Following the online Info Day held in Italy for SMEs operating along the Via Francigena, the DETOUR project partner Cultural Routes Society - Kultur Rotalari Dernegi (CRS) with support of ATM (Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism) conducted an outreach and capacity-building activities for SMEs connected to the Lycian Way in Türkiye. The Lycian Way is one of the most scenic long-distance hiking trails in the world, stretching for over 500 km along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Antalya, and combining breathtaking nature, rich history, archaeological heritage, and traditional village life.

To support potential applicants, an online info meeting was organised on 9 April 2026. Around 27 participants attended the online info session on 9 April, during which all key details of the call for collaborative projects were presented. While on 16 April 2026 over 30 participants joined a Project Cycle Management training delivered by Prof. Dr. Sibel Mehter Aykın, one of the project’s trainers. The session included explanations, practical examples, and a Q&A segment to help SMEs better understand the application process and project design requirements.

These activities are part of the wider DETOUR effort to help SMEs operating along Mediterranean walking routes access funding opportunities and develop innovative, sustainable, and collaborative tourism projects. The call offers 100% funded grants, with no co-financing required, ranging from €15,000 to €25,000 per project. Selected projects will have a mandatory duration of 6 to 9 months, starting from 1 September 2026.

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2026 at 12:00 CET. The evaluation period will run from 1 June to 12 July 2026, the results will be published by 13 July 2026, and the selected projects will start from 1 September 2026. The Info Days for the other project countries will soon be available. Participation is free of charge upon mandatory registration.

Click here to register

[Credits: cultureroutesinturkey.com]