The project is set to enhace the competitiveness of accommodation MSMEs
Drama Chamber hosts the SMAC project, an initiative aimed at enhancing sustainability in the tourism sector
The Kick-off Meeting of the transnational project SMAC – Sustainability Model for Accommodation MSMEs was successfully held on 20–21 January 2026 at the Drama Chamber of Commerce, which participates in the project as Lead Partner. The meeting marked the official launch of a significant transnational initiative under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, aiming to enhance the sustainable development and competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized accommodation enterprises (MSMEs) across the Mediterranean region.
The SMAC project addresses one of the most critical challenges facing the tourism sector today. Although sustainability and ESG ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria have become a fundamental market requirement, the vast majority of accommodation providers are small-scale establishments that often lack the necessary knowledge, resources, and practical tools. To bridge this gap, the project will develop and pilot an Simplified Sustainability Model for Accommodation Enterprises (SSMA), supported by an Artificial Intelligence Recommendation Tool (AIRET). This tool will translate complex sustainability requirements into practical, feasible, and cost-effective solutions tailored to the real needs of accommodation MSMEs.
The project partnership include:
• the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations,
• Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Egypt;
• Democritus University of Thrace – Polytechnic School (ELKE);
• the Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry from Tunisia;
• and the Metropolitan Municipality of Adana from Turkey.
During the Kick-off Meeting, partners introduced themselves and their organizations, outlined their roles and contributions, and reviewed the project’s objectives, methodology, timeline, and key deliverables, with particular emphasis on activity coordination and clear guidelines for the next steps to ensure shared understanding and close collaboration from the outset.
As the Lead Partner of the SMAC project, the Drama Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) will spearhead the initiative’s management and overall coordination, ensuring the successful development of a new sustainability model for Mediterranean accommodation businesses. Leveraging its extensive expertise in entrepreneurship support and EU project management, the Chamber will provide high-quality consultative and training services to MSMEs, guiding them through the adoption of sustainable practices to enhance their global competitiveness. A key component of the Chamber’s contribution involves utilizing its established “Lab 40” Business Accelerator and Incubator to provide a permanent supportive environment where businesses can receive professional mentoring and product upgrades. Beyond its leadership role, DCCI will also be responsible for financial management at the project level and will play a central part in public awareness and capitalization activities designed to foster a lasting culture of sustainability across the region. The Kick-off Meeting marked a key milestone, establishing a shared vision and strong transnational cooperation, and announced that the next project meeting will take place in Egypt in April 2026 to review progress and plan the next steps.
With a total budget exceeding €2.3 million and a duration of 30 months, the SMAC project is expected to deliver significant added value across the Mediterranean region by enhancing the competitiveness of accommodation MSMEs, improving their environmental and social performance, strengthening local economies, and upgrading the overall experience for both visitors and local communities.
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