The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge to the French tourism SMEs, compelling them to adapt their business models to align with shifting consumer preferences and behaviors. The closure of borders and restrictions on international travel necessitated a pivot towards domestic markets. This shift required SMEs to explore alternative revenue streams and re-evaluate their marketing strategies and product offerings to meet the evolving needs of local customers.

Insights and lessons from EU-funded projects like TOURISME, SusTour, Ecotours, and DIGITOUR provide valuable guidance for adapting tourism services to benefit both visitors and residents. These projects underscore several key approaches:

• Community-centric approach: all the projects highlighted the importance of developing tourism services that prioritize the needs and interests of both visitors and local residents. Engaging residents in tourism planning and development ensures that services are culturally sensitive, benefit local economies, and enhance community well-being.
• Sustainable practices: the Ecotours project emphasized integrating sustainable practices into tourism services. By promoting eco-friendly initiatives such as resource conservation, waste reduction, and supporting local producers, tourism services can minimize environmental impact and contribute to sustainable development.
• Inclusive tourism: the SusTour project stressed the importance of inclusive tourism practices that cater to diverse visitor profiles, including families, individuals, and people with different religious, spiritual, or sexual orientations. Tourism services should be accessible and welcoming to all segments of society.
• Digital innovation: the DIGITOUR project showcased the role of digital innovation in enhancing tourism services. Leveraging digital tools can improve visitor experiences, facilitate bookings, and provide information about local attractions, thereby promoting tourism services that benefit both visitors and residents.
• Cultural preservation: the TOURISME project underscored the significance of preserving local culture and heritage in tourism services. Promoting authentic cultural experiences fosters pride among residents, attracts visitors seeking unique experiences, and contributes to the sustainability of tourism destinations.

These projects collectively emphasize the importance of diversifying and developing tourism offerings to benefit local communities while attracting and satisfying visitors. Promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as sourcing locally, conserving resources, and reducing environmental impacts, demonstrates the potential for tourism to positively contribute to local economies and the quality of life for residents.

Moreover, initiatives that engage residents in tourism activities—such as cultural events, workshops, and community-based tours—foster a sense of pride and ownership among locals while providing authentic experiences for visitors. Digital transformation plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusive tourism services that cater to diverse customer preferences and needs, including families, individuals, and people with specific orientations or interests.

These projects highlight the importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and policy support in ensuring that tourism services are inclusive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial for visitors and residents alike. This approach aligns closely with the objectives of Topic 26 of the Transition Pathway in promoting tourism that benefits both tourists and local communities.