ECTAA is implementing a COSME funded project, called SUSTOUR, whose objective is to develop and update existing standards, training material and tools to effectively implement sustainability within tour operators and their supply chain. Key focus areas are the management of carbon and plastics, two of the key environmental impacts of the travel sector. 

Moreover, the project will provide free technical support for travel agents and tour operators that want to improve their sustainability performance. They can choose to obtain support towards certification or support to implement innovative practices in terms of carbon, plastic and supply chain management or certification of shore excursions.

ECTAA is co-financing the project and its specific contribution to the project tasks include supporting 629 small and medium-sized travel agents and tour operators 35 European countries by year 2023 (the initial project objective was to support a minimum of 175 SME). 

Once the project is completed in 2023, the intention is to continue collaboration with the project partners and ECTAA Members to promote the uptake of the tools and standards, as well as certification of travel agents and tour operators. ECTAA will concretely aim to help 10.000 SMEs yearly with these tools.