On 27 November at 10:00 am (EET) the DETOUR project will host an open-access international webinar exploring how walking routes contribute to tourism diversification and local economic development.

The event will bring together leading European and international experts from EISMEA (European Commission), UN Tourism, and the European Travel Commission, as well as representatives from the Municipality of Fidenza and the Culture Routes Society, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for tourism SMEs in the green and digital transition.

Participants will gain insights into EU support programmes, tourism trends and figures and best practices from Italy, Greece, Türkiye, and Bulgaria — the four pilot areas of the DETOUR project. This webinar is organised as part of DETOUR “Train the Trainers” capacity-building programme.

🔗 The webinar will be held in English and is open to all upon registration via this LINK.

Preliminary programme

09:00 – 09:10
Introduction to the webinar and the DETOUR project
Simona Spinola, Communication Manager – DETOUR Project

09:10 – 09:30
Empowering tourism SMEs via EU programmes such as the Single Market Programme
Alan Vella, Project Adviser, European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), European Commission

09:30 – 09:50
Greening and sustainable growth of tourism SMEs
Jacopo Bordignon, Senior Project Specialist, Europe Department – UN Tourism

09:50 – 10:10
European tourism: latest trends, key figures and opportunities for tourism SMEs
Matteo Nardin, Marketing Project Manager – European Travel Commission

10:10 – 10:25
DETOUR: A Catalyst for Tourism Innovation and Sustainable Growth along Walking Routes
Luca Bruschi, DETOUR Project Coordinator, Municipality of Fidenza

10:25 – 10:40
Exploring the Needs and Drivers of Tourism SMEs in Italy, Greece, Türkiye, and Bulgaria
Çağla Kosova, DETOUR Project Manager – Culture Routes Society

10:40 – 10:50
Q&A Session