We are pleased to announce that the funding proposal for the epaithros Rural Tourism Cluster, entitled “Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+”, submitted within the framework of the “Research-Innovate” Action of the “Competitiveness” Operational Program of the NSRF 2021–2027 (Call Code 08KE – OPS Code 9833), of Intervention III: “Valorization of Research Results”, in the Thematic Sector “Tourism, Culture & Creative Industries” has been approved!
The proposal with project code EKPAR03-0053467 was selected for funding by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation, among 113 submitted proposals, of which 33 were approved.
The project “Epaithros+ Rural Tourism Network” will be implemented with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the National Participation, with an implementation time frame of two years.
The approved proposal is a continuation of the 1st call for Innovation Cooperatives – Supporting Body under the title Rural Tourism Cluster e-paithros (epaithros), as well as the project entitled “Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions” and distinctive title: “JoInOuT”, which was implemented within the framework of the Action “Innovation Cooperatives/CSOs” – 2nd Call: Enterprises.
The main objectives of the new proposal are:
- Increasing the recognition of Greece as a destination for Rural Tourism – Agrotourism – Ecotourism – etc.
- The qualitative upgrade of products and services of the members of the epaithros Cluster
- The evolution of the epaithros Cluster into a tourist destination support body in Crete and the rest of Greece with rural tourism as a reference point.
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategic actions will be developed:
- LEVERAGING – INTEGRATION OF NEW MEMBERS: Intensification of the entry of new members based on more specialized integration criteria and assignment of the epaithros brand.
- RESEARCH – STUDIES: Implementation of 3 Annual Research – Studies: 1. Research on rural tourism, 2. Research to investigate the network member’s needs, 3. Evaluation of the progress and results of the epaithros+ cluster, with the aim of informing members, improving and enriching the database on rural tourism, substantial cooperation, support and development of the network members.
- EXTROVERSION – PROMOTION – INFORMATION – PROMOTION: Development of promotion – promotion actions, with the aim of raising awareness, informing participants as well as potential members (businesses and organizations at regional and national level), about the innovation and dynamics of epaIthros+, easier transfer and upgrading of their image at reduced cost and strengthening their competitiveness and reputation.
- BUSINESS SUPPORT: Business support for cluster members, through the creation of innovative tools, aiming at proper operation and successful business development.
- PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT – EXPANSION: Upgrading, expansion – integration – experimental implementation of content, services and functions of the technological platform, both in the open (B2C) and closed (B2B) areas.
Stay tuned!
