EU Rural Tourism project 2024 activity report:

• The second call for proposals of the EU Rural Tourism project closed on January 16, 2024. A total of 11 businesses from Harghita County applied, of which 6 will receive funding. To conclude the evaluation process, the evaluation committee established by the partners finalized the list of supported businesses on February 5, which will be published on the project's website.
• Collaboration with the winners of the EU Rural Tourism project in Harghita County began on March 6, 2024. During the event, the staff of the Harghita Business Center, who also serve as Assistance Service Providers (ASPs) in the project, presented the program's key conditions and planned activities to tourism entrepreneurs to help them implement their ideas as effectively as possible.
• An online meeting was held on April 3, focusing on presenting the project's milestones by the partners (achieved results, best practices, success stories, and opportunities for promoting outcomes). Additionally, participants had the opportunity to meet with representatives from EISMEA and DG GROW, gaining insights into the project and asking questions regarding various challenges and issues in project management.
• On May 16, 2024, the consortium partners of the EU Rural Tourism project, the Assistance Service Providers (ASPs), and representatives of the supported SMEs gathered in Padua, Italy, for the project's closing event. Supported rural tourism businesses showcased the initial results of their projects. The event highlighted how EU cascade funding improved the digital, environmental, and social services of the 190 rural tourism SMEs supported by the project. Other topics discussed included tools and opportunities provided by EuroCluster for small businesses and the introduction of an online repository of best practices implemented by the EU Rural Tourism beneficiaries.
• The regional closing event of the EU Rural Tourism project was held on June 12, 2024, in Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely. At the event, the winning entrepreneurs from Harghita County, representatives of the Harghita Business Center (ASP), and our association met to evaluate the activities implemented by the entrepreneurs. Feedback indicated that the collaboration was extremely valuable and useful, as the project support enabled them to carry out activities that significantly contributed to their development. Although the closing event has taken place, some businesses are still actively working on completing their projects to fully utilize the available opportunities.
  We thank everyone for their participation and dedicated work!
• The second international webinar of the EU Rural Tourism project was held on September 17, 2024. Over 80 participants joined the event titled "Sharing Experiences, Building Networks," aimed at strengthening the network of European rural tourism businesses. Supported businesses and their assisting ASPs shared their experiences, reported on achievements, and discussed challenges.
• The third international webinar of the EU Rural Tourism project was organized on September 30, 2024. During the event, stakeholders explored ways to ensure the continuity of projects. Topics critical to the development of rural tourism were discussed, emphasizing the importance of continuous development and networking for SMEs to maintain their competitiveness. Useful materials available on the project's website were introduced, along with discussions on current EU policies and future opportunities for rural tourism. Participants also received practical tips for successful applications and an overview of available resources and programs. The event provided valuable insights and facilitated further collaboration for sustainable development.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The general objective of the project is to develop a basic vision, objectives and an operational structure for "rural tourism" by creating a cluster at the European level: establishing a cooperation mechanism linking regional tourism groups, professional organizations in the field rural tourism, local development agencies and transnational knowledge networks in the field of rural tourism; creating a network of at least 190 SMEs from at least 15 countries, whose members will benefit from training/upskilling in the field of digital and green transformation; creating viable transnational networks of advanced rural tourism services, whose impact will be felt in the market and which will provide a sufficient range of options for international demand. It can be expanded in the future based on general concepts, methodologies and experience gained during the project.

The project is supported by the COSME program (Program for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs).