Through the implementation of C4H, we aimed to develop practical, innovative and accessible training solutions to support the integration of circular economy strategies in the hospitality sector. The project sought to move beyond theoretical approaches by providing concrete tools that enable circularity to become an operational standard and a lever for competitiveness in hotels. We expected to enhance the skills and awareness of hotel managers, employees, VET learners and educators by equipping them with user-friendly, digital and replicable training materials. A key objective was to strengthen vocational education by integrating digital learning, real-sector feedback and innovative methodologies into training programmes, ensuring alignment with current sustainability and green transition priorities. The project also aimed to actively involve industry stakeholders in testing and validating the outputs, ensuring their practical relevance and usability. At organisational level, partners expected to strengthen their capacity in international cooperation, dissemination and collaboration between VET providers and the tourism sector, while raising awareness of circular economy practices among local, national and European stakeholders.
Circular4Hospitality (C4H) was developed to respond to the growing need to integrate circular economy principles and sustainability into the European hospitality sector, in line with the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. Tourism generates high levels of resource consumption and waste, and many establishments lack practical tools to implement sustainable strategies in their daily management. Despite the existence of European policies promoting the green transition of tourism, there remains a gap between strategic commitments and their practical application in hotels. Managers, employees and VET students often lack practical and digital training to apply circularity principles, measure environmental impact, and improve energy and resource efficiency. The project addressed these needs through the development of digital training tools, innovative methodologies and a multilingual platform, facilitating the acquisition of competences in sustainable hotel management. It also strengthened cooperation between VET providers and the business sector, aligning training with European green transition and competitiveness priorities.