Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED)

Date of latest update: 2026-02-27

Description

Description (EN):

PROJECT TYPE: 1 - Thematic projects ~ MAIN INTERVENTION FIELD: 023. Skills development for smart specialisation, industrial transition, entrepreneurship and adaptability of enterprises to change ~ SUMMARY: Med region, renowned for its cultural heritage & natural beauty, attracts millions of tourists annually, making tourism a critical sector for economic stability & growth. However, the vulnerability of tourist SMEs to crises, ranging from natural disasters & pandemics to economic fluctuations & political instability, poses significant challenges. ReTour-Med is a forward-thinking project to revolutionize Mediterranean tourism sector by enhancing the resilience & competitiveness of tourist SMEs through technological innovation & sustainable practices. Expected Change: By integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT & blockchain, ReTour-Med transforms current reactive approach into a proactive, resilient framework. This shift improves crisis management & enhances overall tourist experience, ensuring that Med remains a top destination amidst evolving global challenges. Main Outputs of ReTour-MED: 1.Innovation Hub: Fosters collaboration across sectors, boosting MSMEs' access to cutting-edge solutions & expertise 2.Tailored Technology Implementation Plans: Customized strategies for MSMEs to adopt & integrate new technologies 3.Case Studies & Evaluations: Assessments of pilot projects showcasing successful technology integrations 4.Training & Learning Platform: Elevates skills in digital tools & sustainable practices 5.Policy Recommendation Reports: Guides regional strategies for a robust tourism ecosystem Primary beneficiaries are Med MSMEs in tourism, technology providers, policymakers, local communities& tourists, unemployed individuals, low-skilled employees & tourism staff. ReTour-Med secures the future of Med tourism, making it more sustainable efficient & attractive. It offers a comprehensive response to region's shared vulnerabilities, promising significant ROI for stakeholders & contributing to global effort to sustain tourism as a force for economic & social good. ReTour-Med is an investment in the future prosperity & resilience of entire Med region. ~ KEEP KEYWORDS: Education and training, SME and entrepreneurship, Tourism

Expected Achievements (EN):

Management coordination Communication and dissemination CODE: SO1ER1 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Empowering MSMEs in the Mediterranean tourism sector with innovative strategies and technologies to enhance their operational efficiency and crisis resilience. ~ EXPECTED RESULT: MSMEs equipped with advanced technologies and innovative strategies to improve their operational efficiency and resilience in times of crisis, leading to increased competitiveness and sustainability in the tourism industry. CODE: SO1ER1 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Empowering MSMEs in the Mediterranean tourism sector with innovative strategies and technologies to enhance their operational efficiency and crisis resilience. ~ EXPECTED RESULT: MSMEs equipped with advanced technologies and innovative strategies to improve their operational efficiency and resilience in times of crisis, leading to increased competitiveness and sustainability in the tourism industry. CODE: SO2ER2 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Equipping MSMEs with necessary competencies to innovate & thrive amidst a rapidly changing business landscape, while also increasing adaptability among enterprises, workers & entrepreneurs through skill development initiatives & proactive measures to anticipate future skill needs ~ EXPECTED RESULT: Foster a more innovative & resilient Mediterranean tourism sector comprised of MSMEs equipped with enhanced operational efficiency, innovative strategies & crisis resilience measures to thrive in rapidly changing environment, contributing to sustainable growth, competitiveness & job creation in Med

Project outputs: (1.1) Project Management Plan(EN)
(1.2) Monitoring Tools(EN)
(1.3) Quality Assurance Guidelines(EN)
(1.4) Risk Management Plan(EN)
(1.5) Periodic Reports(EN)
(1.6) Administrative Documents Kit(EN)
(1.7) Final Report(EN)
(2.1) Communication Strategy Report(EN)
(2.2) Digital Presence(EN)
(2.3) Promotional Material(EN)
(2.4) Stakeholder Database(EN)
(2.5) Dissemination Reports(EN)
(2.6) Event Organization(EN)
(2.7) Partner Communication Channels(EN)
(2.8) Exploitation and Sustainability Planning(EN)
(3.1) ReTour-MED operational Innovation Hub platform(EN)
(3.1) ReTour-MED operational Innovation Hub platform(EN)
(3.2) Assessment Reports and Implementation Plan(EN)
(3.3) Policy Recommendation Action Plan(EN)
(4.1) Tailored technology implementation plans for participating MSMEs.(EN)
(4.2) Case studies and evaluations of pilot projects showcasing the benefits of technology integration.(EN)
(5.1) A suite of online educational resources available for MSMEs and the wider community.(EN)
(5.2) Training completion certificates, contributing to workforce development and employability.(EN)
Website: https://www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/retour/about/

Thematic information

Tourism Education and training Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-B_MSB_1) Priority 1: A more competitive and smarter Mediterranean

Priority specific objective: RSO1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 023 Skills development for smart specialisation, industrial transition, entrepreneurship and adaptability of enterprises to change

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL099793475 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Department: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Address: HEROON POLITECHNIOU 9, GR15780 Athens, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://ntua.gr/en/

Total budget: EUR 381 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 339 090.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 910.00

Université La Sagesse

Name: Université La Sagesse

Department: Faculty Of Economics and Business Administration; Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1875HEL | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Address: Official address Tahwita- Furn El ChebbakBaabda , Lebanon

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://www.uls.edu.lb/

Total budget: EUR 253 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 225 526.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 874.00

Promimpresa Società Benefit s.r.l.

