TOURing Funding Toolkit
Welcome to the Funding Toolkit. Here you will find resources to enhance your business strategies and access funding opportunities within the European tourism industry. Explore the various sections, discover funding tools and tips, assess your eligibility, and learn how to leverage financial support for your projects.
Funding Opportunities
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Tips & Tricks
Funding Toolkit
1/5 videos
1
Addressing Rejections & Revisions - Persistence is the key!
2
Assessing Impact as a Project Manager - Tips for Tourism Projects
3
How to align with EU priorities (or another funder)
4
How to write a successful project proposal - TIPS
5
Problems: the heart of your project design. How to convince funders of the relevance of your project
Single Market Programme
Overall Budget: 4.2 billion euros
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Pivotal initiative aimed at fortifying the governance of the EU single market. Is designed to address various facets of market dynamics, with a primary focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal market.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
(1) Enhancing Market Functionality through measures such as enhanced market surveillance, facilitating problem-solving support for citizens and businesses, and strengthening competition policy.
(2) Boosting Business Competitiveness through targeted support and resources, SMEs are empowered to thrive and innovate, contributing to overall economic growth and resilience.
(3) Developing Effective European Standards and international financial and non-financial reporting and auditing standards. Aims to enhance transparency, reliability, and trust within the market by establishing robust standards, thereby facilitating smoother cross-border transactions and investments.
(4) Strengthening Consumer Protection by implementing measures to bolster consumer rights and safeguards, fostering a thriving and equitable marketplace.
(5) Ensuring Food Safety: The programme allocates resources to uphold stringent food safety standards, safeguarding public health and consumer confidence in food products.
(6) Producing High-Quality Statistics: accurate and reliable statistics are essential for informed decision-making and policy formulation. The programme promises to produce and disseminate high-quality statistics, providing stakeholders with reliable data to guide their actions and strategies.
Click here for more information: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/single-market-programme/overview_en
ON GOING CALLS
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FSTP – RESIST: REsilience through Sustainable processes and production for the European automotive InduSTry for SMEs working in the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem to participate in internationalisation acceleration activities organised in non-EU third countries (SMP-COSME-2021-CLUSTER-01 - Euroclusters for Europe's recovery)
Deadline: 20 December 2024 (12:00 CET)
DESCRIPTION
The RESIST initiative is geared towards providing financial assistance to European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and very-small businesses (VSBs) seeking to accelerate their internationalisation efforts. Through the international travel Fast-Track to Innovation (FSTP) call, applicants have the opportunity to secure funding for various internationalisation activities.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
(1) Participation in conferences, trade fairs, and exhibitions in target markets.
(2) Attendance at in-person trainings or events focused on internationalisation.
(3) Engagement in matchmaking events to foster business connections.
(4) Arrangement of bilateral meetings with potential customers or suppliers, encompassing business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) interactions.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Funding does not cover booth fees at conferences or exhibitions. Internal events organised within the RESIST Eurocluster framework are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
TERMINATED CALLS
EU DigiTOUR - Innovation uptake and digitalisation in the tourism sector (TOURINN-01-2020) - Call for selection of tourism SMEs - Stage 2
Deadline: 31 January 2024 (17:00 CET)
DESCRIPTION
EU DigiTOUR is a pioneering project, supported by the COSME Programme of the European Union, specifically crafted to empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism sector to embark on a journey of digital transformation.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The initiative is designed to:
(1) Provide direct support to innovative projects proposed by third parties, such as SMEs.
(2) Offer technical guidance, advice, and capacity-building initiatives to a wide range of SMEs, tailored to their specific needs and covering diverse geographical areas.
(3) Compile best practices to furnish policymakers with current, empirical evidence regarding the implementation of. priorities outlines in the Transition Pathway for Tourism.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
SMEs must be registered in Italy, Germany, Croatia or Slovenia.
Transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem - Empowering Tourism SMEs (SMP-COSME-2023-TOURSME-01)
Deadline: 21 February 2024 (17:00 CET)
DESCRIPTION
This call seeks to enable and empower SMEs to transition towards more sustainable and resilient practices, aligning with the priorities outlined in the Tourism Transition Pathway as part of the Industrial Strategy Update (COM(2021)350 final).
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The initiative is designed to:
(1) Provide direct support to innovative projects proposed by third parties, such as SMEs.
(2) Offer technical guidance, advice, and capacity-building initiatives to a wide range of SMEs, tailored to their specific needs and covering diverse geographical areas.
(3) Compile best practices to furnish policymakers with current, empirical evidence regarding the implementation of. priorities outlines in the Transition Pathway for Tourism.
COASTOUR Grants Scheme for Tourism Businesses: Sustainable and Resilient Transformation of the Rural Coastal Tourism Industry (SMP-COSME-2021-TOURSME-01 – COVID-19 Recovery Through Sustainable Tourism Growth and SME Support)
Deadline: 12 March 2024 (17:00 CET)
DESCRIPTION
COASTOUR is an ambitious project co-funded by the European Commission under the Single Market Programme (SMP) aimed at catalysing a sustainable transition within the tourism sector. This initiative seeks to develop a robust sustainability monitoring framework designed to support the sustainable evolution of a minimum of 80 tourism SMEs across five countries: Denmark, Portugal, Italy, Slovenia, and Lithuania.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
(1) Empower tourism SMEs with tools, knowledge, and resources to enhance sustainability performance.
(2) Foster greater awareness and understanding of sustainable practices.
(3) Facilitate development and capacity-building initiatives to drive sustainable innovations.
(4) Provide funding grants to 80 SMEs.
(5) Facilitate the sustainable transition of approximately 300 rural coastal tourism SMEs.
(6) Offer complimentary sustainability advisor services, workshops, and personalised assessments with detailed recommendation reports.
(7) Foster long-term sustainability and resilience within the coastal tourism sector.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Eligible are SMEs established and operating in Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, Portugal, or Lithuania.
Upcoming Calls
Funding Opportunities
Single Market Programme
Overall Budget: 4.2 billion euros
General Description
Pivotal initiative aimed at fortifying the governance of the EU single market. Is designed to address various facets of market dynamics, with a primary focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal market.
General Objectives
(1) Enhancing Market Functionality through measures such as enhanced market surveillance, facilitating problem-solving support for citizens and businesses, and strengthening competition policy.
(2) Boosting Business Competitiveness through targeted support and resources, SMEs are empowered to thrive and innovate, contributing to overall economic growth and resilience.
(3) Developing Effective European Standards and international financial and non-financial reporting and auditing standards. Aims to enhance transparency, reliability, and trust within the market by establishing robust standards, thereby facilitating smoother cross-border transactions and investments.
(4) Strengthening Consumer Protection by implementing measures to bolster consumer rights and safeguards, fostering a thriving and equitable marketplace.
(5) Ensuring Food Safety: The programme allocates resources to uphold stringent food safety standards, safeguarding public health and consumer confidence in food products.
(6) Producing High-Quality Statistics: accurate and reliable statistics are essential for informed decision-making and policy formulation. The programme promises to produce and disseminate high-quality statistics, providing stakeholders with reliable data to guide their actions and strategies.
Click here for more information: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/single-market-programme/overview_en
Calls for SME support
EU DigiTOUR - Innovation uptake and digitalisation in the tourism sector (TOURINN-01-2020) - Call for selection of tourism SMEs - Stage 2
Deadline: 31 January 2024 (17:00 CET)
Description
EU DigiTOUR is a pioneering project, supported by the COSME Programme of the European Union, specifically crafted to empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism sector to embark on a journey of digital transformation.
Specific Objectives
The initiative is designed to:
(1) Provide direct support to innovative projects proposed by third parties, such as SMEs.
(2) Offer technical guidance, advice, and capacity-building initiatives to a wide range of SMEs, tailored to their specific needs and covering diverse geographical areas.
(3) Compile best practices to furnish policymakers with current, empirical evidence regarding the implementation of. priorities outlines in the Transition Pathway for Tourism.
Eligibility Criteria
SMEs must be registered in Italy, Germany, Croatia or Slovenia
Calls for SME support
COASTOUR Grants Scheme for Tourism Businesses: Sustainable and Resilient Transformation of the Rural Coastal Tourism Industry (SMP-COSME-2021-TOURSME-01 – COVID-19 Recovery Through Sustainable Tourism Growth and SME Support)
Deadline: 12 March 2024 (17:00 CET)
Description
COASTOUR is an ambitious project co-funded by the European Commission under the Single Market Programme (SMP) aimed at catalysing a sustainable transition within the tourism sector. This initiative seeks to develop a robust sustainability monitoring framework designed to support the sustainable evolution of a minimum of 80 tourism SMEs across five countries: Denmark, Portugal, Italy, Slovenia, and Lithuania.
