EuroCluster Rural Tourism Supported 188 SMEs from 19 countries with a total of 940 000 EUR
The EuroCluster Rural Tourism project has successfully empowered 188 rural SMEs across 19 countries, strengthening their competitiveness through innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation.
Project Overview
Co-funded by the COSME program of the European Union, the EuroCluster Rural Tourism (ERT) responds to the rising demand for rural, eco, and sustainable tourism, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally catering to local markets, this sector now has the opportunity to expand internationally through collaboration.
ERT integrates professional organisations working on the ground with a broader cluster approach, enabling rural tourism businesses to scale from local to regional, national, and international levels. This initiative has created a critical mass of European rural tourism services in 15+ countries, fostering innovation and internationalisation.
Through ERT, 188 rural tourism SMEs across 19 countries have been empowered—enhancing their competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability. This project has been a transformative journey, driving growth, digitalisation, and environmental responsibility in rural tourism.
Project Consortium & Associated Partners
The EuroCluster Rural Tourism (ERT) Consortium - comprising Venetian Cluster, National Cluster Association (NCA), Euracademy, the European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR), the Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita), and El Clúster de Turismo Sostenible de Aragón (TSAC), alongside associated partners Ecoclub.com and LONGARONE FAIR - the DOLOMITES EXHIBITION CENTRE - celebrates remarkable achievements and the strong networks formed among businesses and Assistance Service Providers supporting SMEs throughout the project.
Support and Funding
With a €940,000 budget, ERT provided €5,000 service packs to SMEs, enabling them to innovate, expand, and develop new tourism products for international markets. These initiatives emphasise digitalisation, sustainability, and socio-cultural enhancements, ensuring long-term growth in the rural tourism sector.
Key Focus Areas for SMEs
Participating SMEs had the opportunity to enhance their competitiveness by selecting and improving at least four of the following 12 action areas, categorised into three key pillars:
📌 Digital Transformation
- Digitalization of processes in SMEs
- Digital marketing and promotion
- Marketing intelligence and data analysis, Marketing strategy based on data
🌱 Green & Sustainable Practices
- Sustainable management practices for SMEs
- CO2 management and reduction to address climate change
- Sustainable mobility
- Gastronomy and food based on local supply chains
🤝 Soft & Social Aspects
- Social-cultural skills (interaction with visitors from different cultural backgrounds)
- Experience generation for visitors (development of corresponding products)
- Inclusive tourism for visitors with special needs
- Integration with the local community
- Interpretation techniques for cultural, historical, and natural resources
This tailored approach ensured SMEs could adapt, grow, and innovate aligned with modern tourism trends and sustainability goals.
Strategic Support for SMEs
To drive innovation and business growth, 188 rural tourism SMEs collaborated closely with expert Assistance Service Providers (ASP). These consultants delivered tailored technical assistance, empowering SMEs to develop new tourism products for international markets by integrating digital, sustainable, and socio-cultural improvements into their business models.
A total of 728 support actions were provided to rural tourism SMEs, focusing on three key areas: Digitalisation (365 actions), Sustainability (134 actions), and Soft/Social skills (229 actions).
This structured support played a crucial role in boosting SME competitiveness and resilience, ensuring their ability to thrive in the evolving rural tourism landscape.
Empowering Rural SMEs with a Knowledge Hub
As part of the project’s commitment to supporting rural tourism businesses, a comprehensive Repository was created, featuring a dedicated Tool section for SMEs. This free resource hub provides access to 160+ valuable materials, including:
📂 Documents & Reports – Industry insights and best practices
📹 Videos & Tutorials – Practical guidance on key topics
🌐 Thematic Websites – Curated platforms for further learning
By leveraging these accessible tools, SMEs can enhance their knowledge, adopt new strategies, and drive sustainable growth. Explore the Repository here and take advantage of these free resources today!
Successful Case Studies: Rural Tourism Innovation in Action
The EU Rural Tourism project empowered SMEs across Europe to enhance sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural engagement. Here are five inspiring success stories that showcase the impact of the project:
📍 Gîte le Point d'Orgue (Belgium) – Sustainable Stays Experience
This eco-conscious hospitality project integrated energy-efficient practices, biodiversity awareness, and waste reduction initiatives. Enhanced digital accessibility, QR codes for guest interaction, and local culinary experiences enriched the visitor journey while promoting responsible tourism.
📍 Vila Meyra (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – Preserving Local Traditions
The "Traditions of Nisici" program introduced gastronomic workshops (e.g., pie-making, produce preservation) with plans to expand into traditional crafts like knitting, felt-making, and painting. The initiative connected rural women’s NGOs with tourists and team-building groups, fostering cultural exchange.
📍 Tagavälja Farm (Estonia) – Heritage Sauna Experience & Cultural Renewal
A guided smoke sauna experience with a sauna master was developed, catering to diverse preferences. Additionally, improved catering services addressed dietary needs, and traditional Estonian folk calendar programs were revitalised for children’s groups, enhancing cultural education.
📍 Art Mlýn (Czech Republic) – Blending Art & Tourism
A historic water mill turned artistic hub expanded its offerings with accommodation, local museum visits, and artist-led workshops. The digital transformation included automated bookings, a new website, and data-driven marketing strategies. The project also strengthened ties with local producers, promoting regional art and gastronomy.
📍 Welcome Basilicata (Italy) – Data-Driven Tourism Innovation
Using data analytics and AI, this initiative identified tourist needs and preferences to enhance local experiences in Matera and Basilicata. Customised itineraries, improved infrastructure, and strategic partnerships helped boost visitor satisfaction while preserving cultural heritage.
💡 These success stories highlight how digitalisation, sustainability, and cultural heritage can drive growth and resilience in rural tourism. 🚀🏡🌍
To learn more about beneficiaries, experts and the project, visit the following link:
EuroCluster Rural Tourism webpage
EuroCluster Rural Tourism LinkedIn