Geographical and institutional isolation are identified as the main challenges hindering access to best practices and peer learning. Distance from other SMEs implementing good practices or Business Support Organisations active in the field of Tourism is detrimental to the progress towards twin transition. SMEs active in mountainous or otherwise remote locations have little to no access in such networks. The lessons learnt indicate the need for a cooperation framework and a repository of sustainable practices to guide the industry, that can also be accessible in a way circumventing geographical isolation.

In the realm of tourism, the “Pescatourism” initiative in Greece exemplifies an effective approach to best practice sharing, peer learning, and networking for SMEs. This project fosters an interregional cooperation network that highlights local fishing traditions across eighteen localities. By promoting fishing as a tertiary activity, “Pescatourism” not only mitigates overfishing but also preserves traditional vessels, thereby enriching local material culture and providing an additional income source for residents. A key component of this initiative is an online platform that disseminates fishing tourism concepts and promotes local destinations. This platform facilitates peer learning and networking among local actors, enhancing their capacity through shared experiences and joint training sessions. The network created by “Pescatourism” serves as a valuable resource for SMEs, enabling them to learn from each other and adopt best practices in sustainable tourism development.

Other successful examples of initiatives/projects enabling networking & knowledge exchange among SMEs are:

CROSS – COASTAL – NET: This project focuses on sustainable tourism in the coastal areas of Greece and Cyprus. It aims to establish a network for promoting sustainable forms of coastal tourism. The project introduced innovative policies of sustainable tourism management of coastal areas, designed with the active participation of stakeholders. It also provided an e-networking/promotion platform for information sharing and networking among stakeholders.

CapTour: This project aims to strengthen the key factors affecting entrepreneurial success in the tourism industry within the cross-border area. It focuses on SMEs in the tourism and hospitality industry. The project provided business support via a partnership opportunity e-platform, host networking opportunities, and organize sectoral round tables & business forums. It also offered training, consulting, and mentoring actions for potential entrepreneurs.

ADRILINK: This project aims to promote Landscape Tourism in the Adriatic Region through the creation of a network of Landscape Interpretation Centres. These centres were digitally connected through an ICT platform, ensuring the integrated management of tourist services. The project established an Adriatic Network for Tourism on Landscape and develop a digital platform and app for Adriatic Tourism.

LABELSCAPE: This project aims to develop mechanisms for integrating sustainability labels in wider tourism policies and provide support for destination-based initiatives in the certification process. It addressed the latest challenges of certified destinations and businesses, such as recognisability and digital transformation. LABELSCAPE reached its objectives through “Exchange of Experience” workshops, an online capacity building platform, policy-change actions, and transferable policy recommendations.

ToCulter: This project aims to create a common tourist identity based on water trails, specialized according to each location’s identity. It plans to use an innovative platform and networking activities to develop promotional tourism packages, thereby improving the cross-border tourism product and services and enhancing tourism flow in the area. The project developed a range of actions such as e-tools to improve the cross-border tourism product and services, digital signage networks, media and tourism operators networking events, and the creation of a Local Quality Agreement of Tourism Enterprises. It also implemented activities (fairs/promotional events) outside the Programme area to enhance the “local” tourism product in new domestic and foreign markets. The results of the project benefitted various groups including the local population, tourists/visitors, local businesses in tourist and relevant sectors, local/regional authorities dealing with development planning regarding tourism, associations for the elderly people, and tour operators.

Lessons Learned:

• Sustainable Tourism Management: The CROSS – COASTAL – NET project demonstrates the importance of sustainable tourism management. It shows that protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable forms of tourism can have a positive impact on local economies. This aligns with the green transition by prioritizing environmental sustainability.
• Strengthening SMEs: The CapTour project highlights the importance of strengthening SMEs in the tourism industry. It shows that providing business support, hosting networking opportunities, and organizing sectoral round tables & business forums can improve entrepreneurship conditions. This aligns with the digital transition by using digital platforms for networking and business support.
• Community-Based Projects: The ADRILINK project emphasizes the value of community-based projects. It shows that involving the community in the planning and implementation of tourism initiatives can lead to more sustainable and successful outcomes. This aligns with both the digital and green transitions by promoting digital connectivity and sustainable tourism management.
• Sustainability Certification: The LABELSCAPE project underscores the effectiveness of sustainability certification in addressing the challenges faced by Mediterranean destinations. It shows that integrating sustainability labels in wider tourism policies can improve the quality of tourism offer, strengthen cooperation between tourism providers and the local community, and enhance communication with visitors. This aligns with the green transition by promoting responsible use of natural and cultural resources.
• Innovative Platforms and Networking Activities: The ToCulter project illustrates the benefits of using innovative platforms and networking activities to develop promotional tourism packages. It shows that digital tools can improve cross-border tourism products and services and enhance tourism flow in the area. This aligns with the digital transition by leveraging digital technologies to enhance tourism.