in:
Trentino, Sicily • All services: campsites, tourist
# 3 France • Best-practice strategy for campsites # 4 Cyprus • Best-practice strategy for services # 5 Germany • Penetration strategy for campsites # 6 Austria • Destination approach in Styria
• All services: campsites, tourist accommodations
# 7 Spain • Best-practice strategy for tourist accommodation services
• Destination: Islands of Balears Implementation in the New Member States # 8 Czech Republic • Best-practice strategy for services # 9 Hungary • Best-practice strategy for services # 10 Slovenia • Best-practice strategy for services
The selection of countries was done according to the following:
• Need to start an implementation process • Agreed co-operation by the Competent Bodies (personal approval or
consent by email) • Predictable success • Best-practice character (especially in the New Member States) • Available local expert team (native speaking)
Description of the implementation in detail:
5.2. Italy
5.2.1. Situation in Italy
Over the last year, the general awareness regarding the EU Eco-label has made a step forward among Italian entrepreneurs, in particular those who work with foreign customers. The label is starting to be perceived as a possible marketing instrument for the European market. The interest is growing, and several of the Italian regional Competent Bodies are organizing the support for the tourism structures who will be requesting the label.
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Up to now there are 22 certified tourist accommodation services and several others implementing the criteria and should be certified soon. In addition, the first Italian campsite was certified with the support of one of the team members in 2005 (under a different contract).
5.2.2. Objectives
Co-operation with APAT (Mrs. Stefania Minestrini) with following activities:
The main target is to find five businesses (e.g. 2 tourist accommodation services and 3 campsite services) for the EU Eco-label
The target areas are the regions Trentino and Sicily as they have high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks) with local agenda 21-projects
Following services looks successfully: campsites and for tourist accommodation services: B&B, apartments and mountain huts
Preference of one-to-one meetings with potential applicants in co-operation with tourist federations and regional partners
Try to get a co-operation with the Italian tour operator CTS Co-ordinator: Mrs. Dagmar Diwok, ACTA in close co-operation with Mr. Rainer Stifter
5.2.3. Status
a. Trentino Due to previous experiences the project activities in the region of Trentino could be focused straight ahead to acquisition activities.
Supported tourist accommodations Trentino
Name Address /
e-mail Website Description
Villaggio Albergo Pineta Hotels
Via al Santuario 17, Tavon di Coredo, Trento
www.pinetahotels.it Matching mandatory criteria, some optional criteria missing, be ready approx. August
Albergo Park Hotel Villa Luti
P. Risorgimento 40, Campo Lomaso, Trento
www.villaluti.it Matching mandatory criteria, some optional criteria missing, be ready approx. August
Following B&B should be ready towards end of July (see workshop report Trento, Osservatorio Provinciale, 6 June 2006)
B&B Casa Riz [email protected] www.trentinobedandbreakfast.it/beb_dettaglio.asp?BEB_ID=99
see workshop report Trento
Workshop with B&B enterprises of the region Trentino Tuesday, 6th June 2006 Together with the Province of Trento, an agreement has been worked out with the Association of Quality B&B of the area (www.trentinobedandbreakfast.it/ default.asp) to involve the association in a process of group certification with the EU Eco-label. After several individual meetings at the beginning of May 2006, the interested accommodation structures were visited with a check list (with the help of a local consultant, Mr. Paolo Colpo) and their possible compliance with the EU Eco-label was estimated. Over the last weeks, 14 enterprises have been estimated fit to apply for the EU Eco-label. A workshop on the 6th of June was organized in order to finalize further steps.
Mr. Colpo outlining the next steps
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Mr. Colpo lined out the results of the on-site visits to the structures. Possible problems were identified in the unwillingness from local energy providers to guarantee a sufficient quantity of renewable energy in supply for such small enterprises. Other than that, most of the B&B was found nearly ready to comply with all the mandatory criteria, with an average possibility to obtain from 22-28 points in the optional section. They were given the necessary documentation to fill out over the next two weeks, after which another on-site visit will be organized, in order to control and finalize the application process. The workshop then proceeded going again step by step through all the criteria, with Mrs. Diwok and Mr. Colpo clearing up eventual doubts and supplying suggestions. Mr. Fedel from APPA supplied documentation and information regarding the activities of the local CB, which are complementary to the activities of the structures during the application process. He also offered the offices of APPA for the next meeting. It is estimated that until the middle of July, the B&B involved in the project (which is supported by the Province, financing the activities of the local consultant) will be able to finish the application and send the documentation to the Italian Competent Body for verification. A final meeting will take place before that, probably in the first week of July.
b. Sicily
The ongoing activities in Sicily are prepared, but will be followed in the se-cond half of 2006.
c. Sardinia
In Sardinia contacts could be made with the local ARPAT (in charge of APAT to implement the EU Eco-label) and the campsite federation FAITA (faitasardegna.it). Nearly all campsites on Sardinia are members of FAITA. During the yearly meeting on 27 May a presentation of Rainer Stifter was planned to be held but could not be undertaken because of organisational circumstances. However, the local consultant Emanuele Cabras was presenting the EU Eco-label on behalf of Mr. Stifter.
d. Toscana
From previous contacts, we could involve some tourist accommodations from Toscana in our efforts. Many of them are running their businesses environ-mentally friendly since some years. With these prospects, it seems that some of them will be finished with the documentation in autumn.
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Supported tourist accommodations Toscana
Name Address E-mail / Website Description
Agritur Cuor di lupo Caldana Grosseto www.maremmabona.it Working on the documentation
Agritur Lupo Vecchio Giuncarico Grosseto www.maremmabona.it Working on the documentation
Agritur Le Vigne di Caldana
Caldana Grosseto www.maremmabona.it Working on the documentation
B&B Casa Montecucco
Zavorrano Grosseto www.maremmabona.it Working on the documentation
e. Alto Adige – South Tyrol
Based on a contact to the head office of Landidyll Hotels in Vienna we could achieve the interest of the Landidyll Hotel Waldgasthof Tann in Klobenstein am Ritten, www.tann.it. We provided all the application documentations and will support with further advice.