Specific Objectives
(1) Empower tourism SMEs with tools, knowledge, and resources to enhance sustainability performance.
(2) Foster greater awareness and understanding of sustainable practices.
(3) Facilitate development and capacity-building initiatives to drive sustainable innovations.
(4) Provide funding grants to 80 SMEs.
(5) Facilitate the sustainable transition of approximately 300 rural coastal tourism SMEs.
(6) Offer complimentary sustainability advisor services, workshops, and personalised assessments with detailed recommendation reports.
(7) Foster long-term sustainability and resilience within the coastal tourism sector.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible are SMEs established and operating in Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, Portugal, or Lithuania.
Calls for SME support
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FSTP – RESIST: REsilience through Sustainable processes and production for the European automotive InduSTry for SMEs working in the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem to participate in internationalisation acceleration activities organised in non-EU third countries (SMP-COSME-2021-CLUSTER-01 - Euroclusters for Europe's recovery)
Deadline: 20 December 2024 (12:00 CET)
Description
The RESIST initiative is geared towards providing financial assistance to European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and very-small businesses (VSBs) seeking to accelerate their internationalisation efforts. Through the international travel Fast-Track to Innovation (FSTP) call, applicants have the opportunity to secure funding for various internationalisation activities.
Specific Objectives
(1) Participation in conferences, trade fairs, and exhibitions in target markets.
(2) Attendance at in-person trainings or events focused on internationalisation.
(3) Engagement in matchmaking events to foster business connections.
(4) Arrangement of bilateral meetings with potential customers or suppliers, encompassing business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) interactions.
Eligibility Criteria
Funding does not cover booth fees at conferences or exhibitions. Internal events organised within the RESIST Eurocluster framework are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
EU Funding opportunities for Tourism SMEs
Erasmus +
Overall Budget: 3.8 billion euros
General Description
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme for education, training, youth, and sport. It supports the objectives of the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, the European Youth Strategy, and the European Union Work Plan for Sport. Erasmus+ places a strong focus on social inclusion, green and digital transitions, as well as on promoting youth participation in democratic life. It provides cooperation, capacity building, exchanges, networking, and policy support for organisations. Reforms in education, training, youth, and sport are also being made. Erasmus+ additionally aims to promote the sustainable development of its partners in higher education and contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy. The programme has no specific tourism components. However, tourism enterprises and their staff can benefit from training young people. In addition, tourism organisations can receive funding for development and networking activities. These include academic and vocational training, adult/lifelong learning, youth and European sport events. Projects can cover mobility, developing the competences and employability of young people in tourism, digital skills in cultural heritage, hospitality, and research innovation.
General Objectives
(1) Support the objectives of the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, the European Youth Strategy, and the European Union Work Plan for Sport.
(2) Focus on social inclusion, green and digital transitions, and promoting youth participation in democratic life.
(3) Provide cooperation, capacity building, exchanges, networking, and policy support for organisations.
(4) Implement reforms in education, training, youth, and sport.
(5) Promote sustainable development of partners in higher education.
(6) Contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy.
(7) Benefit tourism enterprises and their staff through training young people.
(8) Provide funding for development and networking activities for tourism organisations, including academic and vocational training, adult/lifelong learning, youth and European sport events.
(9) Cover projects on mobility, developing competences and employability of young people in tourism, digital skills in cultural heritage, hospitality, and research innovation.
Click here for more information: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/about-erasmus/what-is-erasmus
Calls for SME support
Alliances for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills, implementing the ‘Blueprint’ (Lump Sum Grant, ERASMUS-EDU-2024-PI-ALL-INNO-BLUEPRINT)
Deadline: 7 March 2024
Description
Alliances for Innovation are initiatives aimed at boosting Europe’s innovation capacity through collaboration and knowledge sharing among universities, vocational education and training institutions, and the broader socio-economic environment, including research.
Specific Objectives
(1) Provide new skills and address skill gaps by developing new curricula for higher education and vocational training.
(2) Foster entrepreneurial mindsets in the EU.
(3) Implement a range of sector-specific or cross-sector activities that can adapt to future knowledge developments across the EU.