Name: Promimpresa Società Benefit s.r.l.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01676890856 | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: Via Trieste, 84, 93017 San Cataldo, Italy

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://www.promimpresa.eu/

Total budget: EUR 154 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 137 149.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 951.00

Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative

Name: Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HE172251 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: 14 PRINCE CHARLES STREET, OFFICE 301, 2373 Nicosia, Cyprus

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://csti-cyprus.org/

Total budget: EUR 90 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 80 812.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 9 988.00

Tarsus Ticaret Borsası

Name: Tarsus Ticaret Borsası

Department: International Trade

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 082500036 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Address: Şahin Mahallesi 3294 Sokak No: 1 P.K. , 33450 Mersin, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.tarsustb.org.tr

Total budget: EUR 174 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 155 661.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 239.00

مهارات لقيادة الحاسوب

Name: مهارات لقيادة الحاسوب

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40223 | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: Emaar Towers, 3rd floor, Zahran StreetAmman, Jordan

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website (not verified): http://www.specto.co

Total budget: EUR 233 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 207 459.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 641.00

جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية

Name: جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية

Department: Computer Information Systems

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 31/1986 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Address: 22110 Irbid, Jordan

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.just.edu.jo

Total budget: EUR 264 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 235 405.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 095.00

Ερευνητικό Ίδρυμα Πανεπιστημίου Λευκωσίας

Name: Ερευνητικό Ίδρυμα Πανεπιστημίου Λευκωσίας

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ΗΕ 232466 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: P.O. Box 24005, CYNicosia, Cyprus

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website (not verified): https://www.unrf.ac.cy

Total budget: EUR 149 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 132 699.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 401.00

Stratigon Finance Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρία

Name: Stratigon Finance Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρία

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 153786003000 | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: 36 Tatoiou Avenue, Kifissia 145 61, AthensCalle Poeta Querol 15. , Valencia (Spain)Athens, Greece

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.stratigon.gr

Total budget: EUR 130 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 116 501.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 399.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Université La Sagesse

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

Promimpresa Società Benefit S.R.L.

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

Tarsus Commodities Exchange

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

Maharat Liqiyadat Al-Hasoub

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

Jordan University of Science and Technology

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

University of Nicosia Research Foundation

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

Stratigon Finance Private Company

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Partners and Projects info

NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Project acronym: ReTour~A_T_1.2_0485