5.2.4. Tour Operator activities
A meeting with the Italian Tour Operator Association (ASTOI) was organised on 2nd May 2006. After several preliminary contacts, this meeting took place in the offices of the Italian Tour Operators Association in Milano between Mr. A. Corti (Astoi, Director of Operations), Mrs. C.Saraceno (Astoi, Press Relations), Mrs. E. Berman (Tour Operator Viaggi del Ventaglio, Environmental Coordinator of the Association), L. Canova (ACTA), D. Diwok (ACTA), and V. Del Giudice (ACTA). The meeting had the objective of co-ordinating eventual initiatives of training and information of the Tour Operators associated with ASTOI regarding environmental initiatives, in particular the EU Eco-label. The result of the meeting was an agreement on a series of workshops for:
1) The environmental responsibles of the different tour operators. 2) The Product managers concerning the EU Eco-label and its requirements
for the second half of 2006, in order to give them the possibility to promote the Eco-label with their staff and suppliers.
5.2.5. Touring Club Italy
On 8.5.2006 a meeting with the Italian Touring Club on the issue of integrating the EU Eco-label in their guides (in particular the Camping guide and the Bandiere Arancioni guide for environmentally friendly destinations) took place. Mr. Girolami (responsible Bandiere Arancioni) declared TCI's readyness to mention the EU Eco-label in their guides, but stated that further discussions on this issue will have to happen on institutional level. The CB has therefore been involved and interactions will continue and be followed up by ACTA too.
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5.2.6. Next steps
• Completion of the certification process of the 14 B&B in Trentino: a further workshop is planned for the end of July, with eventual on spot visits in the accommodations to complete the documentation for submission to the CB.
• Participation at Mondo Natura, Rimini, Sept. 9-17 with workshop and stand • Tuscany: since the Sicilian authorities until now have not supplied the
promised support necessary for the continuation of activities with the Sicilian accommodations, in the meantime the efforts will be concentrated on following the Tuscan accommodations until the completion of the documentation (probably one workshop at the end of August and on spot visits).
• Support to several initiatives taken by the Piemont CB, towards customer awareness and ongoing contact with already certified enterprises.
• Organisation of a press conference and seminar in Trento for the end of September: In order to present the 14 B&B who should arrive at certification in September, together with the municipalities, local CB and hoteliers association, an event is being planned which should involve national TV and press.
5.3. Greece
5.3.1. Situation
Although in Greece two tourist accommodation services are meanwhile certified with the EU Eco-label, a wide promotion of the EU Eco-label is a challenge. Due to the small level of recognition of the EU Eco-label, high fees for hotels with high overnight stays, the EU Flower needs continuous support for a long-term success.
There are also two LIFE-projects which concern Greece and the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services:
Green Drachma 2 (www.greendrachma.gr):
This project aims at building the foundations for the transition from the inten-sive tourism model to the sustainable tourism model in the geographical area of Halkidiki, North Greece. To do so, Green Drachma II organizes a variety of actions, which will create significant benefits for the targeted organizations-enterprises. The project targets mainly to tourist accom-modations (hotels), farmers, agro-food processing industries, environmental friendly suppliers of enterprises and local authorities. The environmental instruments to be adopted are EU Eco-label, EMAS and EUREPGAP.
Shmile (www.shmile.org):
This project will support effective EU-wide promotion and implementation of the EU Eco-label on Tourist Accommodation Services (ELTAS), through de-monstration actions in the Mediterranean region, and through raising awareness across the EU. This will address a number of issues including: reducing energy consumption related to tourism accommodation; use of sustainable construction techniques in the sector; and promotion of local awareness and know-how about sustainability. ELTAS is due to be revised in April 2007, and the project will contribute to this revision. There is one main hotel resort involved in this project: Porto Carras on Halkidike. This tourist
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resort has been implementing the criteria with the help of one of the team members.
5.3.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Greek Competent Body including the following activities:
The main target is to find five businesses (e.g. 3 tourist accommodation services and 2 campsite services) for the EU Eco-label
The target area for tourist accommodation services will be the Dodecanese islands, an archipelago of over 163 islands and islets. We are focusing on the islands of Rhodes and Kos.
Organise one workshop with potential applicants (tourist accommodation services) focusing on hotel-chains or regions with high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks, etc.) in co-operation with tourist fede-rations and tour operators. The workshop will be organised with the contribution of HATA (Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies), Greek Hotels Chamber, Rhodes and Kos Hoteliers’ Associations and Unified Tourism Board of Kos and Nisyros. On behalf of the Ministery of Environ-ment representatives of the Greek Competent Body will participate.
Co-ordinator for Greece: Mrs. Stella Alexopoulou, Speed
5.3.3. Status
During February and March 2006, great effort has been made for the elabora-tion of contacts with stakeholders in Greece. As a result, the main established contacts include:
1. E-mail contact with Mrs. Kriara, environmental responsible of SUNWING RESORT KALLITHEA, Rhodes to discuss the possibility of a workshop organization at Rhodes at the end of April 2006. Mrs Kriara arranged a contact to the Hotels Association of Rhodes
2. E-mail contact with Mrs. Agni Cristidou, manager of Greek Hotels Chamber to provide a support to the communication with the Hotel Associations of Rhodes
3. Contact with the Hotels Association of Rhodes to ask their commitment
4. Phone call and letter to Mr. George Drakopoulos, General Manager of SETE – Association of Hellenic Tourist Enterprises to ask their support
5. Mrs. Despina Diakostavrianou, Manager of Dodecanese Tourism Organisation
As a result of these contacts a commitment of both SETE and Dodecanese Tourism Organisation to support the EU Eco-label promotion in Greece was gained. Mr. George Drakopoulos, General Manager of SETE (Association of Hellenic Tourism Enterprises), as well as Mrs Despina Diakostavrianou, Manager of Dodecanese Tourism Organisation, will support the EU Eco-label promotion activities in Dodecanese which will be implemented by the Marketing Team. Competent Body Communication The contact persons of Greek Competent Body are Mr George Stamatiou and Mrs Paraskevi Xenou (both servants at the Hellenic Ministry for Environment,
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Planning and Public Works). A communication line has been established with them, even before the kick off meeting of the project at Brussels, which is kept active all the reporting period. As a result, Mr. Stamatiou gave a contact to a hotel interested for the European Eco-label and he participated in a technical seminar (externally organised under a different contract) and SPEED staff provided Mr. Stamatiou practical experience regarding the imple-mentation of the EU Eco-label. A frank and trustful relationship between the EU Eco-label promotion team and the contact persons of ASAOS is very important for the highest efficiency and results of this project. Acquisition activities beyond Dodocanese Islands Mrs. Maria Menounou visited the Hotel “Xenones Pola” located in Avia village of Messinia Prefecture in South Peloponneese area, on the 20th of April 2006. Mrs. Menounou presented the EU Eco-label’s implications for tourist accommodations, the criteria requirements and the application process. She went through all the mandatory criteria in order to determine if the already applied environmental measures at the hotel are aligned with the EU Eco-label’s requirements, the effort the people of the hotel have to put in improving the hotel’s environmental performance, the probability of the hotel to be awarded. After two weeks, SPEED had a phone call with them, who announced that they are not able to meet the Eco-label criteria, at least at present. The detailed report of this acquisition activity is given attached to this report. No other acquisition activity took place at this period because the hotel owners were engaged at the preparation of their hotels for their operation for the high season (April – September). Participation at a workshop A technical workshop addressed to technical staff of hotels, hotel owners and managers was organised in Athens, on 15th–16th of March by the German tour operator STUDIOSUS. The subject of this seminar was the presentation of environmental management issues in the hotels, with main focus on the fulfilment of the European Eco-label criteria. Mrs Dagmar Diwok from ACTA and Mrs Stella Alexopoulou from SPEED were the main introducers at this seminar. The seminar, although it was financed by external sources, had aims and objectives in full agreement with those of the present project of Eco-label promotion.
