On 6 February 2026, DETOUR partner, the Mediterranean Centre of Environment (MCE), conducted national DETOUR Matchmaking Day in Larisa, Thessaly. The event brought together 25 SMEs and DETOUR trainers, marking the launch of the Greek training and mentoring programme.

Participants included accommodation providers, outdoor activity operators, tour guides, restaurants, cafés, and local producers. The meeting offered an important opportunity to present DETOUR’s role in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives and social enterprises connected to walking and cycling routes, with a strong focus on cooperation, innovation, and sustainable tourism development.

During the session, MCE introduced the project’s objectives and activities, as well as the specific goals for the Thessaly region. Particular attention was given to the online training platform, the mentoring programme, and the call for collaborative projects, designed to help local SMEs and social enterprises develop new services, partnerships, and business ideas linked to the mountainous routes in the area of Mount Olympus, Mount Kissavos, and Mount Mavrovouni. In the afternoon, DETOUR trainers facilitated small-group roundtable discussions, allowing participants to share their interests, ask questions, and further develop ideas for innovative and collaborative projects. These exchanges helped strengthen networking among local operators and encouraged the creation of joint initiatives able to enhance the visitor experience along the route.

To provide further guidance on the call for collaborative projects, MCE also organised an online webinar on 30 March. During the session, a DETOUR trainer with experience in EU-funded programmes presented the call in detail and opened the floor for questions and discussion.

Overall, the Matchmaking Day in Larisa represented an important step in building cooperation among local tourism stakeholders. By supporting SMEs and social enterprises, DETOUR contributes to the creation of a long-distance route that connects existing walking and cycling tourism experiences, promotes local entrepreneurship, and supports the sustainable development of tourism in the region.

[Credits: MCE]