We are pleased to announce that the funding proposal for the epaithros Rural Tourism Cluster, entitled “Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+”, submitted as part of the “Research-Innovate” Action under the “Competitiveness” Operational Programme of the NSRF 2021–2027 (Call Code 08KE – OPS Code 9833), under Intervention III: “Valorisation of Research Results”, within 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, out of 113 proposals submitted, of which 33 were approved.
The “Epaithros+ Rural Tourism Network” project will be implemented with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the National Government, over a two-year period.
The approved proposal is a continuation of the first 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”, with the 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:
- Raising awareness of Greece as a destination for rural tourism, agrotourism, ecotourism, etc.
- The qualitative improvement of the products and services provided by the members of the epaithros Cluster
- The evolution of the epaithros Cluster into a body supporting tourism in Crete and the rest of Greece, with rural tourism as its focal point.
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategic actions will be implemented:
- LEVERAGING – INTEGRATION OF NEW MEMBERS: An increase in the intake of new members based on more specialised integration criteria and the awarding of the epaithros brand.
- RESEARCH – STUDIES: Implementation of three annual research projects: 1. Research into rural tourism, 2. Research to investigate the needs of network members, 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, and fostering substantial cooperation, support and development amongst network members.
- EXTROVERSION – PROMOTION – INFORMATION – PROMOTION: Development of promotional activities, with the aim of raising awareness and informing participants as well as potential members (businesses and organisations at regional and national level) about the innovation and dynamism of epaIthros+, facilitating the transfer and enhancement 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, with a view to ensuring smooth operation and successful business development.
- PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT – EXPANSION: Upgrading, expansion, integration and experimental implementation of the content, services and functions of the technological platform, in both the open (B2C) and closed (B2B) areas.
Stay tuned!