5.3.4. Next steps
• The main activity for Greece will be the organisation of one presentation workshop with interested hotels on the Dodocanese Islands (KOS, Rhodes).
• Giving support to interested tourist accommodation services in the appli-cation process
• Follow up the contact to Camping Venezuela • Follow up press relations
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5.4. France
5.4.1. Situation
In France there is currently a multiplication of quality/environment certifications for hotels and campsites, which creates some confusion among tourism stakeholders. This explains the lack of visibility of the European Eco-label in the tourism sector in France. The two main competitors of the Flower in France are:
• La Clef Verte (http://www.laclefverte.org/). This is a European environ-mental label dedicated at the beginning for campsites, and which is now extending its scheme for hotels. Created in 1994 in Denmark, this label has been adopted in France in 1998 by “l'Office Français de la Fondation pour l'Education à l'Environnement en Europe” (French Bureau of the European Foundation of Environmental Education). To be certified, campsites and hotels must meet criteria dealing with environmental management, water, energy, waste, cleaning products, green areas, food and environmental education. There are 140 hotels and campsites certified in 2005. This makes a total of more than 200 tourist accommo-dations certified in Europe, mainly in France and Nordic countries.
• HotelCert ® is a quality certification developed by AFAQ (now part of AFAQ-AFNOR), in partnership with French Industry and Trade Chambers (ACFCI), French Hostellers Federation (UMIH), National Federation of Local Tourism Committees (FNCDT) and the French Ministry of Tourism. Some consumer NGOs and tourism associations are also partners of the project. There are currently 173 hotels certified.
According to the French Competent Body, some other European initiatives are also creating confusion among professionals of the sector: for example, the LIFE-Environment project “Eco-camps”, promoting eco-design for rental ac-commodations in campsites, or the VISIT initiative (LIFE-Environment project) about tourism eco-labelling in Europe. Apparently, local institutions in charge of tourism and professionals get confused by the co-existence of these 2 European projects and various other labels in development. They feel there is a lack of synergy between the different initiatives lead by public authorities.
5.4.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Competent Body (Mme Patricia Proia) with following activities:
Organisation of a meeting with a working group of French stakeholders: CB and challenging labels (La Clef Verte, Sites et Paysages de France...) to find synergies.
Build a database of campsites and send a direct mail presenting the EU Flower in order to find a first mover
Contacts with press and campsite guides to get a standard article about the EU Eco-label for campsites.
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Co-ordinator: Mrs. Cècile des Abbayes, BIO Intelligence Service in close co-operation with Mr. Rainer Stifter.
5.4.3. Status
The first EU Eco-label award for services in France was given to Hotel Les Orangeries in May 2006, and more are in the pipeline. So after 3 years of existence, the EU eco-label for tourist accommodations is finally taking off in France.
Various reasons explain this delay in the development of the Flower for services in France:
- The French authorities in charge of the promotion of tourism in France were more focused on the quality of accommodation services in 2003, when the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodations was launched. They were promoting Hotel Cert ®, a quality label for French hotels. Camping Qualité, which is a quality label for campsites in France, is also supported by the French tourism authorities.
- There is some confusion in France amongst all the different sustainable initiatives in the field of tourism: Clef Verte, LIFE-Environment projects Eco-Camps and VISIT, “Pavillon Bleu”… So introducing another ecological label in this field was not easy.
For the moment – as far as we know - no campsite has shown interest in the Flower in France, mainly because the level of awareness is very low. In collaboration with the French CB (Mrs Patricia Proia, AFAQ AFNOR Certification), it was chosen to focus marketing activities on campsites, considering the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodations is now taking off in France. As the competition with other ecological (Clef Verte) and quality (Camping Qualité) labels is quite important in France, and since representatives of these labels had never met to introduce themselves to each other and discuss, it was decided to organize a meeting with them and the French CB, to start discussing and hopefully work on finding synergies. It was also decided to do an informative mailing towards French campsite owners, to inform them of the existence of the Flower, and a press release. State of Implementation A meeting with Clef Verte, Camping Qualité and the French CB took place in the premises of Clef Verte in Paris on May, 24th. The minutes of this meeting are enclosed. The main conclusions of this meeting are: Co-operation potential: Co-operation is possible with Camping Qualité, but Clef Verte said neither yes nor no. So it seems that “doors are not entirely closed” with them, but they are waiting to see if the EU Eco-label for services continues its current development, and to be convinced. Next step: The next step, as mentioned in the minutes, is to prepare the document comparing the Clef Verte and EU Eco-label criteria. This document has been prepared, and will be sent to Mrs P. Proia, to get her comments on it. Mrs P. Proia will take care of the follow-up, and we will regularly ask her for updates.
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Strategies of Camping Qualité and Clef Verte: Camping Qualité is obviously going to green their criteria, so it seems better to co-operate with them before having another competing environmental label on the French market. Clef Verte is getting international and increasing its marketing efforts (partnerships with tourism offices, presence in fairs, etc.). So unless a way of collaborating is found, it may become an even more serious competitor of the Flower! - Strengths of Clef Verte:
o High number of holders in several European countries,
o “Easy” criteria,
o International label.
- Strengths of the Flower:
o Official label,
o Many categories of products / services covered (which is an important advantage considering the general demand from all stakeholders to reduce the number of environ-mental labels on the market because consumers get confused),
o Stronger and more credible criteria. It seems that a good strategy to develop for the Flower is to get national, regional and local governments in Europe to recommend the use of the Flower instead of Clef Verte to campsites of their territories. To do so, they need to be informed of the existence of the Flower (which is not the case at least for French local authorities in charge of tourism) and convinced of its superiority. This latest point should be possible considering the above-mentioned strengths of the Flower. Of course, continuing current marketing efforts for the promotion of the Flower for services is essential too. A database of contacts of French campsites is being built To do so, the contacts of all Clef Verte and Site et Paysages de France labeled campsites have been added. A mailing has also been sent to all “Comité Départemental du Tourisme” in France to ask them for the list of campsites of their départements. So far 9 départements (Tarn-et-Garonne, Loir-et-Cher, Lot et Garonne, Gironde, Vaucluse, Vosges, Yvelines, Oise and Manche) have sent their lists. The database, containing so far 895 campsites, is enclosed. One département, le Bas-Rhin, reacted enthusiastically to the mailing, because this department is currently thinking of implementing a policy for a sustainable development of tourism (especially campsites) in their territory. According to the person in charge of promoting tourism in the département, the Flower is the tool they were looking for. He would like to organize a workshop for campsites of the département, to inform them about the EU Eco-label. As we unfortunately do not have the resources to organize this workshop, we transmitted this demand to Mrs Proia, who said she will take care of it.
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NB: this confirms the fact that local governments are –until now- not aware of the existence of the Flower and can be easily convinced to spread information about it to campsites of their territory. A draft mailing for campsite owners has been produced (to be submitted to the French CB, which will send it – we will take care of the follow-up). A draft document comparing the differences between Clef Verte and EU Eco-label criteria for campsites has been produced. For the moment this document is exhaustive, meaning all the Flower criteria (including the facultative ones) are included, but it is not “user-friendly”, because very long. We will discuss with the French CB on the opportunities to shorten it. A database of contacts of campsites guides and magazines has been built. A press release has to be drafted, to be sent to these guides and magazines.
5.4.4. Next steps
• The main activity for France will be a mailing to campsite owners • Creation and sending of a press release to relevant magazines and guides • Follow up press relations
5.5. Slovenia
5.5.1. Situation
With the entry in the European Commission Slovenia also commited itself to establish environmental instruments to improve sustainable tourism. Sustainable consumption and production patterns are dealt with in the Ministries of: Environment and Physical Planning; Economic Affairs - Agency for Rational Use of Energy; and Tourism and Small Enterprise. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Ministry of Transport and Communications are also involved in resolving these issues. Especiall the Ministry of the Economy-Directorate for Tourism intends to take some steps towards sustainable tourism and is willing to co-operate with the EU Eco-label. As target areas eco-sensible regions, e.g. national park area Triglav as well as the seaside will be identified for first activities.
5.5.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Competent Body including the following activities:
Find a first mover for the EU Eco-label Organise one workshop or meetings with potential applicants (tourist accommodation services, campsites) focusing on hotel-chains or regions with high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks, etc.) in co-operation with tourist federations and tour operators
Acquisition process with support of at least on tourist service Co-ordinator: Mr. Rainer Stifter, Energon in close co-operation with Mr. Ernst Leitner, G&L
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5.5.3. Status
We started to find partners for the EU Eco-label in Slovenia in March 2003 (tourist region Julian Alps), had several contacts with relevant stakeholders in tourism (at ITB). Dr. Kopac from the Slovenian Competent Body will support our activities and help organising next steps. First of all we tried to find a commitment with some regions (alpine and seaside regions). We also had contact with the Ministry of the Economy, Directorate for tourism, Mrs. Mateja Tomin Vuckovic. The Ministry intends to institutionalise activities for sustainable tourism and is willing to support the EU Eco-label. To push all these promising activities a meeting is planned to discuss and co-ordinate the ongoing projects. The meeting was planned for April, was postponed and will take place asap.
5.5.4. Next steps
• Organisation of one meeting with the Slovenian Competent Body and the Directorate of Tourism
• Confirm a target area to carry out acquisition activities • Find a first mover
5.6. Cyprus
5.6.1. Situation
Cyprus excels in offering high standard hotels and resorts. Some of these companies have been contacted by the Cypriot Competent Body. There are also some tour operators who are pushing environmental activities among their partner hotels. One hotel already had been awarded the EU Eco-label: Sunwing Hotel (Sandy Bay resort) in Ayia Napa. ACTE (Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises), which supports the promotion of the EU Eco-Label in Cyprus, is the driving force for the necessary quality improvement and upgrading of the local tourism product. Its aim is to enforce sustainability in tourism by achieving a balance between the long-term economic viability and competitiveness of tourist enterprises with environ-mental and cultural respect and protection. The programme of tourist accommodation enterprises EU Eco-label acquisition will run under the auspices of Mrs. Nana Asmeni, Administrative Officer of ACTE, and Mr. Zacharias Ioannidis, General Manager of Cyprus Hotel Association, and will be carried out by the EU Eco-label marketing team supported by the Cypriot Competent Body.
