I-STARS Project Concludes with Two Inspiring Days in Mallorca Celebrating Three Years of Impact

 

 

13-14 November 2025 marked an important milestone for the I-STARS project, as partners, experts, authorities, and tourism stakeholders gathered in Palma de Mallorca to reflect on three years of collaboration and to celebrate the project's achievements in advancing sustainable tourism across European islands.

  A Final Steering Committee Filled with Reflection and Forward Momentum (13 November 2025) On 13 November, partners from Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Ireland convened in Palma for the final Steering Committee meeting - a moment of both pride and shared accomplishment. After three years of intensive work, the I-STARS consortium looked back on the journey that brought together island tourism actors, sustainability experts, and innovation practitioners to empower SMEs towards greener, more resilient business models. Among the project's key achievements:

 

• Development of green and digital skills for tourism SMEs
• €700.000 in EU financial support distributed to 125 SMEs across European island regions
• Creation of a digital learning platform enabling wide and free access to sustainability training for tourism SMEs in 4 languages, an e-library and and online free self-monitoring tool.
• Implementation of sustainability certifications and mentoring programmes
• Support for SMEs adopting responsible practices and innovative greener solutions

 

The Steering Committee was honoured by the presence of Mr. Alan Vella,
His insights highlighted the strong collaboration within the consortium and the unique synergy that emerged between partners, consultants, and entrepreneurs throughout the project. "I-STARS has built bridges across islands, sectors, and cultures, creating an ecosystem of support that will continue beyond the project's lifetime," he noted. With a solid foundation established, partners agreed that while the project is reaching its close, its outcomes mark the beginning of a new chapter for sustainable tourism in Europe.  

 

A Final Event Celebrating Achievements and Future Collaborations (14 November 2025)

 

The following day, 14 November, the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca hosted the Final I-STARS Event, bringing together consortium partners, regional authorities, sustainability experts, and tourism stakeholders from across Europe. The event offered a platform to:

 

• Present the project's results and tools
• Highlight the meaningful impact on island tourism SMEs
• Share best practices and success stories
• Reinforce cross-border collaboration for future initiatives

 

Special recognition was given to the 125 SMEs that received direct EU financial support through I-STARS, as well as to the sustainability consultants who accompanied them on their transformation journey.

 

INSULEUR extends its warm thanks to Mr. Alan Vella, Project Officer at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), the partner organisations, and all stakeholders whose contributions have shaped I-STARS into a flagship example of how European cooperation can help tourism become greener, smarter, and more competitive - tosustainability consultants and all SMEs that took part in the project, specially to the 125 who have now benefitted from EU financial support via I-STARS  

 

A Legacy for the Future of Sustainable Tourism While these two days closed the formal chapter of I-STARS, the project leaves behind a lasting legacy:

 

• Strengthened capacities among tourism SMEs
• Practical tools and platforms for ongoing learning
• A growing community committed to sustainable tourism across island regions
• Reinforced partnerships that will continue to collaborate beyond the project

 

INSULEUR is proud to have contributed to this ambitious initiative, which demonstrates how island territories can lead by example in the transition toward a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.

 

 

The end of I-STARS on 31/12/2025 is not a conclusion - it is the start of renewed momentum for greener, more resilient European tourism.