On 10 April in Rome DMO ES.CO, the DETOUR project partner in charge of dissemination, took part in the workshop in the framework of the “Building Capacity for Tourism” programme, organized by KPMG for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. Funded by the European Union through EISMEA and DG MOVE, the training aimed to help SMEs navigate European funding opportunities and structure effective project proposals.

The training highlighted the financial opportunities within the Single Market Programme, with a dedicated session on the recent call for financial support for businesses by DETOUR. Michela Valentina, ES.CO Destination Manager, provided a practical overview of the project funding opportunities, offering valuable insights and increasing the visibility of the call among SMEs.

A key part of the training was the discussion on eligibility requirements, guidelines, and selection criteria, helping participants better understand the application process. The session was interactive, allowing direct engagement with the trainers to ensure clarity on submitting successful proposals.

The project aims to strengthen tourism as a tool for local development, particularly in rural areas, turning pilgrimage routes like the Via Francigena into opportunities for economic, cultural, and sustainable growth. By participating in these funding opportunities, SMEs can improve their tourism offerings, develop sustainable projects, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of local heritage.

[Credits via Unsplash]