Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

The ASCEND project addresses the challenge of limited innovation and sustainability among SMEs of the Adventure Tourism (AT) sector in the South Adriatic region. AT, which includes outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking, snorkeling, and other physically engaging experiences that connect with nature, is a rapidly growing market projected to experience significant expansion in the coming years. Despite the region’s potential, SMEs face obstacles such as lack of funding, underdeveloped destinations, and limited cross-border cooperation. ASCEND's main objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of these SMEs by supporting the enhancement of existing Adventure Tourism products and the development of new ones through a sub-grant scheme, fostering innovation with targeted training and capacity-building, and increasing visibility via participation in international tourism fairs. National, regional parks and protected areas, where AT is particularly well-suited, will be the primary target areas of the project. The experience and best practices gained in this concern from the MEDUSA project, which focused on Adventure Tourism in the Mediterranean, will be capitalized and applied within ASCEND. The project activities will benefit SMEs, public authorities, NGOs, local community and tourists, creating a stronger, more cohesive sector in the region. This will be also achieved through the development of a cross-border action plan, ensuring collaborative efforts and sustainable growth across borders. A transnational approach is essential for the ASCEND project due to shared challenges and opportunities in Adventure Tourism across the South Adriatic region. By collaborating, the project partners can create a cohesive, interconnected tourism offering that boosts the region’s appeal as a unified Adventure Tourism destination. What’s new about the ASCEND project is its combination of direct financial support for SMEs through a sub-grant scheme. This, integrated with the other activities, will enhance AT and foster sustainable growth through cross-border collaboration.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The specific objective is to map and catalog Adventure Tourism SMEs in Puglia, Molise, Albania, and Montenegro, and identify best practices in the sector, delivering insights to inform future innovation and development strategies for the SMEs involved. The specific objective of WP2 is to enhance the capacity of Adventure Tourism SMEs in Puglia, Molise, Albania, and Montenegro by delivering specialized training and by developing both local and cross-border action plans. The specific objective of WP3 is to improve the competitiveness of SMEs by supporting them in the development of Adventure Tourism products and experiences through a pilot sub-grant scheme.

Project outputs: Joint Action Plan for increasing innovation and competitiveness of Adventure Tourism SMEs(EN)
Joint sub-grant scheme for Adventure Tourism SMEs(EN)
Website: https://www.parcodunecostiere.eu/

Thematic information

Regional planning and development SME and entrepreneurship Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 1) A smarter South Adriatic programme area, by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation

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: 027 Innovation processes in SMEs (process, organisational, marketing, co-creation, user and demand driven innovation)

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Consorzio di gestione provvisoria del Parco Naturale Regionale Dune costiere

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 933715793

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90037060747 | 90037060747 | parcodunecostiere@pec.it (EN)

Address: Piazza della Libertà c/o Comune di Ostuni, 72017 Ostuni, Italy

Department address: Piazza della Libertà c/o Comune di Ostuni, 72017 Ostuni, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.parcodunecostiere.org

Total budget: EUR 237 130.37

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 189 704.29

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 47 426.08

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

ENTE PARCO NAZIONALE DEL GARGANO

Name: ENTE PARCO NAZIONALE DEL GARGANO

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 945511284

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03062280718 | 03062280718 | protocollo@pec.parcogargano.it (EN)

Address: Via Sant'Antonio Abate, 71037 Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy

Department address: Via Sant'Antonio Abate, 71037 Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.parcogargano.it

Total budget: EUR 105 736.36

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 589.08

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 147.28

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Consorzio di Gestione Area Marina Protetta di Porto Cesareo

Name: Consorzio di Gestione Area Marina Protetta di Porto Cesareo

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 919541086

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03706060757 | 03706060757 | segreteria@pec.areamarinaprotettaportocesareo.it (EN)

Address: Via C. Albano, 73010 Porto Cesareo, Italy

Department address: Via C. Albano, 73010 Porto Cesareo, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.ampportocesareo.it