5.6.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Competent Body (Mrs. Eleni Stilianopoulou) with following activities:
Find one tourist accommodation applying for the EU Eco-label Organise meetings with potential applicants (tourist accommodation services) focusing on hotel resorts in co-operation with tourist federations and tour operators
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Acquisition process on-site Co-ordinator: Mrs. Stella Alexopoulou, G&L in close co-operation with Mr. Ernst Leitner, G&L
5.6.3. Result
Firstly, the project team conducted with the Competent Body of Cyprus, in order to get information about the hotels and hotel chains in Cyprus that are interested in applying for the EU Eco-label. The contact person in Cyprian Competent Body is Mrs. Eleni Stilianopoulou. She provided the project team names of six hotels and hotel chains, which have been contacted and consulted between 30th March and 1st April by Maria Menounou from Speed SA. All hotels have been visited on site. By means of an eco-checklist, the managers have been dealt with the criteria of the EU Eco-label. Many of the hotels have already set up environmental performances, especially through ISO 14.0001, and would be fit for the EU Eco-label. Some hotels had problems to match the criteria occurred with windows insulation, electricity from renewable energy sources, disposal of recycled and hazardous waste (e.g. Tochni Tavern, Olympic Lagoon Resort). Some of the hotels applications should require significant investments which can not be done at present (Coral Beach Hotel & Resort), others will take into account the EU Eco-label as main instrument to reduce costs for the future (Louis Imperial Beach Hotel) and are willing to make technical changes to receive it (Aliathon Village Hotel Apartments). Important arguments to set up environmental protection measures are the reduction of costs troubled with the uncontrolled water and energy consumption. The Competent Body will keep contact to the hotels and follow-up possible application processes.
Name of accommodation Type Name of contact
(Hotel Director) Location
Tochni Tavern
(Member of Cyprus Villages
– Traditional Houses)
Agrotourist
hotels chain Sofronis Potamitis
Tochni -
Larnaca
Olympic Lagoon Resort Hotel (member
of chain) Christos Pericou Ayia Napa
Coral Beach Hotel &
Resort
(Member of Leptos Calypso
Hotels)
Hotel (member
of chain) Michalis Evangelides
Paphos -
Coral Beach
Louis Imperial Beach
Hotel
(Member of Louis Hotels)
Hotel (member
of chain) Christos Zenios Paphos
Aliathon Hotel Themis Philippides Paphos
New Helvetia Traditional
hotel Nikos Matheou Platres
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5.6.4. Next steps
• Follow up contacts which had been made at the meetings end of March/beginning April
• Follow up the communication with the Competent Body
5.7. Germany
5.7.1. Situation
All the promotional and acquisition activities in Germany are focusing on campsites, as the situation for tourist accommodation services is at present very difficult due to the political situation (competition of the national award scheme „Viabono”, which is supported strongly by the German Government). The interest from German campsite owners in the EU Eco-label looks very promising and it can be expected that several of them will apply for the scheme this year.
The main strategy is in general to win the German Competent Body as implementation partner and motivate for EU Eco-label-activities (acquisition, press relations etc.)
5.7.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the German Competent Body (Mr. Löwe, UBA Berlin) with following activities:
Find five campsites to apply for the EU Eco-label Organise one workshop with potential applicants (campsites) focusing on regions with high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks, etc.) in co-operation with major stakeholders. The workshop will be organised at “Reisemesse Essen” (22–23 March 2006) including press information (press meeting).
Presentation of info material at “Reisemesse Essen” (22–23 March 2006), and at Reisepavillon Hannover (3–5 Februar 2006) and Caravan Salon Düsseldorf (26 August–3 September 2006)
Presentation of the EU Eco-label at relevant ECOCAMPING workshops Strategy: getting the Competent Body as partner and motivate them for EU Eco-label activities (acquisition, press relations etc.)
Co-ordinator: Mr. Marco Walter, ECOCAMPING Implementation: Mrs Carina Dambacher, ECOCAMPING Audition: Mrs. Bianca Hellriegel, Mr. Wolfgang Pfrommer, ECOCAMPING
5.7.3. Status
Presentations and events In the first half of 2006 the EU Eco-label was presented at several important fairs and events. Find following a general overview and see more details in the reports in the annex.
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Fairs and events in Germany
Event or fair Date Description
Bavarian Campsite Assciation, Lindau
13 March 2006 Presentation during membership meeting of Bavarian Campsite Association
Reisemesse Essen, presentation workshop
22-26 March 2006
Presentation of EU Eco-label at the Camping Forum of the German Campsite Association with 80 participants, most stakeholders of German Camping Sector were present. Additional press release about ECOCAMPING and EU Eco-label
ECOCAMPING workshop, Hamburg
9 June 2006 Presentation during ECOCAMPING Workshop with 30 participants
Acquisition activities In order to inform campsite managers and camping guests about the EU Eco-label a wide range of communication channels was used extensively. Also partners and multipliers were engaged as good as possible. A lot of interested parties were informed and sensitised for the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodations and especially for campsites. Auditing for the EU Eco-label by ECOCAMPING has been successful up to now as can be seen from the following table. This gives an overview of the businesses and the status of the auditing process:
Supported campsites in Germany
Name Description
Campingplatz Salzmann (Bregenz) Audition 9.5.06 Documents will be sent Certification approx. June
Campingplatz Klausenhorn Audition 24.4.06 Documents will be sent Certification approx. June
Campingplatz Alt-Garge Audition 28.3.06 Documents will be sent Certification approx. June
Campingplatz Holmernhof Consulted 17.6.06 Certification approx. July
Campingplatz Stadtwaldsee Audition 30.5.06 Documents will be sent Certification approx. July
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Interested businesses in Germany
Name Description
Inselcamp Fehmarn June/July
TENDA-Camping June/July
CAP Rotach, Friedrichshafen possibly June
Campingplatz Sulzbachtal Consultancy in autumn 2006 requested
Campingplatz Südstrand, Fehmarn Consultancy in autumn 2006 requested
Schwarzwaldcamp, Halbmail Request for information at RAL
W´Hartls Campingplatz Dreiquellenbad, Griesbach
Request for information at ECOCAMPING
Further campsites have expressed their interest and will receive consultancy and information material.
5.7.4. Next steps
• Follow up contacts of all of the consulted campsites • Follow up the communication with the Competent Body • Present the EU Eco-label at the stand of ECOCAMPING during the
Caravan Salon Düsseldorf
5.8. Austria
5.8.1. Situation
Generally speaking, 200 tourist accommodations in Austria have been awarded with the national eco-label since 1996. 5 tourist accommodations have been awarded with the EU Eco-label by now. The Austrian eco-label has strong criteria, a good marketing performance and is well situated in the tourist sector. For both labels – Austrian, EU – the Austrian Federal Ministry for environment is the Competent Body. In 2003 an official marketing plan was released comprising a common strategy for both labels. That means that the EU Eco-label is definitively anchored in all national marketing activities of the Austrian Eco-label.
5.8.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Competent Body (Mr. Martin Büchele) with following activities:
Find five companies (e.g. two tourist accommodations, three camp sites) to apply for the EU Eco-label
Presentation of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services and campsites at the Ferienmesse 2006 (January 2006, four days) in co-operation with the Federal Ministry for Environment
Acquisition activities focusing on hotel-chains or regions with high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks, etc.) in co-operation with the federal government of Styria
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In Austria the Federal Ministry of Environment promotes both labels: the Austrian Eco-label and the European Eco-label. In June 2005 the criteria for the Austrian EU Eco-label had been harmonized towards the EU Eco-label. This will facilitate the application process for the EU Eco-label as it is a main strategy to win applicants for both labels (one audit, reduction on the fees for the Austrian-Eco-label).
Co-ordinator: Mr. Ernst Leitner in close co-operation with Mr. Rainer Stifter
5.8.3. Result
All activities in Austria started in time:
• Co-ordination with the Austrian Competent Body (meeting with Mr. Tschulik, Federal Ministry for Environment),
• participation at Vienna Ferienmesse (January 2006), • Acquisition activities
Due to a change of the political decision-makers in Styria (2005) all environ-mental activities which we planned with the EU Eco-label were stopped. At present it seems that some activities can be continued at the end of 2006 or at least at 2007. For that reason we focused our activities toward the federal country Salzburg, where we found a co-operation partner in National Park Holiday Resort Hohe Tauern. The Hohe Tauern National Park nature preserve is one of the most magnificent landscapes on earth – a Noah’s Arc for thousands of species of plants and animals. It is an island of nature in the heart of Europe. Austria’s highest mountain peaks (the Grossglockner and Grossvenediger), broad stretches of glaciers, Alpine meadows, imposing rock faces and thunderous waterfalls cascading alongside carefully nurtured, centuries-old cultural traditions lend to its unique character. The Hohe Tauern Holiday Resort consists of 19 cosy mountain villages set in the southern most part of Salzburg State. This “green” region is famous for its marvellous landscape and is one of the top destinations for tourists in Austria. In 2006, the Hohe Tauern Holiday Resort started common activities with the EU Eco-label marketing team for sustainable tourism. The main focus was set on the efforts to find applicants for the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodations services as well as for campsite services. In two presentations organised by the Hohe Tauern Holiday Resort, hotels and campsite owners have been informed on the advantages of the EU Flower. This promising programme runs under the auspices of Mrs. Doraja Eberle, Minister for National Parks in Salzburg, and was carried out between the EU Eco-label marketing team and Mr. Christian Wörister, marketing director of Hohe Tauern Holiday Resort (see activity report in the annex). Two info presentations took place on 17 May in Fusch and Hollersbach. Mainly representatives from tourist federations and tourist accommodations participated in the presentations. Organisation and moderation was carried out by members from the Ferienregion Hohe Tauern. Speakers were Mr. Ernst Leitner and Mr. Rainer Stifter. Both focused on the scheme, application procedure and the criteria.
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As a result following companies have been consulted and eco-checked. For both, the EU Eco-label criteria can be fulfilled and they are willing to apply after summer.
On-site inspection, eco-check with application documents
5.8.4. Next steps
• Follow up contacts of all of the consulted tourist accommodation services • Mailing to all services (tourist accommodations and campsites) in the
Ferienregion Hohe Tauern • Give support to interest applicants (marketing team, ecoconsultants) • Follow up all the contacts in the Ferienregion Hohe Tauern • Follow up the communication with the Competent Body
5.9. Spain
5.9.1. Situation in Spain
Regarding to EU Eco-labeling activities there is little progress. Spain faces the particular situation that it has several Competent Bodies (due to autonomous regions) and that still by now it is often not clear which Competent Body is
Mr. Stifter explains the criteria of the EU Eco-label Mr. Leitner at his presentation on the EU Eco-label scheme
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responsible for which area. Up to the present moment there are 3 tourist accommodation services certified. In some regions there are eco-labels or eco-awards with local coverage:
• Alcúdia – Municipio Ecoturístico • here Hotels - Quality for Life • El Distintivo de garantía de calidad ambiental
In our activities we concentrate on the Balearic Islands. Tourism is the main economic activity in the Balearic Islands and the islands are one of the main tourist destinations in Europe. For several years, the regional government of the Balearic Islands has been reducing environmental impacts of its tourist activities. Great effort has been addressed to reduce the impact in wastewater treatment, as well as promoting the establishment of solar energy installations. This government has also tried to promote the application of environmental good practices and environmental management among the numerous tourist centres in the Balearic Islands. Since the end of 2004, the Balearic Government has set up a Competent Body for the EU Eco-label and at the end of 2005 the first holiday resort was awarded with the EU Eco-label (Sunwing Resort Bouganvilla). Throughout the coming years, the EU Eco-label should help to improve the environmental situation with particular focus on waste management and better usage of resources on the islands. The Balearic Competent Body will support activities to increase the number of EU Eco-labelled accommodation services on the Balearic Islands. Information activities for interested hotels had been planned for June 2006, but were postponed for September 2006.
5.9.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Competent Body of Balears (Mr. Chacartegui) with following activities:
Find one applicant for the EU Eco-label Organise one workshop or meetings with potential applicants (tourist accommodation services) focusing on hotel-chains located on the Isle of Balears with high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks, etc.) in co-operation with tourist federations and tour operators (mainly German TO’s).
Co-ordinator: Mr. Rainer Stifter, Energon with support of Mrs. Ana Moreno Avena (Spanish native speaker).
5.9.3. Status
Due to some difficulties the Competent Body on the Balearic Islands, Mr. Charcategui, could not organise a planned workshop in June. We decided to follow up our activities in close co-operation with tour operators and hotel groups. We invited the tour operators My Travel, LTU and TUI for a close co-operation and we received an early reply from Kim Hansen. Based on this situation we will organise meetings on Mallorca in September 2006 in co-operation with Viva Hotel Group. The presentations will be carried out by Rainer Stifter, Energon; Ana Moreno Avena, Pro Sustainability in close co-operation with Dir. Charcetegui, Competent Body.
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5.9.4. Next steps
• Follow up contacts to the local Competent Body • Find interested hotels which participate in a workshop and in the application
for the EU Eco-label • Give support to interest applicants
5.10. Czech Republic
5.10.1. Situation
The process of environmental awareness has just started in the New Member States. Czech Republic shows a favourable trend in the development of tourism. In this process sustainable tourism is integrated at the national level (Czech Republic Strategy for Sustainable development). The Czech Republic concentrates the promotion of sustainable form of tourism mainly in protected areas and in locations where the most fragile ecosystems are located (source: Czech Federal Ministry of Environment). Projects have been created in co-operation with regional centres regarding education and assistance programmes for tourist information centres and the administration staff of protected landscape areas. The Czech Competent Body told that people are quite open minded towards sustainable tourism. Therefore, it would be reasonable to enforce activities in some areas to create best-practice examples that could trigger a positive effect on the other New Member States.
5.10.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Czech Competent Body with following activities:
Find two applicants for the EU Eco-label (one tourist accommodation service, one campsite owner)
Starting a pilot-process in co-operation with the Competent Body, tourist federations and relevant stakeholders focusing on hotels or regions with high relevance to nature and environment (nature parks, etc.)
Find a first applicant (first mover) Co-ordinator: Mrs. Monika Pribylova, Enviros, in close co-operation with Mr. Ernst Leitner, G&L
5.10.3. First Czech Seminar on the EU Eco-label
A first seminar took place on 12 April 2006 in Hotel Adalbert (in premises of historical monastery called Břevnovský klášter) in Prague. The target groups were hotels and pensions in middle Bohemia region covering Prague, with size of 20–120 beds. There were 26 participants from whom 11 were representatives of hotels, pensions and other accommodation services, several representatives from national board on eco-labeling tourist services (representatives from MoE, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry for local development, European centre for Ecological and Agricultural tourism, Accommodation services association,…). The program was prepared in close co-operation with the Czech Eco-label Competent body (the Eco-label Agency).
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The program consisted of: • Opening - presenting the aim
of the seminar, introduction of the EU project for support of EU Eco-label in tourism by Monika Přibylová, Enviros.
• Presentation of MoE’s role in the eco-label system (activities in tourism area) by Mr. Daniel Hájek, MoE
• Presentation of requirements for awarding the Eco-label, benefits and costs for accommodation operators, Eco-label award procedure by Ms. Adéla Princová, Eco-label Agency, CENIA
• Sharing of experience with obtaining the 1st EU Eco-label in the tourist accommodation category in the Czech Republic by Mr. Filip Kühnel, director of Adalbert hotel
• Presentation of implementation benefits of EU Eco-label in tourist accommodation in by Ernst Leitner, G&L
• Discussion • Visit of hotel Adalbert premises with discussion of changes needed to
comply with the Eco-label criteria.
Result of the seminar: • The director of Adalbert hotel expressed that the interest and support of
the CB and Enviros in awarding his hotel with the 1st EU Eco-label in the CR was great incentive for achieving the criteria needed for obtaining the EU Eco-label. The official Award of the EU and Czech Eco-label took place on 25th April. For more information see: www.hoteladalbert.cz/en/eco_label.php?
• Immediately after the end of the seminar Mr. Zbyněk Čermák from Pension Primus expressed interest in applying for the EU Eco-label. He was given the full version of the criteria and had one meeting with the CB (Ms. Princova).
5.10.4. Status
Based on the communication with the Competent Body and discussion on the 1st Czech seminar on the EU Eco-label which took place 12.4.2006, various dissemination channels are being considered and used. The easiest option is internet information. At this moment, there is information about the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services on the website www.ekoznacka.cz. The seminar was advertised on website of eco news (www.ekolist.cz) and on the website of Enviros (www.enviros.cz) The newly translated brochures were disseminated partially during the above mentioned seminar. Representatives of eco tourist accommodation association and other tourists associations asked for taking a small package of the brochures to distribute during their activities. The Eco-label was promoted during business breakfast of the British Chamber of Commerce on 25th of May. An article describing the EU Eco-label promotion project in the Czech Republic and its activity was issued in the Environmental aspects quarterly magazine 2/2006.
Monika Pribylova during her presentation
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Further dissemination activities will include communication with representa-tives of regional tourist offices and environmental NGOs, placement of information about Eco-label on various tourist relevant internet sites and communication with potential applicants. A second seminar for the EU Eco-label tourist accommodation service is planned during the Flower week in the middle of October 2006 in České Budějovice or Český Krumlov in co-operation with the regional authority of South Bohemia region. This seminar will have two parts – one focused on tourist accommodation and other on camps. Enviros will be responsible for getting the participants and CB will help with presentation and communication with the regional authority. Mr. Leitner will also be one of the speakers.
5.10.5. Next steps
• Follow up relevant contacts of the 1st Czech seminar (representatives of hotels which showed interest in more information)
• Give support to interest applicants namely pension Primus • Organise a meeting in South-Bohemia – identify and contact potential
participants both from tourist accommodation and camps • Support the CB in attracting new applicants with aim getting at least one
more applicant from tourist accommodation or campsites • Follow up the communication with the Competent Body
5.11. Hungary
5.11.1. Situation
Sustainable tourism is also a relevant issue in Hungary, which can be conclu-ded from the many ongoing activities. A main focus in previous times was set in the development of rural tourism. Meanwhile Hungary is an active partner in the European Community. The EU Eco-label therefore is an important instru-ment for the coming efforts of Hungary towards sustainable tourism. One tourist accommodation was awarded the EU Eco-label last year. It will be a challenge to find more applicants in Hungary. With the support from the Hun-garian Competent Body as well as the national tourism authorities it should be found a adequate strategy.
