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
How walking routes promote local culture: SMEs and food-themed experiences
World Food Day, celebrated on 16 October, highlights the vital impact of local agricultural production and community food initiatives amid shifting global lifestyles and eating habits. This growing demand for authentic, nature-based experiences drives the popularity of adventure tourism and long-distance trails across Europe. Ultimately, these sustainable travel trends and mindful tourist preferences create valuable opportunities for local economic development and small businesses.
Kick-off of the 7 selected DETOUR projects in Bulgaria
After the DETOUR Consortium Meeting, the city of Plovdiv hosted the kick-off at the Boris Hristov House of Culture to present the seven funded projects under the European project DETOUR. A total of 175,000 euros in direct funding (25,000 euros per project) is being invested in transforming local ideas into real tourism products, digital solutions and collaboration networks along the Sultan’s Trail.
DETOUR project at the 9th Pan-Hellenic Trail Meeting
As part of the proceedings of the 9th Pan-Hellenic Trail Meeting, which took place in Polykastro, Kilkis (Central Macedonia-Greece), on 9 - 11 October, the European project DETOUR was showcased by the Mediterranean Centre of Environment. The presentation highlighted the prospects and benefits of the project’s pilot implementation along the trails of Mounts Olympus, Kissavos and Mavrovouni.
Our Partners
