Sport tourism is a rapidly growing sector that contributes to local economic development, community engagement, and the promotion of an active lifestyle. However, the development of this sector is still often based on a linear resource-use model, which does not sufficiently align with the European Union’s objectives on climate neutrality, the circular economy, and social inclusion. Despite the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, sport tourism remains insufficiently integrated into EU sustainability policy frameworks.
Most local and regional sports clubs organising sport tourism activities (training sessions, camps, events, and competitions) lack structured guidelines on how to practically apply circular economy principles, such as reducing waste, optimising resource use, managing mobility, or increasing the accessibility of activities for socially disadvantaged groups. There is a lack not only of practical knowledge, but also of a dedicated advisory system that would enable these practices to be implemented consistently and in the long term.
The LISTEN project (Circularity in Sport Tourism – the Right Path to Destination) addresses this challenge by developing a structured and practically applicable Circular Sport Tourism Advisory System (CSTAS). CSTAS is designed to strengthen the capacity of local and regional sport organisations, supporting them in integrating circular economy, environmental sustainability and social inclusion principles into sport tourism activities.
The project aims not only to reduce the environmental impact of sport tourism, but also to strengthen the role of sports organisations in developing inclusive, accessible, and community-based sport tourism models that align with the EU Work Plan for Sport (2024–2027) and the priorities of the Erasmus+ programme.
Project Objective
To develop and pilot the foundations of a Circular Sport Tourism Advisory System (CSTAS) for local and regional sports organisations, including:
- a theoretical and methodological framework,
- practical hands-on tools,
- a digital knowledge-sharing and advisory platform.
The project is based on networking activities, the identification of good practices, and the pilot implementation of CSTAS in sports clubs in Lithuania and Latvia, with the aim of scaling up the model at EU level in the future.
Project Results and Documents
Within the LISTEN project, key methodological, practical and strategic documents have been developed to support the development, practical application, testing and further advancement of the Circular Sport Tourism Advisory System (CSTAS).
This section presents the main documents developed during the project. All documents are available in English.
CSTAS Implementation Framework
The CSTAS implementation framework defines the core principles, structure and application pathways of the system for sport tourism organisations. Download document (PDF)
CSTAS Practical Tools Pack
A practical set of tools designed to help sport organisations apply circular economy, sustainability and social inclusion principles in their everyday activities. Download document (PDF)
Policy Dialogue and CSTAS Action Plan
The results of the policy dialogue and the CSTAS Action Plan, aimed at supporting the integration and wider uptake of the system and strengthening cooperation with sport-sector stakeholders. Download document (PDF)
Strategic Roadmap for CSTAS
Strategic guidelines for the further development of CSTAS, outlining pathways for scaling up the system and supporting its broader application in the European sport tourism context. Download document (PDF)
CSTAS Help Desk
The CSTAS Help Desk is a practical support resource developed within the LISTEN project for sport clubs, federations, event organisers and other organisations interested in applying CSTAS in their activities. If you need practical guidance on how to start using CSTAS, select the most relevant tools or adapt them to your organisation, you can contact the relevant national contact point. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CSTAS HELP DESK
CSTAS Digital Hub
The CSTAS Digital Hub is the central online access point for CSTAS resources developed within the LISTEN project. It brings together the main CSTAS documents, practical tools and guidance materials and provides organisations with an opportunity to stay connected with the wider CSTAS community. VISIT THE CSTAS DIGITAL HUB
Project Updates and Meetings:
- First Erasmus+ Sport Programme project partners’ meeting – LISTEN
- LISTEN Project WP2 Results: Building an Evidence-Based Foundation for CSTAS Development, Piloting, and Dissemination
- LISTEN Project’s Third Partner Meeting: CSTAS Development and Piloting Phase Completed
- ….
Project Duration: 1 December 2025 – 30 November 2026 (12 months)
Project Number: 101243338
EU Funding: EUR 60,000.00
Disclaimer:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