(4) Develop talent and skills in three key areas: digital competencies, skills for transitioning to a circular and greener economy, and the adoption of new technologies to support digital and green transitions across all sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
There may be specific eligibility criteria related to participation in educational or entrepreneurial initiatives within the EU context.
Calls for SME support
Alliances for Education and Enterprises (Lump Sum Grant, ERASMUS-EDU-2024-PI-ALL-INNO-EDU-ENTERP)
Deadline: 7 March 2024
Description
Alliances for Innovation aim to strengthen Europe in innovation by encouraging collaboration and sharing of knowledge among universities, vocational training institutions, and the broader economy, including research.
Specific Objectives
(1) Create new educational programmes in higher education and vocational training to meet job market demands.
(2) Foster entrepreneurial skills in the EU.
(3) Adapt to future developments in knowledge across Europe.
(4) Develop talent and skills in key areas such as digital skills, green skills for a circular economy, and innovation through new technologies across various sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
There may be specific eligibility criteria related to participation in educational or entrepreneurial initiatives within the EU context.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Interreg's support to tourism
Overall Budget: €120 million for the European Urban Initiative (EUI) call for proposals targeting sustainable tourism.
General Description
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Interreg support tourism through the EU cohesion policy, aiding European regions in leveraging their geographical, cultural, and historical assets. The ERDF, under its European Territorial Cooperation strand (Interreg), promotes sustainable tourism and strengthens economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the EU. The 2021-2027 EU long-term budget facilitates a resilient and sustainable tourism ecosystem, addressing green and digital transitions via the Transition Pathway for Tourism. Investments are aligned with 5 policy objectives, focusing significantly on socio-economic development, social inclusion, and social innovation through policy objective 4 (A more social and inclusive Europe) and integrated sustainable territorial development through policy objective 5 (A Europe Closer to citizens). Interreg programmes support cross-border, transnational, interregional, and outermost regions’ cooperation, with tourism being a key sector. The European Urban Initiative (EUI), funded by ERDF, includes sustainable tourism as one of its targeted topics in Innovative Actions.
General Objectives
(1) Support tourism in a sustainable manner.
(2) Strengthen economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the EU.
(3) Contribute to a resilient and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
(4) Address green and digital transitions in tourism.
(5) Promote socio-economic development, social inclusion, and social innovation.
(6) Facilitate integrated sustainable territorial development.
(7) Support cross-border, transnational, interregional, and outermost regions’ cooperation in tourism.
Click here for more information: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/tourism/eu-funding-and-businesses/funding-guide/european-regional-development-fund-erdf-and-cohesion-fund_en
Calls for SME support
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - France (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Deadline: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - France (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Description
The Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes oversees the management of ERDF funds within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. This includes administering various funding programmes such as ERDF, ESF+, and JTF regional Operational Programme for 2021-2027. The programme aims to promote regional development and address societal challenges through a comprehensive approach.
Specific Objectives
(1) Promote research, innovation, and digitalisation.
(2) Facilitate the transition towards green energy.
(3) Enhance digital connectivity.
(4) Improve healthcare services.
(5) Support tourism initiatives.
(6) Develop territorial development strategies.
(7) Enhance urban mobility.
(8) Provide support for training, employment, and healthcare.
(9) Ensure a just transition towards sustainable development.
(10) Offer technical assistance for effective programme implementation across the region.
Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the particular funding programme or initiative under ERDF within Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Calls for SME support
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - France (Reunion/La Réunion)
The Operational Programme ERDF 2014-2020 is currently active in Réunion.
Description
The Région Réunion is the public authority responsible for implementing ERDF funds in Réunion, a region of France. They manage the Operational Programme ERDF 2014-2020, which aims to support various sectors.
Specific Objectives
(1) Support companies and tourism development in Réunion
(2) Promote research and innovation initiatives
(3)Invest in education, training, and social inclusion
(4) Develop sustainable infrastructure in the region.
Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility criteria may apply depending on the specific projects or initiatives funded under the ERDF Operational Programme in Réunion.
Research & Innovation
HORIZON
Overall Budget: 95.5 billion euros
General Description
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion. It addresses climate change, supports the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and enhances the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting, and implementing EU policies while addressing global challenges. It promotes the creation and dissemination of excellent knowledge and technologies. Additionally, it creates jobs, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness, and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area. Legal entities from the EU and associated countries can participate.
