End of Project Reflection

In November 2023, the project partners from Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta, Lycée Hotelier de Dinard (LHD) in France, Munster Technological University (MTU) in Ireland, and Vocational College of Hospitality and Tourism (VSGT) in Maribor Slovenia, gathered in the heart of Ireland – Athlone for the first transnational partners’ meeting hosted by the leading partner Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Ireland. Highlights of this in-person meeting include a site visit to the Hudson Bay hotel where partners explored the technologies and systems used to reduce food waste and improve sustainable operations. The group also visited the TUS campus, where partners were introduced to the campus garden, the green house, some composite tools and an innovative indoor growing kit – the vertical towers. Workshops, brainstorming sessions, and planning discussions took place not only in the boardroom, in the campuses, at the sites, but also in the restaurants where the partners tasted the local Irish food and international cuisines, and in Athlone’s famous Sean’s Bar.

The meeting provided partners the opportunity to get to know each other, and also the opportunity to build trust and supportive partnership among the partners. A solid foundation was laid and we worked closely, effectively and efficiently throughout the project as a result.

As we now reach the end of Project FoodTuristic, it is inspiring and rewarding for us to reflect on how much has been achieved. We created a technical report on the technologies tested and sites visited, 34 case studies were included in the report contributed by all partners. We created a Good Practice User Guide for Culinary and Hospitality Vocational Education and Training, available on the project website for viewing and for downloading, in English, Slovenian, and French. We developed an online training course which is also available on the project website, the course attracted over 230 registered participants as of October 2025, the course will remain accessible online beyond the project’s completion, and digital badges will continue to be awarded to learners who successfully complete the course. These digital badges recognise the acquisition of skills and knowledge in the areas of food waste reduction, localised food growing, and circular economy.

Throughout the 2-year project life cycle, the partners actively disseminated Project FoodTuristic at every opportunity – through presentations, workshops, seminars, conferences, and online platforms such as LinkedIn. The project reached diverse audiences across academia, industry, policy, and community, raising awareness on food waste and sustainability.

As we conclude this journey, we extend our sincere thanks to all the people and stakeholders who were interested in, involved, and contributed to project FoodTuristic, and to the partners – ITS, LHD, MTU, TUS, and VSGT, for their contribution, dedication, and collaboration. Together, we have made Project FoodTuristic not only successful but meaningful and impactful.