Development of resilient tourism ecosystems along Mediterranean walking routes

ongoing

DETOUR aims to establish a replicable system fostering robust local tourism ecosystems along the routes in rural areas, ensuring long-term benefits for trekkers and SMEs. The project is implemented by a consortium of trail managers - AEVF for Via Francigena, CRS for Lycian Way, MCE for Mount Olympus and Kissavos Trails, and STS for Sultans Trail, alongside with innovation and knowledge transfer entities - Training 2000, ESCO, ATM, FID and MOTTR. The initiative will facilitate the future-proofing of long-distance walking trails in southeast Europe in three ways: 1. Supporting the green transition and guiding tourism operators to take precautions against climate and other risks. 2. Developing products to extend seasonality. 3. Enhancing sustainability, exploiting environmental advantages, and digitalising market access. The preparatory phase involves surveying SMEs along routes, establishing baselines, and understanding national regulations. Leveraging existing COSME and other training programs, as well as custom-designed training, the consortium will train 32 key tourism stakeholders in areas relevant to the green transition. A minimum of 80 SMEs will then receive further support through simple training packages in their own language, personal coaching and mentoring, focusing on sustainable practices and specialised digital training. Successful SMEs will form partnerships to apply for a direct support scheme, offering a maximum of 25,000 euros for innovative projects transforming their tourism offerings. The selected 32 projects, while being mentored and supported to success, will implement their projects. The best 4 projects will be showcased through influencer visits and quality film production. DETOUR is committed to ensuring the resilience of trail tourism ecosystems, thereby diversifying tourism and contributing to rural development.