IIn the LISTEN project, an important phase of WP2 – context analysis and stakeholder engagement – has been completed, creating a solid foundation for the further implementation of the project. The objective of this work package was to collect empirical data, analyse the sport tourism situation in the partner countries, and engage relevant stakeholders so that the future Circular Sport Tourism Advisory System (CSTAS) is developed on the basis of real needs, practical challenges, and transferable good practices.
During WP2, two closely interconnected groups of results were produced. First, a context analysis and review of good practices were carried out, covering the sport tourism situation in Lithuania and Latvia, the main sustainability challenges, and the possible solutions that could be applied. The analysis showed that progress in circular sport tourism depends primarily on practical, easy-to-implement solutions with a low administrative burden. In particular, key areas identified included mobility, the organisation of events and camps, cooperation with infrastructure managers, waste reduction, green procurement, and inclusion. Good practices were also analysed, helping to identify solutions suitable for integration into the future CSTAS system.
The second part of WP2 focused on focus groups and semi-structured interviews. During this stage, 10 interviews were conducted in Lithuania and Latvia with representatives of organisations operating within the sport tourism ecosystem. This activity made it possible to assess how sustainability and circularity principles are applied in practice, what the main barriers to their implementation are, and what forms of support would be most useful for small sport organisations. The interview results showed that mobility and travel have the greatest environmental impact, while a significant share of that impact depends on factors beyond the direct control of organisers, such as sport infrastructure, energy and water use, or waste management services. At the same time, a clear need emerged for simple, user-friendly practical tools rather than complex assessment systems.
The main added value of WP2 is that its results became a direct foundation for WP3 – CSTAS development and piloting activities. Based on the context analysis, the portfolio of good practices, and the insights gathered during the interviews, the priority components of the future CSTAS Toolkit v1 were identified: Event/Camp Checklist, Mobility Playbook, Venue Cooperation Pack, Green Procurement Mini-Toolkit, Inclusion & Accessibility Pack, as well as a KPI Mini-Set with a one-page reporting sheet. In other words, WP2 not only helped identify the key challenges, but also laid the groundwork for concrete solutions that will be tested through pilot activities in sport clubs and other organisations.
Equally important is the fact that WP2 results create clear added value for WP4 – dissemination, policy integration, and sustainability. It is already evident which results can be transformed into more widely used resources: downloadable templates, concise guideline packages, case studies, Digital Hub content, training materials, support tools, and policy dialogue materials for municipalities, sport federations, and infrastructure managers. In this way, WP2 created not only an analytical foundation, but also a clear transition from research to practical application, scaling up, and long-term impact in the sport tourism sector.
In summary, WP2 demonstrated the consistent and evidence-based implementation of the LISTEN project: first, contextual and stakeholder information was collected; then, practically applicable solutions were identified; and now these results are being used to develop, test, and later disseminate the CSTAS system. This also makes it possible to clearly show that the project results are not only being developed, but also communicated through the project’s communication channels, ensuring transparency, visibility, and continuity.
Download the WP2.1 Report (PDF)
Download the WP2.2 Focus Group Report (PDF)
More information about the LISTEN project can be found here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/101243338
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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.
