Output
1) Case Study Compilation (Research)
Purpose: Document success stories and lessons learned from women-led MSMEs that have implemented green practices in tourism.
The Contractor will draft a minimum of five (5) concise case studies, each approximately 3–4 pages, based on research across four selected economies (Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam). Each case study will document challenges, practical solutions, sustainability outcomes, gender elements, and lessons learned.
Scope: ≥5 concise case studies across ≥4 economies (eco-lodging, community tourism, circular tourism, sustainable supply chains).
Form: Electronic APEC publication (PDF/HTML) with visuals and summary. Timeline: Mar–Aug 2026.
he project will specifically target participants and case study subjects from the following developing APEC economies:
Target Economies (4): Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam Rationale for Selection:
All four economies have high tourism dependency, where the sector contributes significantly to GDP and employment.
Each has a large proportion of women-led MSMEs actively participating in the tourism value chain.
These economies face shared challenges: limited access to sustainability knowledge, resource constraints, and uneven ESG adoption.
They offer diverse, relevant case examples (community-based tourism, eco-lodges, cultural tourism, rural MSMEs) suitable for cross-economy learning.
They represent geographical and cultural diversity within APEC, providing a balanced basis for comparative analysis.
These economies also align with the project’s objective to support developing APEC economies through focused capacity building and visibility in sustainable tourism.
2) Workshop
Purpose: Build awareness and practical understanding of sustainable tourism and ESG practices among women-led MSMEs.
Duration: 2 days (physical workshop) Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Expected Scope & Scale: ~60 participants (22 APEC economies reps, 10 experts, and local MSMEs) 22 Participants are invited from the 11 Travel Eligible Economies as such there should be Participants from member economies other than the 11 TEEs or Malaysia. Participation is open to all 21 member economies.
Timeline: Q3 2026
Parameters: Expert presentations, case studies, group exercises, peer exchange sessions, and closing dialogue on policy support.
DAY 1 – Foundations of Green Tourism Opening Remarks
(Host Economy, SMEWG, PPWE)
Keynote: Global & Regional Trends in Sustainable Tourism (Expert)
Session 1: ESG Principles for Tourism MSMEs (Expert presentation + short Q&A)
Session 2: Success Stories from Women-Led Tourism MSMEs (Panel of experts + entrepreneurs)
Interactive Activity 1:
“Mapping My Sustainability Journey” (Small group reflections + sharing)
Panel Discussion: Challenges & Opportunities in Green Transition (Experts + participants)
Day 1 Wrap-Up: Key insights and preview of Day 2 DAY 2 – Tools, Application & Collaboration
Recap of Day 1
Session 3: Practical Steps to Implement Green Practices (Expert demonstration of tools/checklists)
Interactive Activity 2:
“Applying Green Tools to My Business”
(Hands-on group work with facilitator guidance)
Session 4: Accessing Support – Policies, Finance & Partnerships (Expert panel)
Peer Exchange Roundtable:
Sharing experiences, challenges, and opportunities across economies (All participants)
Closing Panel: What’s Next for Women-Led Green Tourism in APEC? (Experts + SMEWG/PPWE reps)
Final Reflection Session:
Participants share:
What they learned What they plan to apply
What support they still need
Post-Event Survey Distribution & Collection (Final agenda item to maximize response rates)
Closing Remarks
3) Project Report
Purpose:
To document practical examples of women-led MSMEs implementing sustainable tourism practices across selected APEC developing economies.
Research Methodology:
Desktop research: Review of government publications, MSME sustainability reports, tourism association data, and academic literature.
Semi-structured interviews: Conduct interviews with the selected MSMEs (online or via email), focusing on their sustainability journey, challenges, tools used, and outcomes.
Collaboration with focal points: Engage SMEWG and PPWE focal points to verify case selection and support data collection.
Validation: Cross-check key facts with the MSMEs and economy focal points prior to publication.
Selected Economies: Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Use of Findings:
- Included in the published Case Study Compilation.
- Presented during Workshop sessions as practical examples and discussion points.
- Integrated into Interactive Activities to help participants identify actionable ideas.
- Incorporated into the Final Project Report to support policy recommendations.
Length & Structure:
-Minimum 12 pages (excluding annexes). Post-Event Survey
Draft structure:
-Introduction
-Methodology
-Overview of Green Tourism Trends in Selected
- Economies.
- Four case studies.
- Cross-cutting insights and success factors.
Recommendations for MSMEs and policymakers.
Outcome
1) Enhanced Knowledge of ESG and sustainable tourism principles among women-led MSMEs [Indicator] % of participants report enhanced knowledge of ESG and sustainable tourism [Target goal] 80% [Evaluation Method] Post-event Survey [Reporting Method] Completion Report.
Enhanced knowledge of ESG and sustainable tourism principles among women-led MSMEs
≥ 80% of participants report improved understanding in post-event survey.
≥ 40% develop an action plan for adopting green practices within 6 months.
2) : Improved ability to develop an action plan for adopting green practices within 6 months [Indicator] % of participants reporting improved ability in developing an action plan for adopting green practices within 6 months [Target Goal] 40%
Strengthened collaboration and inclusion in sustainable tourism initiatives
≥ 5 APEC economies represented; ≥ 50% of experts/speakers are women.
≥ 30% of participants from developing economies.
3) Strengthened collaboration and inclusion in sustainable tourism initiatives. [Indicator] % of participants reporting more willingness to collaborate and pursue inclusion in sustainable tourism initiatives. [Target Goal] Please set an appropriate number.
Evaluation Method for all 3 is Post-event Survey and [Reporting Method] is Completion Report.
Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries of this project are women-led businesses in the tourism sector with targeted inclusion of MSMEs and other marginalized communities across APEC economies., and a strong emphasis on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in all 21 APEC economies (1 representatives from each APEC economies). These businesses often face limited access to resources, financing, and market opportunities, making capacity-building and sustainability integration crucial for their long-term growth. The program supports women entrepreneurs in adopting green business models, improving market positioning, and enhancing resilience in the evolving tourism landscape.
Secondary beneficiaries include:
- Local Communities: The promotion of eco-tourism will foster job creation, preserve cultural heritage, and support environmental conservation, contributing to long-term community sustainability.
- Industry Stakeholders & Policymakers: This includes Chambers of Tourism, Tourism Associations, and regulatory bodies that will benefit from strengthened regional collaboration, improved policy frameworks, and increased capacity- building initiatives to support sustainable tourism.
- Financial Institutions & Investors: The project will enhance opportunities for green financing and responsible investment in women-led tourism enterprises, encouraging sustainable business growth.
- Universities & Research Centers: Academic institutions and researchers will gain access to valuable data, case studies, and best practices, supporting further research on sustainable tourism and gender-inclusive business models.
