The Italian government is supporting tourism businesses interested or active in EMAS and other ecologically oriented certifications through a new fund. Applicants can receive up to €2,000 funding for obtaining, maintaining or renewing sustainability certifications.
With Public Notice No. 2, the Italian government has launched a fund specifically aimed at promoting sustainable initiatives within the Italian tourism sector. The fund, established under Law No. 197 of 29 December 2022, supports accommodations and tourism businesses—including non-commercial ones—located in Italy that are pursuing or maintaining sustainability certifications. The goal is to encourage sustainable practices and enhance the competitive advantage of businesses actively committed to environmental and climate protection.
What is being funded?
Companies can apply for a voucher of up to €2,000 to access services necessary for obtaining or maintaining sustainability certifications. The Fund supports accommodation providers in activities that are useful for obtaining, renewing or maintaining the following sustainability certifications: EMAS, EU Ecolabel, ISO 20121:2013, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 13009:2018, ISO 50001:2018 and ISO 21401:2019.
This means that tourism businesses can apply for financial support to pursue an EMAS certification for a site located in Italy. For EMAS-certified businesses, which already have a robust environmental management system in place, this is a chance to get support in their efforts to maintain or renew their EMAS certification, acquire additional certifications or improve existing standards. Once a project is completed, businesses can submit a new application for funding another certification.
What steps are required?
To apply, businesses must submit several documents, including the articles of association, a business registry extract, and, if applicable, a power of attorney. All documents must be submitted in PDF format or in a format suitable for digital signatures. Applications can only be submitted via the ministry's digital platform.
Applications can be handed in until 31 December 2025.
Take Action Now!
This funding is part of a broader programme to support sustainable tourism projects. Interested companies should seize this opportunity to enhance their competitiveness while contributing to the sustainable development of the sector. Further details and application guidelines can be found on the ministry’s official website.
Related links:
- Announcement of the funding opportunity (website in Italian): https://istanze2.ministeroturismo.gov.it/rwe2/module_preview.jsp?MODULE_TAG=MT_002
- Public Notice No. 2 of the Italian General Directorate of Tourism Enhancement and Promotion (text in Italian): https://www.ministeroturismo.gov.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Allegato-1-Testo-consolidato-dellAvviso-pubblico-n-2-del-25-maggio-2023-a-prot-con-n-1027823-_signed.pdf
Details
- Publication date
- 26 May 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment