Building resilient tourism across Mediterranean routes
DETOUR is a EU-funded project under SMP COSME Programme, dedicated to developing sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystems along rural and historical routes in the Mediterranean. With a €2 million budget over three years (1 November 2024 – 31 October 2027), DETOUR brings together eight international partners to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector in growing, innovating, and remaining competitive — by leveraging funding opportunities, digital tools, and a shared commitment to slow and responsible travel.
Purpose and Impact of DETOUR
Capacity Building
Targeted training for tourism professionals through the “Train the Trainers” programme.
SMEs Training and Mentoring
Training and mentoring to help tourism SMEs innovate, grow sustainably, and adopt slow, responsible travel practices.
Acceleration Programme
The Acceleration Programme aims to fast-track innovation by providing resources and mentorship to support project growth and scalability.
Latest News and Events
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“Train the Trainers” workshop hosted in Viterbo for the future trainers of SMEs along the Italian Via Francigena
From 18 to 20 October 2025, the Italian city of Viterbo hosted the first DETOUR “Train the Trainers” workshop for the Italian key tourism stakeholders. The event brought together 12 tourism, culture and cross-sectoral professionals from across Italy for three days of workshops, field activities, and group sessions focused on digital and green transition, environmental awareness, accessibility, and sustainability in tourism.
DETOUR featured at Orio Litta conference on opportunities of walking routes
The European project DETOUR was featured at the conference “La Via Francigena nel Lodigiano: a road connecting past and future”, held on 11–12 October 2025 in Orio Litta (Lombardy, Italy). The event, organisedby the European Association of the Via Francigena (AEVF) with the support of Lombardy Region, brought together institutional representatives, experts, and local communities to explore the cultural, social, and economic value of the cultural itinerary of Via Francigena, particularly in the context of Catholic Jubilee 2025.
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DETOUR at TTG Travel Experience: supporting SMEs along the Cultural Routes
On 9 October, the European Association of the Via Francigena (AEVF) took part in TTG Travel Experience, one of the leading international tourism exhibitions, presenting the DETOUR project at the stand of Confartigianato, the Italian organization supporting artisans, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and professionals in the tourism sector.
Our Partners
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