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.
📍Call for SMEs Training from 8 September to 30 November 2025.
ℹ️Find all the information on the Training page.
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
What SMEs really need in 2026: lessons learned from the DETOUR surveys
A 2025 DETOUR survey of SMEs along major hiking routes—including the Via Francigena, Lycian Way, and Sultan’s Trail—revealed key challenges in seasonality, service gaps, sustainability awareness, and digital adoption, highlighting the need for targeted training to strengthen resilience, extend operating seasons, and improve sustainable tourism practices.
Outdoor tourism: trade fairs as a meeting place for businesses, local areas, and tourists
Hiking and outdoor tourism are rapidly growing within sustainable travel, highlighted by major events like ITB Berlin and Fa' la cosa giusta!, where initiatives such as DETOUR showcase how slow tourism and local engagement are driving economic opportunities and more responsible, experience-focused travel trends.
Call for Collaborative Projects Now OPEN
The DETOUR project has opened its Call for Collaborative Projects, with applications due by 1 June 2026. Selected partnerships, mainly tourism SMEs, will receive €15,000–€25,000 mini-grants to implement projects along four pilot routes from September 2026.
Our Partners
