The role of tourism in boosting circular transition: a measurement system based on a participatory approach

The growing interest in the circular economy poses a pivotal challenge for the tourism sector. A measurement framework is crucial for guiding the actors of the tourism sector in the development of a long-term strategy for a circular transition. Based on action research, where researchers and practitioners collaborate with each other, a co-created measurement framework was developed based on four types of capital and five circular economy principles. An assessment tool based on 54 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) was then developed and tested in nine tourism destinations in the Mediterranean region. The framework was further fine-tuned through expert feedback and practitioners support, leading to the final Circular Measurement System for tourism destinations. This represents a solid and stakeholder-based measurement system to assess the circularity of tourism destinations, tangibly promoting the transition of the sector towards a circular economy.