The general objective of this call is to boost the uptake of digitalisation and innovation by tourism SMEs through transnational cooperation and capacity building. The specific objective of the action is to develop and put in place transnational and cross-ecosystem support schemes to build capacity for digital transformation, innovation and smart tourism solutions by SMEs in the tourism ecosystem.
Expected results
The call is expected to:
- reinforce transnational and cross-border cooperation, in particular the integration of tourism businesses and stakeholders in transnational and inter-regional innovation ecosystems to enable smart and sustainable growth of tourism SMEs;
- foster SMEs' capacity and skills to improve their use of new digital technologies, resulting in new business models in tourism;
- foster innovative solutions for improving tourism management and the tourism offer through cooperation within the tourism ecosystem, including public-private partnerships
Eligible applicants
Only applications from legal entities duly established in an EU Member State or in a country participating in the COSME programme are eligible. Natural persons are not eligible.
Proposals may be submitted by any of the following applicants:
- non-profit organisations (private or public);
- non-governmental organisations;
- business support organisations (business incubator/accelerator, innovation hub/lab, and any other relevant organisation with experience in running business support activities to SMEs;
- public authorities and public bodies at the national, regional or local level and their networks or associations at European, international, national, regional and local level;
- private and profit-making entities including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in tourism and business support;
- international organisations;
- chambers of commerce and industry;
- training and educational institutions, including universities and research centres active in tourism and business support.
*UK residents and entities are also eligible to participate under this call even after the entry into force of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement on 1 February 2020.
Budget
The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of projects is estimated at EUR 8 000 000 and the Agency expects to fund 8 to 11 proposals. However, the Agency reserves the right not to distribute all the funds available, and the maximum grant per project will be EUR 1 000 000.
Deadline: 11 February 2021
Find out more information about the call here. Please refer to the Call for Proposals and Guide for Applicants before starting your application.