The Project
Sustainable Tourism Alliance Regulation – Tekirdağ
The START-T approach to supporting sustainable-tourism capacity through Türkiye–EU cooperation.
Provisional project facts
Total budget
€165,500EU contribution
€148,500Duration
15 monthsProject dates
15 January 2026 — 14 April 2027Awaiting confirmation
About the Project
STAR-T – Sustainable Tourism Alliance Regulation – Tekirdağ is a cooperation project implemented under the Türkiye–EU Business Dialogue II (TEBD II) Grant Programme.
The project brings together the Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce of Basilicata and the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and the European Union in the field of sustainable tourism.
STAR-T aims to support tourism enterprises in adopting environmentally responsible, competitive and innovative business practices. Through training, study visits, B2B cooperation, mentorship, digital learning tools and the STAR-T Alliance Platform, the project creates opportunities for tourism businesses, local producers and chambers to exchange knowledge, develop new partnerships and improve their sustainability performance.
A central element of the project is the creation of the STAR-T Alliance, which brings tourism operators and local suppliers together around a shared commitment to sustainable tourism, local sourcing and environmentally responsible business practices.
The project also promotes digital transformation through the STAR-T Alliance Platform, designed as a long-term space for interaction, learning and knowledge exchange among tourism enterprises, local suppliers and chambers.
Cross-regional cooperation for sustainable tourism
Overall Objective: To support the growth and sustainability of local tourism businesses through eco-friendly practices and stronger cooperation between Turkish and EU chambers.
Specific objectives
- Support knowledge exchange among chambers
- Improve sustainability practices in tourism enterprises
- Strengthen links between local producers and tourism actors
What Does STAR-T Offer?
- Study visits and international knowledge exchange
- B2B meetings between tourism enterprises
- Sustainable tourism training programmes
- Self-learning online training resources
- Sustainability self-assessment tools
- Mentorship for tourism businesses
- Supplier chain assessments
- Farm-to-Fork tourism packages
- Sustainable tourism good practices
- STAR-T Alliance membership and networking opportunities
- A sustainability certification and award system
- Digital resources and knowledge-sharing opportunities through the STAR-T Alliance Platform
STAR-T is designed not only to implement individual project activities, but also to establish a lasting network that supports cooperation and sustainable tourism development beyond the project period.
Target groups
Tourism SMEs, chamber staff, local producers, destination actors and training participants are the demonstration target groups.
Project Regions
Tekirdağ, Türkiye
A dynamic regional economy with tourism, gastronomy, agriculture and local production potential, providing a strong environment for sustainable tourism cooperation.
Malatya, Türkiye
A region with a rich cultural identity, local production capacity and significant potential to connect tourism with local value chains and sustainable development.
Basilicata, Italy
An Italian region with strong cultural, natural and gastronomic assets and valuable experience in sustainable, community-based and experience-oriented tourism.
By connecting these three regions, STAR-T supports the exchange of good practices and the creation of new cross-border business and cooperation opportunities.
Objectives & Results
Enhanced Regional and International Collaboration
Strengthening cooperation among chambers, tourism enterprises and local stakeholders in Türkiye and Italy through study visits, B2B meetings and continuous networking.
Strengthened Capacity for Sustainable Practices
Improving the knowledge and skills of tourism operators and chamber staff through training, self-learning tools, mentorship and practical guidance.
Strengthened Local Economies through Sustainable Tourism
Supporting local supply chains, local producers and tourism enterprises through Farm-to-Fork initiatives, supplier assessments and sustainable business partnerships.
Increased Awareness and Engagement
Raising awareness of sustainable tourism through campaigns, success stories, seminars and the dissemination of good practices.
Project Partners
Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Lead Applicant – Türkiye
The Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry coordinates the implementation of the STAR-T Project and leads the development of the STAR-T Alliance Platform, training and sustainability activities in Tekirdağ.
https://www.tekirdagtso.org.tr/Chamber of Commerce of Basilicata
Co-Applicant – Italy
The Chamber of Commerce of Basilicata contributes EU experience and good practices in sustainable tourism, supports international cooperation and knowledge transfer, and facilitates the participation of Italian tourism businesses.
https://www.basilicata.camcom.it/Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Co-Applicant – Türkiye
The Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the involvement of tourism enterprises and local stakeholders from Malatya and contributes to training, networking and Alliance activities.
https://www.malatyatso.org.tr/Funding statement
This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the START-T project partnership and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
STAR-T Alliance
A central element of the project is the creation of the STAR-T Alliance, which brings tourism operators and local suppliers together around a shared commitment to sustainable tourism, local sourcing and environmentally responsible business practices.
About the AllianceSustainability Tools
The Sustainability Tools section of the STAR-T Alliance Platform is designed to help tourism businesses understand, improve and showcase their sustainability performance. It brings together practical digital tools, good-practice content and the STAR-T certification and recognition mechanisms in one place.
Sustainability Tools
