Make the difference with StarGrowth

In recent years, the concept of ecotourism has gained significant momentum and popularity worldwide. This form of tourism promotes responsible travel that not only focuses on preserving the natural environment but also contributes to the well-being of local communities. From lush rainforests to pristine marine habitats, ecotourism offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while conserving and supporting the destinations they visit.

At its core, ecotourism seeks to facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. By venturing off the beaten path, travelers engage in sustainable practices that minimize their impact on fragile ecosystems. This means taking care to leave no trace, respecting wildlife and their habitats, and prioritizing conservation efforts. Such responsible tourism practices lead to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of endangered species. In turn, this preserves the unique beauty and ecological balance of these destinations for generations to come.

One of the integral aspects of ecotourism is community involvement and empowerment. Unlike traditional tourism, which often sees little benefit to local communities, ecotourism puts the well-being and interests of these communities at the forefront. It strives to ensure that locals are active participants in decision-making processes and directly benefit from the tourism revenues generated. This can be done through the creation of job opportunities, preservation of cultural heritage, and investment in community development projects and/or digitalisation of services.

If you want to make a difference and boost the sustainability, innovations, and digitalisation of your activities in rural areas, grab the opportunity and apply for the StarGrowth Open Call!

Grab up to 7500.00 EUR per SME, active in one of the following countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Romania or Slovenia.

Deadline 26 July 2023, 17:00 CET