Epaithros+ is an innovative Collaborative Cluster designed to connect businesses and organizations active in Rural Tourism. It is addressed to enterprises operating in the Greek countryside, such as accommodation providers, wineries, farms, restaurants, activity providers, small-scale producers, and more.
Epaithros+ welcomes any business or organization working for the development of the Greek countryside and wishing to upgrade its product. The main categories include:
BUSINESSES
Accommodation: All types of tourist lodgings and guesthouses
- Food & Gastronomy: Restaurants, cafés, and local gastronomy businesses
- Outdoor Activities: Alternative tourism agencies and activity providers
- Primary Sector & Processing: Wineries, visitable farms, small-scale producers, and local product manufacturers
ORGANIZATIONS
Institutions & Public Bodies: Protected area management units, Local Authorities and their enterprises, Development Agencies, museums, and cultural institutions.
To become a member, applicants must meet specific requirements, such as:
- Being active in the countryside
- Having an active website
- Adopting environmental practices and using local products
- Investing in staff training
- Promoting the shared “epaithros” product
- Willingness to collaborate with other members
Applicants must also meet the criteria outlined in the membership application.
Members gain access to a dedicated B2B area offering specialized Business Support Services, including:
- Digital Business & Marketing Plans: Innovative tools for better decision‑making and performance improvement
- Reputation Management: Tools to monitor your online presence on platforms such as Tripadvisor and Google
- E‑learning: Training on sustainability and special forms of tourism
Most importantly, your business is promoted through the Rural Greece travel platform and integrated into curated thematic routes (maps). At Rural Greece, we shape destinations with the goal of showcasing you.
Through the travel platform ruralgreece.gr, your business is showcased to potential visitors via thematic routes (wine, gastronomy, hiking, road trips) and points of interest. The network also implements joint outreach actions, produces digital content, and participates in tourism fairs.
It is the development model guiding epaithros+, focusing on the balance between environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The aim is to protect natural resources, strengthen local communities, and support the sustainable growth of rural businesses.
The process includes five simple steps:
- Submission of the membership application
- Evaluation of the business/organization based on the network’s criteria
- Registration on the platform and receipt of B2B access credentials
- Information and utilization of opportunities
- Enjoying the benefits and growing your business
Yes — networking is a core pillar of epaithros+. Through the Forum in the B2B area, members can exchange ideas and form collaborations in real time. In addition, Local Meetings and epaithros+ events offer further opportunities for B2B networking and personal interaction.
Membership in epaithros+ is free of charge. The project is co‑funded by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund) and National Resources through the “Competitiveness” Programme (ESPA 2021–2027), allowing members to access all services and tools without financial burden.
To ensure long‑term, autonomous, and sustainable operation, a participatory subscription model has been designed for the future. Members will receive detailed and personalized information in due time.
Although Crete was the pilot region, the network is already expanding nationwide. The goal is to highlight rural tourism across the entire country!
All contact details can be found in the Contact section of the epaithros website. We are available for any clarification you may need.