Total budget: EUR 102 771.78

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 82 217.42

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 554.36

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Azienda autonoma di soggiorno e turismo del Molise

Name: Azienda autonoma di soggiorno e turismo del Molise

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 913495076

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 82004050702 | 82004050702 | info@pec.termoli.net (EN)

Address: P.zza Bega , 86039 Termoli, Italy

Department address: P.zza Bega , 86039 Termoli, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.termoli.net

Total budget: EUR 95 854.45

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 76 683.56

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 170.89

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Ministria e Turizmit dhe Mjedisit

Name: Ministria e Turizmit dhe Mjedisit

Department: General Directory of Tourism Development and Directory of Eu Integration and foreign financing projects

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 893313353

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K51716026T | K51716026T | info@turizmi.gov.al (EN)

Address: Boulevard “Deshmoret e Kombit”, 1001 Tirana, Albania

Department address: Boulevard “Deshmoret e Kombit”, 1001 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.turizmi.gov.al

Total budget: EUR 231 817.94

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 197 045.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 772.70

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Nacionalna turistička organizacija Crne Gore

Name: Nacionalna turistička organizacija Crne Gore

Department: Department for European Projects and International Cooperation

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 953031500

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02242508 | 02242508 | info@montenegro.travel (EN)

Address: Slobode 2, Business centre Hilton, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Slobode 2, Business centre Hilton, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.montenegro.travel

Total budget: EUR 235 191.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 199 912.86

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 278.74

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

GARGANO NATIONAL PARK

Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Partners and Projects info

Management Consortium of Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area

Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Partners and Projects info

Tourism and Hospitality Autonomous Agency of Molise

Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Tourism and Environment

Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Partners and Projects info

National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Partners and Projects info

Provisional management consortium of Regional Natural Park Coastal Dunes

Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Project acronym: ASCEND

Project ID: SA-0300485

Project start date: 2025-07-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

MEDUSA project funded by Interreg ENI CBC MED 2014/2020 (EN) | The project MEDUSA "Development and Promotion of Mediterranean Sustainable Adventure Tourism" allowed local operators to develop innovative and sustainable proposals that enhance adventure tourism and boost lesser-known destinations. The ASCEND project will capitalize on the synergies established with the MEDUSA project, particularly by replicating key models such as the grant scheme, co-creation workshops and fam trips. Puglia Region's (AP1) experience in MEDUSA as project partner facilitates access to outputs and knowledge. This ensures that ASCEND builds on MEDUSA's successes, avoiding overlap by applying its models into new locations and contexts, and fostering regional cooperation for sustainable Adventure Tourism. (EN), G.W.A. project funded by Interreg Italy-Albania-Montenegro 2014/2020 (EN) | The ASCEND project will capitalize on synergies with the G.W.A. "Green Waters Adventure" project, led by the National Park of Gargano (PP6). Key capitalization actions include using G.W.A.'s mappature of natural and cultural sites, best practices in adventure tourism management, and its cross-border branding strategy. ASCEND will also leverage the existing network developed by G.W.A. to extend cooperation, enhance tourism services, and promote new adventure packages. This ensures a coherent and sustainable development of adventure tourism, integrating G.W.A.'s achievements while avoiding overlaps, fostering innovation, and supporting SMEs across the region. (EN), INNOTOURCLUST project funded by Interreg Italy-Albania-Montenegro 2014/2020 (EN) | INNOTOURCLUST "Innovative Cross Border Tourism SMEs Cluster" project was focused on building capacities of SMEs and creation of innovative products and services in tourism business, under a common Service Charter that ensures smart, sustainable and inclusive growth of local stakeholders. Similar to ASCEND, it aimed to enhance international promotion of local SMEs and business institutions. National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro (PP2), as a project partner, facilitates access to INNOTOURCLUST outputs and knowledge. ASCEND will utilize the cluster, with over 80 SMEs, relying on established contacts and networks to drive tourism innovation and cooperation in the South Adriatic area. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 008 502.50

