The European Commission has issued a call for proposals aimed at developing new sustainable touristic routes and consolidating existing ones to strengthen tourism ecosystems across Europe. The initiative seeks to boost the competitiveness of tourism SMEs by fostering green and digital transitions, promoting innovation, and encouraging balanced regional development. The routes are expected to be fully functional and self-sustainable at the end of the co-funding period. The selected proposal will be required to reinforce the sector’s competitiveness by increasing its resilience and capacity to face unexpected crises and challenges.

To be eligible, proposals must be submitted by a consortium of five to eight independent entities, including at least three destination management organizations (DMOs) and two business support organizations (BSOs) from a minimum of two different eligible countries. The program provides a total funding pool of EUR 6.9 million, with individual awards ranging from EUR 1.2 million to EUR 1.4 million. Projects are expected to span between 30 and 48 months, ultimately driving economic growth and resilience within the European tourism sector.