General Objectives
(1) Tackle climate change.
(2) Achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
(3) Boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
(4) Facilitate collaboration in research and innovation.
(5) Strengthen the impact of research and innovation on EU policies.
(6) Address global challenges.
(7) Create and disseminate excellent knowledge and technologies.
(8) Create jobs and fully engage the EU’s talent pool.
(9) Promote industrial competitiveness.
(10) Optimise investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area.
Click here for more information: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
Calls for SME support
Systemic circular solutions for sustainable tourism (HORIZON Innovation Actions, planned opening 17/10/23, HORIZON-CL6-2024-CircBio-01-4)
Deadline: 22 February 2024
Description
The project aims to foster sustainability within the tourism sector by promoting circular tourism services, minimising harmful substances and waste, and optimising resource utilisation. It seeks to implement systemic solutions tailored to various regions and promote circular, zero-pollution, and climate-neutral practices among service providers and users. The initiative also aims to introduce innovative solutions and affordable technologies to facilitate the transition towards circularity in tourism.
Specific Objectives
(1) Propagate circular tourism services.
(2) Minimise harmful substances and waste.
(3) Optimise energy, land, and water utilisation.
(4) Implement replicable systemic solutions for diverse territorial needs.
(5)Promote circular, zero-pollution, and climate-neutral practices.
(6) Introduce innovative solutions and affordable technologies, including AI, robotics, IoT, and blockchain.
Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility criteria may apply as per HORIZON Innovation Actions guidelines.
Calls for SME support
Advanced user-friendly, compatible, secure identity and travel document management (HORIZON Innovation Actions, HORIZON-CL3-2024-BM-01-02)
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Description
The call aims to enhance border surveillance capabilities, making them more effective and cost-efficient while upholding data protection and fundamental rights. It focuses on improving surveillance along sea borders, including critical maritime infrastructures, and addresses security concerns in the Arctic. The call also emphasizes better collaboration among authorities and improved interoperability of systems for streamlined operations among Member States and Associated Countries practitioners.
Specific Objectives
(1) Enhance border surveillance capabilities.
(2) Ensure cost-efficiency and effectiveness.
(3)Uphold data protection and fundamental rights.
(4) Improve surveillance along sea borders and maritime infrastructures.
(5)Address security concerns in the Arctic.
(6) Improve collaboration among authorities.
(7) Enhance interoperability of sensing, analysis, and command-and-control (C2) systems.
Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility criteria may apply as per HORIZON Innovation Actions guidelines.
Rural Tourism Development
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Overall Budget: Specific budget allocations vary depending on the CAP Strategic Plans of individual EU countries.
General Description
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and provides funding to small companies through various schemes, including direct payments under the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The EAFRD is especially relevant to tourism as it aims to address structural problems in rural areas, such as a lack of attractive employment opportunities, skill shortages, under-investment in connectivity, infrastructure, and essential services, as well as youth brain drain. The fund supports initiatives for territorial economic development, rural infrastructure, and the conservation of small-scale built heritage, all of which contribute to developing smart villages and enhancing tourism appeal in rural areas.
General Objectives
(1) Address structural challenges in rural areas to enhance tourism appeal.
(2) Stimulate socio-economic growth in rural communities, creating jobs and renewing generations.
(3) Advance smart village development by integrating renewable energy, circular economy practices, and rural tourism activities.
(4) Facilitate investment in various rural sectors, including tourism, by developing infrastructure and preserving cultural heritage sites.
(5) Enhance rural tourism experiences through improved infrastructure and heritage conservation by integrating tourism investments into CAP Strategic Plans from January 2023 onwards.
Click here for more information: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en
Calls for SME support
Tourism-related investments were included in CAP Strategic Plans implemented from January 2023 onwards.
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
Overall Budget: Specific budget allocations vary depending on the specific programmes managed by EISMEA.
General Description
Established in April 2021, EISMEA groups together all the activities of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and programmes related to small and medium-sized enterprises. Its mission is to implement the European Innovation Council and manage other EU programmes focusing on SME support, innovation, and the single market, aiming to reinforce the EU’s position as a global leader in Research and Innovation, strengthen its Single Market, open up opportunities for SMEs, and maintain high standards of protection for its citizens towards a more competitive, digital, green, and inclusive EU.
General Objectives
(1) Reinforce the EU’s position as a global leader in Research and Innovation.
