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
DETOUR Call for Collaborative Projects: 99 applications received from SMEs and tourism stakeholders
Following the series of online and in-person Info Days involving more than 150 participants, DETOUR received 99 collaborative project applications from SMEs and stakeholders across Italy, Türkiye, Greece and Bulgaria. The evaluation committee is currently analysing the proposals, and the selected applicants will be notified on 13 July 2026.
UNESCO Global Geoparks and Sustainable Tourism: DETOUR Presented at the Intensive School in Lesvos
UNESCO Global Geoparks are expanding worldwide as living laboratories for environmental conservation, responsible tourism, and sustainable community development. At a major international intensive school in Lesvos, Greece, the DETOUR project was presented to over 70 global geopark experts and researchers, highlighting how DETOUR’s focus on hiking and responsible tourism adds direct value to heritage-rich territories.
From mobile bike assistance to new tourism services
Bike-friendly services and mobile assistance are unlocking vital economic opportunities along cultural routes like the Via Francigena. To support this growth, Confartigianato donated a fully equipped cargo bike able to provide ordinary maintenance, mechanical repairs and technical adjustments directly along the route. This practical initiative highlights how cultural routes can foster local entrepreneurship and create thriving business ecosystems for small enterprises.
Our Partners
