We are thrilled to announce significant progress in our project, Eco-Tourism Innovation for Rural Development (ETIRD), a collaboration among partners from Denmark, Cyprus, Italy, and Romania. This Erasmus+ initiative, officially known as Project No: 2023-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000165842, aims to harness the untapped potential of rural tourism to foster sustainable development and economic growth.
Project Overview
ETIRD addresses key challenges in rural tourism, focusing on underdevelopment and sustainability. Our efforts are structured around three core pillars:
- Research and Development: We dedicate resources to exploring sustainable tourism strategies and best practices aimed at revitalizing rural economies. Our goal is to unearth innovative approaches that can significantly enhance economic opportunities within rural communities through meticulous analysis and exploration.
- Capacity Building: We provide rural entrepreneurs with comprehensive training and support, empowering them with essential skills and knowledge to establish and grow sustainable tourism ventures. This approach fosters long-term growth and prosperity within rural areas.
- Community Engagement: Our target audience includes rural tourism entrepreneurs, local farmers, producers, authorities, and partner organization staff. By fostering collaboration across these groups, we create a multi-dimensional approach to sustainable tourism that addresses various aspects of sustainability.
Key Results and Highlights
Activity 2: Research and Handbook Development
- Comprehensive research was conducted on sustainable tourism practices specific to Køge and similar rural areas.
- A handbook was created, offering practical, step-by-step guidance for rural entrepreneurs and stakeholders. This resource emphasized eco-friendly business practices, community engagement, and sustainable marketing strategies.
Desk Research Eco-tourism Practices and Landscape for Italy, Denmark, Romania and Cyprus
Hand book for Eco-tourism Practices
Activity 3: Pilot Training Sessions
- The pilot training sessions introduced participants to eco-tourism concepts and practices, preparing them to apply these in their businesses.
- The sessions included interactive components, such as case studies, hands-on exercises, and simulations, making the content relatable and practical.
Activity 4: Full-Scale Implementation of Training
- Five comprehensive training modules were rolled out, focusing on themes such as eco-friendly tourism products, networking, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable marketing.
- The training reached a diverse group of rural entrepreneurs, tourism operators, students, and local authorities, equipping them with the tools to foster sustainability in their fields.
Training 1:Concept of the rural tourism_DK
Training 2: Sustainable development of tourism
Training 3: Awareness on eco-friendly tourism products
Training 4: Promotion of sustainable tourism
Training 5: Community and local authorities networking
Activity 5: Networking and Collaboration
- This phase emphasized building networks among stakeholders in Køge, including local businesses, authorities, and community groups.
- The aim was to strengthen collaborations that could enhance the visibility and success of eco-tourism initiatives in the region.
Regional Highlights
Italy: Embracing Sustainability in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene
In the enchanting hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, Synthesis Srl has integrated traditional wine production with sustainable tourism. Through comprehensive research and interviews with local wineries and guest house administrators, Synthesis Srl developed a detailed handbook on green practices. In April 2024, two pilot training sessions engaged 15 local stakeholders, empowering participants to incorporate eco-friendly strategies into their operations and emphasizing the preservation of natural landscapes and prevention of overtourism. This initiative has fostered a community dedicated to sustainable tourism.
Cyprus: Cultivating Eco-Friendly Tourism in Rural Larnaca
C.F. Elite Tutors Ltd led efforts in Rural Larnaca, engaging local businesses, producers, and administration representatives to develop and implement sustainable tourism practices. After extensive field research and interviews, the team created training materials tailored to local needs. The pilot training sessions held in May 2024 saw participation from 15 local entrepreneurs and stakeholders, who learned to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation. By highlighting local traditions, such as Cyprus coffee and honey production, the project demonstrated how cultural heritage can be integrated into a sustainable tourism model.
Denmark: Green Tourism Practices in Køge
The Common Ones spearheaded the initiative in Køge, Denmark, focusing on educating rural tourism operators about practical sustainability measures. The pilot training sessions included interactive workshops and hands-on activities, providing actionable strategies for implementing green practices. A total of 15 participants created a network of rural tourism providers committed to continuous learning and sustainability. Feedback collected during these sessions was instrumental in refining the handbook, ensuring it met the specific needs of the Danish rural tourism sector.
Romania: Sustainable Tourism in Bucovina de Munte
In Bucovina de Munte, the Institut National de Cercetare Dezvoltare in Turism (INCDT) worked on integrating sustainable practices into local tourism businesses. Through detailed research of the area’s natural and cultural resources and numerous interviews, they contributed to the handbook’s development. The pilot training sessions held in April 2024 engaged 15 local guest house administrators, producers, and cultural associations, equipping them with tools to enhance their sustainability efforts. The project emphasized the role of the Local Action Group Bucovina de Munte in promoting cohesive and sustainable rural development.
Moving Forward
The Eco-Tourism Innovations for Rural Development project has significantly advanced the understanding and implementation of sustainable tourism practices in rural areas. The pilot training sessions have provided practical skills and fostered a sense of community among all participants. Participants across all regions reported significant improvements in their ability to implement sustainable practices, with many already integrating these strategies into their operations.
Looking ahead, the consortium will continue to refine the handbook and training materials based on participant feedback. Additional activities are planned to ensure ongoing support and enhancement of sustainable tourism practices in the target regions.
Join Us
We invite partners, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts who share our passion for sustainable tourism and rural development to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can unlock the immense potential of rural tourism and create better business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs.
Consortium Partners
- Synthesis Srl (Italy)
- CF Elite Tutors Ltd (Cyprus)
- Institut National de Cercetare Dezvoltare in Turism (INCDT) (Romania)
- The Common Ones (Denmark)
Together, we strive for a brighter future in rural tourism, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth for rural communities across Europe.