5.11.2. Objectives
Co-operation with the Competent Body with following activities:
Find two applicants for the EU Eco-label (one tourist accommodation service, one campsite owner)
Starting a pilot-process in co-operation with the Competent Body, tourist federations and relevant stakeholders focusing on hotels or regions with high relevance to nature and environment (Lake Balatony)
Co-ordinator: Mrs. Vilma Era, CES in close co-operation with Mr. Ernst Leitner, G&L
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5.11.3. Status
The implementation of the EU Eco-label in the region of Lake Balaton is supported by Mr. Toth from the Regional Tourist Project Office and the Hungarian Competent Body. The ongoing activities are concentrated mainly at Lake Balaton. The marketing team contacted Lake Balaton Regional Tourist Project Office, and Balatontourist Lpc. (owner of all Lake Balaton campsites) and informed them about the project and the EU Eco-label. A meeting is planned with tourist accommodations in late June or early July, definitely after a press conference with the Hungarian Tourist Office/Board (5 July 2006). The Hungarian Tourist Office will assist the project in adversiting the benefits of the label, identifying potential applicants, providing information on the eco-label criteria, and media work. In addition, the Tourist Board will mark the eco-labelled tourist accomodations in their brochures, maps, flyers and other informational materials. The marketing team provided a lot of information to the Board. Regarding campsites Balaton area, they belong to two different organizations. One is the Hungarian campsite federation; the other is Balatontourist LPC., owner of all campsites around Lake Balaton. Both organizations were approached. The Hungarian campsite federation (41 campsites) sent out the information on the EU eco-label that had bee sent by the marketing team to them. This is how Thermal Cemping Pápa learned about the possibility and the project. Balatontourist LPC on the other hand is interviewing its campsite to learn whether they all are willing to meet the EU eco-label requirement, because they are interested in the EU Eco-label only if all their campsites are willing to implement it. Co-operations Co-operation with both the Ministry of Environment and the Hungarian Eco-Labelling Organisation is smooth. Ms. Zobb helped with information on stake-holders; Ms. Wagner has helped with answering all the practical questions related to the application procedure. Ms. Wagner also informed about the experience of the only accommodation in Hungary with the EU eco-label. The project has been invited to use the stand of the Eco-Labelling Organization at the Hungarian eco-fair (Ökotech) this autumn. Acquisition of first mover The campsite Thermal Cemping Pápa received information from the Hungarian campsite federation after the marketing team informed the federation about the EU Eco-label and the project. After that, they contacted the marketing team to learn more about the details. They sent a lot of information to the campsite including the requirements. They could meet the requirements easily. The last information from two or three weeks ago was that the manager had to consult the German owner and discuss the issue of the fee. The marketing team calculated how much it would cost them, it is really not so much, he seemed to be satisfied and asked to send the application form, which he got. It turned out that they prepared the application form and were ready to submit it but the German owner postponed the application due to the costs of the procedure and the annual fee. The manager does not know when he will be allowed to apply.
5.11.4. Next steps
• Organise a meeting with tourist accommodations • Give support to interest applicants • Find two applicants • Follow up the communication with the Competent Body
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6. EU wide activites
6.1. Tour Operators
As already carried out in previous projects co-operations with tour operators may help to foster the advancement of ongoing projects. Since many years tour operators are very active and set up substantial environmental pro-grammes. In our strategy tour operators will have an essential part in the implementation process. We started the communication at relevant fairs (BIT; ITB) with My Travel (Contact Mr. Hansen), LTU (Contact Mr. Möseler) and TUI (Mr. Koch). Especially My Travel and LTU signalised their willingness to co-operate. As part of these results we invite their contracting partner hotels in our activities (meetings and presentations). Meeting with My Travel North, Mr. Kim Hansen, Environmental director: he is willing to co-operate with the EU Eco-label and will invite partner hotels to the regional meetings (Rhodes, Spain). The EU Eco-label has top priority for My Travel North. All their hotels shall be certified with the EU Eco-label (until end 2007). Meeting with LTU, Mr. Möseler, Environmental director: He is willing to co-operate with the EU Eco-label and will invite partner hotels to the regional meetings (Rhodes, Balearic Islands). He is interested to certify all their hotels (entire group), if the costs would be lower!! He is also interested to get the EU Eco-label for hotels outside Europe (Turkey, Egypt). Meeting with TUI, Mr. Koch: Mr. Koch is very open-minded towards the EU Eco-label. However, TUI will not support the EU Eco-label as this big tour operator has an own competition – TUI Environmental Champion. Meeting with Italian Tour Operators Association (ASTOI): A meeting was organised to co-ordinate eventual initiatives of training and information of the Tour Operators associated with ASTOI regarding environmental initiatives, in particular the EU Eco-label (see also chapter 5.2.4.).
6.2. Hotel Chains
It could be very successful to convince a head office to apply for the EU Eco-label and all their hotels should implement it. But in past activities we experienced that there are a lot of hindrances (criteria, cost etc.). Nevertheless, we try finding partners on chain levels in the implementation process. In June we started to get a co-operation with VIVA Hotels on the Balearic Islands. Another contact was initiated to Landidyll Hotels. This group of family-owned hotels decided to implement environmental performance as part of the mission statement. The first hotel to apply for the EU Eco-label is located in Alto Adige / South Tyrol. Another chain in Italy is Trentino Bed & Breakfast, of which all partners will apply for the EU Eco-label. Acquisition contacts have also been followed to Landal Green Park, who has at present no detailed interest in the EU Eco-label. Fruitful contacts we maintain to Sunwing in Greece, who will have all their hotels certified with the EU Eco-label in Greece soon. In Sardinia we are consulting the campsite chain FAITA (see chapter 5.2.3).
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7. Task List
Task Number and Title Start month
End month
Actions Deliverables
EU-wide activities
6.1 Identify interested parties for targeted information about EU Eco-label for tourism services
01 02 Collection of data and analysis of target groups
Result: List of stakeholders has been updated continuously
Data base
6.2 Development of a marketing plan 01 03 Strategy and plan to increase awareness and to win applicants
Result: Marketing activities fixed including dates of fairs; Promotional materials produced and updated continuously;
Implementation concept with schedule and milestones
6.3 Development of information tools 01 12 (see below) (see below)
6.3.1 www.eco-label-tourism.com 01 12 Continuous update with success stories, activity reports, list of awarded hotels, etc.
Results: Web pages includes information about the EU Eco-label for campsites and has been updated continuously
Increasing number of hits
6.3.2 Information brochures for acquisition (tourist accommodation services)
01 03 Production of brochures (Towards an environmentally sound future)
Result: Brochure produced and disseminated
1,500 items (CZ)
1,500 items (HU)
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6.3.3 Power Point presentation 01 02 Provide a presentation Power Point (CZ, HU)
Result: available and in use
PPT-Files
6.3.4 Roll-ups 01 02 For presentations
Result: produced and in use
1 in English
1 in Italian
6.3.5 Starter-Kit 01 02 Production of starter kits
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