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 830 152.45

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 82.32%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 830 152.45. Co-financing rate, 82.32%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

1 joint mapping report on Adventure Tourism SMEs
1 Adventure Tourism best practices catalogue
1 Report of the international conference on Adventure Tourism
6 Reports on product co-creation workshops
1 Cross-border train-the-trainer program
1 Media package
6 Local Action Plans for innovation and competitiveness of Adventure Tourism SMEs
1 Joint Action Plan for innovation and competitiveness of Adventure Tourism SMEs
1 Report on the Adventure Tourism sub-grant scheme
1 Media package to disseminate Adventure Tourism sub-grant scheme
4 Reports on fam trips
2 Reports on ASCEND participation in international tourism fairs
1 Report on the final conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The ASCEND project aligns with EUSAIR through Pillar 1 (Blue Growth) and Pillar 4 (Sustainable Tourism). Under Pillar 1, ASCEND promotes sustainable Adventure Tourism in parks and protected areas (including coastal), contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems, in line with the EUSAIR Action Plan's goals for environmental protection and sustainable use of blue resources. Under Pillar 4, ASCEND fosters innovative tourism services for SMEs by integrating cultural assets, supporting EUSAIR’s flagship actions for tourism diversification and sustainable practices. EUSAIR representatives (for example Pillars 1 and 4 Coordinators), will be invited and actively involved in the international events to ensure alignment with EUSAIR goals.
Other The ASCEND project contributes to the European Commission SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe by supporting SMEs through capacity-building for sustainable practices and digitalization. The project offers training and tools to help SMEs transition to eco-friendly tourism services while adopting digital technologies. ASCEND also enhances market access by fostering cross-border cooperation, allowing SMEs to reach broader markets. Additionally, through grants and funding opportunities, ASCEND improves SMEs' access to financing, aligning with the EU's goal to scale up small businesses and lead the twin transitions of sustainability and digital transformation across Europe.
Other The ASCEND project aligns with Italy's Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-2027 of the Ministry of Tourism in several ways. This plan emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and the enhancement of lesser-known destinations, which are key elements of ASCEND. By promoting Adventure Tourism in underexplored areas (such as parks or protected areas), ASCEND supports the plan’s goals of diversifying tourism offerings and spreading tourist flows across Italy. Additionally, ASCEND focuses on helping SMEs adopt eco-friendly practices and digital transformation, aligning with the strategy’s emphasis on sustainability and digitalization to improve tourist SME competitiveness and attract new markets.
Other ASCEND will contribute to Operational Goal 4 of the Tourism Development Strategy in Montenegro 2022-2025 with Action Plan, which focuses on enhancing the quality of diversified tourism products, particularly adventure tourism. The project will raise awareness of the potential for adventure tourism in regions such as National Parks of Montenegro, highlighting them as key destinations for adventure tourism. By developing and enhancing infrastructure with well-marked trails, safe equipment, and quality tourist services; fostering innovation to introduce new and engaging tourism products; and increasing the specialization of SMEs within this sector, contributing to the enhancement of the tourism product, increased employment, improved living standards for local populations, and balanced regional development, in line with the Government of Montenegro's vision for sustainable tourism as a means of preserving natural resources and enhancing the country's global visibility.
Other The ASCEND project contributes to Albania’s National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development 2024 to 2030, promoted by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, which emphasizes sustainable development and diversification of tourism products. ASCEND promotes Adventure Tourism in Albania’s natural areas, aligning with the strategy’s goal of enhancing the country's tourism offerings and improving the quality of tourism services. By supporting SMEs in adopting sustainable practices and innovating their adventure tourism services, ASCEND helps Albania build a more competitive tourism sector, increase employment, and boost the economic benefits for local communities while preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

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

78 / 78 (100%)

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

369 / 369 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Boosting Adventure Tourism SMEs Competitiveness and Economic Development

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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