(2) Strengthen the EU’s Single Market.
(3) Open up opportunities for SMEs.
(4) Maintain high standards of protection for EU citizens.
(5) Promote a more competitive, digital, green, and inclusive EU.
Click here for more information: https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Calls for SME support
Transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem – empowering tourism SMEs
Deadline: The first deadline was 21 February 2024.
Description
This new call for proposals targets SMEs in the tourism sector and has been launched by EISMEA at the end of 2023. The funding aims to deliver a comprehensive package of support, including training, financial assistance, and advisory services, through a collaborative partnership, to make the EU tourism sector more resilient and environmentally friendly.
Specific Objectives
(1) Gather best practices and raise awareness regarding resilience, digital, and sustainable changes relevant to tourism SMEs.
(2) Conduct ‘train the trainers’ activities for key tourism stakeholders to enhance awareness and knowledge spreading in tourism ecosystems.
(3) Provide targeted consulting, coaching, and technical support to SMEs in identified tourism subsectors.
(4) Offer direct support for the development of new business concepts and projects that foster cross-sectoral cooperation.
Eligibility Criteria
SMEs, including start-ups and entrepreneurs. Applications are welcome from consortia including key tourism industry stakeholders, business support organisations, specialised consultancies, tourism professionals, etc.
Creative Europe Programme
Overall Budget: Specific budget allocations vary depending on the specific programmes managed by the Creative Europe Programme.
General Description
The Creative Europe Programme, integral to the European Union’s framework, holds significant relevance for tourism. With a focus on supporting cultural and creative sectors, including the audiovisual domain, it serves multifaceted objectives crucial for cultural preservation and economic advancement.
General Objectives
(1) Safeguard, develop, and promote European cultural diversity and heritage.
(2) Bolster competitiveness and economic potential of artistic and creative industries.
Click here for more information: https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe
PROJECT EXAMPLE
festivalfinder.eu
Deadline: Ongoing
Description
“In Europe the arts are just a festival away” is the slogan of the recently launched interactive search engine and online portal FestivalFinder.eu. It is a result of the pilot project Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe (EFFE) which drove 2,000 festivals to register on the site by 19 September 2019.
Specific Objectives
(1) Increase audience access to the arts.
(2) Provide information on the rich diversity of festivals across Europe.
Eligibility Criteria
The project partners include festivals, cities, national tourism boards, the press, academia, and tech sectors.
PROJECT EXAMPLE
Heritage for PEOPLE
Deadline: Ongoing
Description
The “VerSus+ / Heritage for PEOPLE” project focuses on spreading awareness about preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, as well as promoting more sustainable architecture. The project particularly targets: Children and young adults; Local, regional, and national heritage management authorities; Experts and professionals in architecture; Craftsmen; Construction and tourism businesses; Cultural, educational, and social organisations.
Specific Objectives
(1) Involve migrants and refugees to introduce them to local cultures.
(2) Showcase lessons learned from traditional heritage to guide future societal development.
(3) Implement social participation, education, communication, and promotion strategies across various contexts.
(4) Emphasise sustainable aspects of life in limited geographical areas like islands and archipelagos.
(5) Inform the country’s best practices and skill development through lessons learned from island experiences.
Eligibility Criteria
Children and young adults; Local, regional, and national heritage management authorities; Experts and professionals in architecture; Craftsmen; Construction and tourism businesses; Cultural, educational, and social organisations.
Digital Europe Programme
Overall Budget: Specific budget allocations vary depending on the specific projects managed under the Digital Europe Programme.
General Description
The Digital Europe Programme supports the digital transformation of Europe’s society and economy by enhancing digital capacities in areas like AI, cybersecurity, advanced computing, and data infrastructure. It aims to bolster the strategic autonomy of the EU’s single market.
General Objectives
(1) Shape and support digital transformation of Europe’s society and economy.
(2) Enhance digital capacities in AI, cybersecurity, advanced computing, and data infrastructure.
(3) Bolster strategic autonomy of the EU’s single market.
Click here for more information:
Calls for SME support
Governance of future data space for tourism
Deadline: Ongoing
Description
Supports the creation of data spaces, including the European common data space for cultural heritage and data space for mobility.
Specific Objectives
(1) Facilitate digital transformation of the cultural heritage sector. (2) Enhance interoperability among various data spaces, including those for tourism, mobility, and cultural heritage.
