WITH4LESS - WITH you, we can do more for LESS

Summary

WITH4LESS addressed a critical skills gap in sustainable tourism by creating and testing the innovative role of the ConsumeLess Advisor. Through a practical training pathway combining a handbook, assessment tools, international training, and an open-access MOOC, the project equipped tourism professionals with green skills to support SMEs on their sustainability journey. The project trained 190 advisors, assessed 141 businesses, and engaged 158 stakeholders across six European countries.  

“I had the opportunity to participate in the With4Less project last year. Overall, the training was inspiring, and I came back to Malta with energy and determination - in fact, I currently work with a large hotel on their sustainability journey.” 

Topic(s) addressed

• Green skills development 
• Sustainability advisory skills
• Lifelong learning
• Adult education
• Digital learning
• Resource efficiency 
• Sustainable tourism
• SME capacity building
• Employability, and 
• Practical skills for the green transition 

Target group(s)  

• 190 adult learners
• 141 tourism SMEs, 
• 158 stakeholders, and tourism professionals 

Methodologies used

WITH4LESS combined multidisciplinary approaches from sustainability, tourism, adult education, and environmental management to develop the ConsumeLess Advisor profile. The project supported the development of key competences through a blended learning pathway combining an international training course, an open-access MOOC, practical assessment tools, and collaborative learning activities. Learning took place primarily through non-formal education and workplace-oriented experiences, enabling participants to engage with real sustainability challenges faced by tourism SMEs. The project promoted participation, cooperation, and peer learning across six countries, while close collaboration with tourism businesses and sector stakeholders ensured that the learning experience remained practical, relevant, and directly connected to labour market needs. 

Innovation environment

WITH4LESS created an innovative learning environment by bringing together public authorities, universities, development agencies, sustainability experts, and tourism stakeholders from six European countries. The project combined digital learning, international training, and practical application within tourism SMEs, enabling learners to develop skills in real-world contexts. Building on existing knowledge and tools from previous EU initiatives, the project ensured the sustainable use of resources while promoting cooperation, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning. This cross-sectoral approach strengthened collaboration between education, sustainability and tourism organisations, creating a supportive environment for innovation and lifelong learning. 

Teachers’ role

Trainers played a key role in transforming project results into practical learning opportunities. Through the international training course, MOOC development, and mutual learning activities, they acted as facilitators, mentors, and innovators, supporting participants in applying sustainability concepts to real tourism settings. Trainers promoted active participation, collaboration, and peer learning, encouraging the exchange of experiences across countries and sectors. Their expertise in sustainability, tourism, and adult education ensured that learning remained relevant, practical, and learner-centred, while fostering confidence, engagement, and the development of green skills for the workplace.  

Impact and output

WITH4LESS had a direct impact on adult learners and SMEs by strengthening green skills and sustainability competences. Through the project, 190 participants completed the MOOC, 55 attended international training, and 141 tourism businesses engaged in sustainability assessments. The project promoted accessible and flexible learning opportunities through digital and non-formal education approaches, supporting participation by professionals from diverse backgrounds. Its impact extends beyond the direct participants through the open-access training resources, handbook, and advisory methodology, which remain available to future learners, organisations, and tourism stakeholders, supporting long-term capacity building and sustainable tourism practices. 

Learn more about the project