The VERNE Project Kicks Off to Transform European Tourism with Sustainable and Circular Solutions The VERNE project was launched in November 2024 with the aim of transforming European tourism by introducing sustainable, circular models. With innovative solutions in pilot destinations across Europe, the CSCP is leading the way in promoting collaboration and sustainable behaviours. Join us on this exciting journey towards a greener, more resilient tourism sector! The project, which is funded under the EU Horizon scheme was officially kicked-off in Barcelona, Spain at an event hosted by PNO Innovation (Spain) in collaboration with project partners, including the CSCP. At the event, the CSCP joined consortium members and European Commission project and policy officers to lay the groundwork for VERNE’s ambitious journey. The discussions highlighted the urgency of tackling tourism’s environmental footprint, such as excessive water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which are often exacerbated by traditional linear resource models. Building on these insights, the VERNE project – comprising 15 partners from 10 countries – will roll out and test innovative solutions across five pilot destinations: Bornholm (Denmark), Sønderjylland-Schleswig region (Danish-German borderland), Santorini (Greece), Uusimaa (Finland), and Pomurje (Slovenia). These pilots aim to demonstrate advancements in energy efficiency, waste and water management, mobility, and digital tools, creating scalable models that can be replicated across Europe. The role of the CSCP will be vital in driving this transformation, concentrating on creating tailored frameworks for Communities of Practice (CoP) and supporting pilot destinations in adopting resource-efficient approaches that address local challenges effectively. The VERNE project will focus on quantifying the benefits of circular tourism interventions and engaging diverse stakeholders along the way. The project runs until the end of 2027 and is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. For further questions, please contact Kartika Anggraeni.