Eligibility Criteria
Tourism sector SMEs, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and consortia including key tourism industry stakeholders.
Calls for SME support
Support for SMEs in digital transformation
Deadline: Ongoing
Description
The programme supports SMEs through European digital innovation hubs, aiding in their digital transformation.
Specific Objectives
(1) Enable SMEs to leverage digital technologies effectively.
(2) Enhance competitiveness and facilitate innovation in the tourism industry.
Eligibility Criteria
SMEs in the tourism sector.
Other Funding Opportunities for SMEs
EaSI Microfinance Facility
Budget: Loans up to €25,000
General Description
Provides loans of up to €25,000 to individuals for setting up or developing a small business.
General Objectives
(1) Help SMEs develop their business in areas indirectly connected to the tourism sector.
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Budget: Varies based on project
General Description
Provides support to SMEs to improve their competitiveness through training.
General Objectives
(1) Improve competitiveness of SMEs.
LIFE Programme
Budget: Varies based on project
General Description
Supports companies in bringing their green products, technologies, services, and processes to the market.
General Objectives
(1) Support close-to-market projects for green products and technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
Companies with green products, technologies, services, and processes.
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
Budget: Varies based on project
General Description
Finances projects related to energy, transport, and ICT, indirectly linked to tourism projects led by SMEs.
General Objectives
(1) Support projects in energy, transport, and ICT sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
SMEs in related sectors
EU RURAL TOURISM 2nd open call for rural tourism SMEs
Budget: Service pack valued at €5,000
General Description
Supports rural tourism SMEs to improve their digital, green, and social maturity, skills, and capacities.
General Objectives
(1) Enhance digital, green, and social maturity of rural tourism SMEs.(2) Provide new tourism products for international markets.
Calls for SME support
2nd open call for rural tourism SMEs
Deadline: January 16, 2024
Description
Supports up to 61 rural tourism SMEs with digital, green, and social maturity improvements.
Specific Objectives
(1) SMEs with a history of operation for at least 1 year.
(2) Located in rural areas.
(3) Accommodation providers with extra services.
Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility criteria may apply as per HORIZON Innovation Actions guidelines.
TRACE Support Programme
Budget: Grant of €7,200
General Description
Selects 6 tourism SMEs in Belgium and 6 in Spain to become European champions of sustainability.
General Objectives
(1) Train, consult, and advise tourism SMEs to transition towards the circular economy.
(2) Enhance sustainability performance and competitiveness.
Calls for SME support
2nd Open Call for SMEs Support
Deadline: April 18, 2024
Description
Provides specialised consultancy, participation in study visits and matchmaking events, and access to environmental certification.
Eligibility Criteria
SMEs in Belgium and Spain
INNOVATE call for supporting SMEs in the tourism sector
Budget: Funding up to €7,000
General Description
Supports up to 80 SMEs from eligible regions in developing their sustainability and innovative practices.
General Objectives
(1) Train, consult, and advise tourism SMEs to transition towards the circular economy.
(2) Enhance sustainability performance and competitiveness.
Calls for SME support
SUSRUR Open Call #2 – INNOVATE
Deadline: Ongoing
Description
Provides support for developing sustainability practices and innovative solutions in tourism SMEs.
Eligibility Criteria
Tourism SMEs in rural and remote/mountain areas
IKAT Tourism Call for SMEs
Budget: Varies based on project
General Description
Financial support for services in coastal and maritime tourism sectors.
General Objectives
(1) Address priorities of the European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism.
(2) Re-establish broken value chains and increase resilience.
Calls for SME support
Financial support for services
Deadline: Ongoing
Description
Provides solutions aligned with the European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism.
Eligibility Criteria
SMEs in coastal and maritime tourism sectors
TOURBIT – Call for Proposals for the Selection of Tourism SMEs
Overall Budget: of €1,331,570, 75% co-funded through COSME
General Description
Supports digitalisation projects proposed by tourism SMEs.
General Objectives
(1) Foster digital transformation and innovation in tourism SMEs.
(2) Promote resilience and competitiveness.
Calls for SME support
Call for Proposals for the Selection of Tourism SMEs
Deadline: June 2024
Description
Selects innovative digitalisation projects for financial support and participation in the Digital Acceleration Programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Tourism SMEs committed to digital transformation