Digital Toolkit

Digital Learning Programme

Part of the CE4RT project was the development and subsequent delivery of a training programme for tourism SMEs. The programme was designed to support SMEs to implement sustainability practices in their businesses and to use innovative methods for creating authentic tourist experiences.

This training programme consisted of live weekly online sessions on a range of topics around circular economy and regenerative tourism. A total of 18 modules and master classes were delivered as part of the training programme between November 2023 and March 2024.

The programme was then refined into 8 short modules which have been developed into a DIGITAL LEARNING RESOURCE (DLR). Each module consists of a recorded presentation, accompanying slides and a quiz. Table 1 below shows the module topics.

Table 1 – List of Digital Learning Resource Modules and Topics

Module Number	Module Topic
1	Circular Economy
2	Regenerative Tourism
3	Practical Initiatives in Sustainability
4	Storytelling
5	Biodiversity & Nature Interpretation
6	Community Tourism
7	Citizen Science
8	Green Certification

The DLR is a media-rich online course which is published in SCORM format (Sharable Content Object Reference Model). This format makes it compatible with a variety of Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). In line with our commitment to open education and the OER (Open Educational Resources) movement, we are sharing this course allowing institutions and organisations worldwide to freely access, download and implement it within their own VLE systems. To download the SCORM file please use this link: download.

To access a web-version of this course please use this link: open Articulate Rise.

To find out more about our digital learning resource and embedding this into your organisation's virtual learning environment please contact fiona.scotthayward@mtu.ie

Templates

During the CE4RT project, the partnership has prepared several templates for use by the SME participant. We present these templates here for use by a wider network of SMEs plus sustainability coaches, destination management organisations and business support organisations working with tourism SMEs transitioning to circular economy and regenerative tourism business models.

These templates are:

CE4RT Regenerative Tourism Framework

This framework was developed during the project and shows the 5 themes of Regenerative Tourism. This was used as a tool within the regenerative tourism modules where SMEs used it to examine their own businesses through a regenerative lens. It has also been used as the basis for the CE4RT self-evaluation and for preparation of sustainability action plans and case studies.

CE4RT Self-Evaluation for SMEs

The self-evaluation measurement tool was developed to track participant SME progress during the project. It provides a structure for SMEs (or any business/organisation) to examine all aspects of their business/operations under the 5 themes of the CE4RT regenerative tourism framework.

CE4RT Reflection Worksheets

The partnership designed reflection sessions for the SME participants as part of the Leaders & Learners Workshops in Iceland & Ireland. Reflection worksheets were designed for these sessions to allow SMES to reflect on the learning from presentations they received and businesses they visited. They also reflected on how to share these learnings with their own communities. These reflection worksheets are provided here and could be used by individual businesses or by destinations/community groups working together towards sustainability/regenerative goals.

CE4RT Sustainability Action Plan

The CE4RT partnership have created a template for a sustainability action plan based on the CE4RT Regenerative Tourism Framework and including tips & suggestions based on feedback from the participant SMEs when completing their own Sustainability Action Plans. While most sustainability coaches or certification programmes have their own formats for action plans, this template is designed for those with no access to a coach or certification programme and who want a simple way to assess their business and start planning.

Leaders & Learners

The CE4RT project has used the “Leaders & Learners” concept throughout the project whereby participants with more experience/further along in their regenerative tourism journey have shared their learning/experience with their peers.

Two in-person workshops took place during the project where this “leaders & learners” concept was put into practice:

Iceland – Workshop on Wheels – April 2024
Ireland – International Regenerative Tourism Conference and Workshop on Wheels – November 2024

In addition, each country ran Community Events during September – December 2024 where CE4RT SME participants showcased their work to a wider audience.

From these three events we are happy to share with you:

Video Clips of interviews with CE4RT SME participants during the Iceland Leaders & Learners Workshops where SMEs talk about why they joined the project and what they’ve gained so far.

Case Studies & Presentations from Iceland Leaders & Learners Workshop

Thematic review of Iceland Leaders & Learners Presentations/Visits

CE4RT Iceland Leaders & Learners Workshop - Thematic Review of Reflection Themes.pdf

Presentations from CE4RT Community Events

Ireland Community Event Part 1 September 25th 2024 10am, Recording, Presentation
Ireland Community Event Part 2 October 2nd 2024 7pm, Recording, Presentation
Iceland Webinar 1: “Vegferðin að nærandi ferðaþjónustu / CE4RT Part 1”, Recording
Iceland Webinar 2: “Vegferðin að nærandi ferðaþjónustu / CE4RT Part 2”, Recording

Further Resources

We have gathered a selection of further resources that may be of interest to tourism stakeholders. Please note that this list contains external resources therefore we cannot guarantee the future availability of this content.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Circular Economy Video

This video is a great resource for explaining Circular Economy.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation Website

This website has a wide range of resources around Circular Economy.

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

The Travel Foundation Video – “Tourism’s Invisible Burden”

This video explains the hidden cost of tourism for destinations.

CEnTOUR Project Website

This COSME project developed capacity building tools for tourism businesses. Free login to access their online training course, plus access to case studies, news and articles.

https://circulartourism.eu/login/

NorReg Project Website

https://www.norreg.is/

This Nordic project, led by CE4RT project partner, the Iceland Tourism Cluster, aims to provide interesting, relevant and accessible tools for small and micro sized tourism operators. Check out their blog and their podcast and sign up to receive updates and information on upcoming events.

The Travel Foundation – thetravelfoundation.org.uk

The Travel Foundation have produced a series of webinars to support businesses on their regenerative tourism journey. The Travel Foundation are an international sustainable tourism organisation focussed on tourism as a benefit to people and places.

Webinar - Nudging Green Behaviours

Webinar – Circularity of Plastics products in the Tourism Sector

Webinar – Sustainable Food – Transforming tourism by transforming our food system

One Planet Network – inspiring a global movement for sustainable production and consumption

Fact Sheet – Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

Fact Sheet & Case Studies – Sustainable Food Systems

White Paper – Circular Economy in Travel & Tourism

UNWTO – UN World Tourism Organisation

Baseline Report – Baseline Report on Climate Action in Tourism

Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism (CERT)

The CERT group at MTU in Ireland is a multi-disciplinary research group who have been a partner on the CE4RT project. Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with other projects and events.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/94185423

Visit our website and watch the recording of “The Great Debate: Can Tourism really be Regenerative?” featuring Debbie Clarke and Jim Butcher in March 2024.

Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism – MTU – Munster Technological University – Kerry Campus

Digital Learning Programme

Ireland

Poland

Netherlands

Iceland

Finland

Templates

Leaders & Learners

Further Resources