MAST PLUS (MAking Sustainable Tourism Possible Plus) is an Interreg Euro-MED Test Project that builds on the achievements of the original MAST Study Project, transforming research into practical action. Together, the two projects form a continuous journey—from understanding the barriers that prevent accommodation SMEs from adopting sustainable practices, to validating practical solutions that support their implementation in real operational environments.

During the initial study phase, the MAST consortium analysed the sustainability challenges faced by accommodation SMEs across the Mediterranean and developed the MAST Sustainable Solution, consisting of the Sustainability Protocol, Self-Assessment Tool and Implementation Manual. Grounded in the ISO 21401:2018 standard for sustainability management in accommodation establishments, these tools translate complex sustainability requirements into practical, SME-friendly actions that address environmental, social and economic dimensions.

MAST PLUS represents the project's testing and validation phase. Through pilot implementation with at least 50 accommodation SMEs across Mediterranean partner countries, the consortium evaluates, refines and adapts the MAST Sustainable Solution to diverse territorial contexts. The project combines pilot testing, Communities of Practice and transnational cooperation to ensure that the developed tools are practical, transferable and ready for wider uptake across the Mediterranean.

The project follows four interconnected stages: pilot preparation, pilot implementation, Community of Practice and co-creation support, and sustainability and transferability. This structured approach enables the consortium not only to validate the effectiveness of the solution in real-life conditions, but also to prepare it for replication and policy uptake beyond the pilot territories.

Bringing together universities, research organisations, innovation centres, tourism organisations, regional development agencies and policy experts from across 8 Mediterranean countries, MAST PLUS demonstrates how transnational cooperation can accelerate the transition towards a more resilient, competitive and sustainable accommodation sector while creating lasting value for destinations, businesses and local communities.

For more information please visit the MAST PLUS website: https://mast.interreg-euro-med.eu/ and the social media: Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/p/MAking-Sustainable-Tourism-possible-MAST-61560389286324/ & LinkedIn profilehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/mast-interregeuromed/