Project ID: 00037

Project start date: 2025-10-29

Project end date: 2028-04-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

FU-TOURISM 5.0 - FUTURE-READY BUSINESS SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM FOR TOURISM SME TRANSITION TO GREEN AND DIGITAL RESILIENCE., Funded under Single Market Programme (SMP) (EN) | D2.3 Library with Sustainable tourism biographies
D3.1 Local action plans for tourism transition
D3.5 Compilation of a user-friendly list or compendium of lessons learnt, and/or best practices (EN), Early Warning Europe (EWE)
The Early Warning Europe project launched in 2016.
EWE, was funded under the call “European Network for Early Warning and for Support to Enterprises and Second Chance” (EU COSME programme). (EN) | The overall objective of EWE was to promote entrepreneurship and growth of SMEs across Europe:
- Promote policy development relating to early warning & insolevency, establish a European Network for Early Warning
- Develop and test an innovative data-driven method identifying companies in distress using machine learning and big data
- Help companies in distress by setting up Early Warning mechanisms in first, second and third wave countries
Outputs to be exploited throughout our ReTour project:
- Early Warning Mechanisms & Tools for Early Warning strategies and practices
- Early Warning Network, of experts, authorities, researchers, associations and chambers of commerce for improving framework conditions for SMEs and entrepreneurs across Europe through networking & exchange of good practices
- Educational methodologies & Material
- Early Warning Europe Manual. The purpose of this manual was to act as inspiration and guideline for public or private sector organisations considering or planning to establish an Early Warning Mechanism. (EN), PRE SOLVE
was a large scale project, pursued by chambers of commerce in 8 European countries(15 Chambers), with coordination by EUROCHAMBRES. Its aim was to to give entrepreneurs in difficulties access to a diagnosis on their businesses. (EN) | Development of tools for business intermediaries, both in paper and web, with 6 tools developed; diagnostic tool with a follow-up dashboard, psychological mapping tool and assistance methodology; administration monitoring platform, and a cost-analysis tool; dispute resolution management tool, and second-chance business plan model. Tools were custom tailored and trans-created to match the national context. The project also resulted in training of the business intermediaries, within the scope of using the tools developed:
- Educational methodologies: Thematic peer-learning workshops and tailored guidance, based on the developed tools
- Networking methods: Networking done via the business intermediaries and workshops among the businesses
- Educational material manual dedicated to 3 prevention tools
- Crisis management tools (EN), RESC EWE
It was co-financed by the Erasmus +, within the programme Forward Looking projects.
The project continued the mission of the EWE to change mindsets in European entrepreneurial education, training, counselling, policies for resilient SMEs. (EN) | The list ia as follows:
- Definition and mapping of the specific needs and the skills needed in each participating country to make start-ups and existing SMEs resilient.
- Development of a tool-kit with educational resources and guidelines for business counsellors, educational staff, VET/HEI students and entrepreneurs in SMEs.
- An open source online E-learning plafrom
- A MOOC for guidance and training (work-based learning courses and materials to be delivered to SMEs)
- A guideline (policy communication and recommendations) for streamlining ResC-Ewe training into European entrepreneurship education, training and counselling systems. (EN), Early Warning Europe Mentor Academy, is an initiative of the European Union. (EN) | EWEMA, focuses on improving the availability and the scope of services for companies in distress by mobilising experts and mentors across Europe, training them and ensuring expertise exchange, while at the same time linking them with other European networks providing services to SMEs:
- a learning programme that can be used by business mentors working with companies in financial crisis and at other decisive moments of their lifecycle
- a network of mentors to support SMEs in distress
- dissemination and transfer of best practices in helping SMEs in distress
- A Community of Practice among advisors/mentors providing services to companies in financial difficulties ang their linkage with the wider community of European and national support networks/business support providers/practitioners that currently provide a broader range of services to companies/entrepreneurs. (EN), SECure, is an ERASMUS+ Project to assist companies that are exposed to a constant risk of internal and external crises. (EN) | Output 1: INTERNATIONAL EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FRAMEWORK – comprising an international study on early warning signals and systems as well as countermeasures for business crisis of SMEs
Output 2: I-EAS-IT CURRICULUM AND Resources: Including a curriculum, learning objectives, lesson plans, assessment guides, and access to a variety of original teaching content in digital format.
Output 3: I-EAS-IT INTERACTIVE CRISIS ANALYSIS AND SOLUTION TOOLKIT: Based on the framework from Output 1, a tool for the in-depth analysis of specific corporate crises of SMEs was produced. Based on this analysis, individual information/learning resources and solution approaches to overcome the corporate crisis was developed.
Output 4: I-EAS-IT KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM and OERs adapting the three previous outputs and supplemented with additional learning materials and relevant information, a fully self-directed learning course was developed for SME owners to access directly. (EN), Navigating Tourism Crisis Recovery T-CRISIS-NAV, is funded by the European Union. (EN) | The overall aim of TC-NAV is to develop an HEI curriculum, a vocational education and training package, open-access educational resources and an innovative learning app, all helping tourism SMEs to gain the knowledge and management competencies to navigate their company through crisis and to become more crisis-resilient. To effect this change, there are four Intellectual Outputs (IO):
IO1. European Needs Analysis on Crisis Management for Tourism SMEs, Part 1 (Introduction and Methodology), Part2 (Online Research), Part3 (Good Practice Case Studies), Part 4 (Literature Review), Part 5 (Analysis of Industry Interviews), Part 6 (Competence Frameworks and Conclusions).
IO2. HEI Tourism Crisis Curriculum (MMS)
IO3. SME Training Package and SME Crisis Navigator (TVW)
IO4. Crisis Navigator App (EUEI) (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 831 800.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 630 302.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 89.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other The ReTour-Med project strategically enhances its contributions to crucial European strategies, enhancing the Med tourism sector's sustainability, competitiveness, and digital transformation.
-European Green Deal: ReTour-MED's focus on sustainable tourism practices contributes to the Green Deal's goal of climate neutrality. It promotes eco-friendly business models and green technologies, helping reduce the tourism sector's environmental impact and supporting ecological conservation.
-Digital Europe Programme: The project's use of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain aligns with efforts to drive digital transformation across European societies. By improving operational efficiency and customer experiences in tourism, ReTour-MED supports broader digital innovation and adoption.
-EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR): This strategy aims at enhancing blue growth, connectivity, and environmental protection. ReTour-MED contributes by fostering economic stability and promoting sustainable practices in coastal and maritime tourism.
-Renewed European Agenda for Research and Innovation: By encouraging research and innovation within tourism, ReTour-MED helps strengthen Europe's global competitiveness. The project develops technological solutions and sustainable practices that can be adapted and scaled across the region.
-European Skills Agenda: The project’s training programs upgrade the digital and entrepreneurial skills of SME employees and local communities, preparing them for modern tourism industry demands and aligning with the agenda’s goal to enhance workforce skills for the digital age.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

59 / 59 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

384 / 384 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry (ReTour)

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer