CReSInMed
Competitiveness and Internationalisation of Rural Tourism SMEs in the Mediterranean — strengthening rural tourism (M)SMEs across both shores of the Mediterranean through skills, digital tools, and transnational cooperation.
DESCRIPTION
Rural tourism plays a crucial role in the Mediterranean, contributing to local economies, cultural heritage preservation and social cohesion. However, tourism micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating in rural areas often face structural barriers that limit their growth and international reach.
Key barriers for rural tourism (M)SMEs
- Restricted access to training opportunities
- Limited exposure to international markets
- Insufficient digital and specialist skills
- Fragmented cooperation networks
Project response: CReSInMed
CReSInMed responds to shared regional challenges by supporting rural tourism (M)SMEs across both shores of the Mediterranean. Co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, the project brings together partners from Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Jordan, Spain, Palestine and Tunisia to strengthen cooperation, build capacities and foster sustainable economic development in rural areas.
Transnational initiative (overview)
CReSInMed is implemented as a transnational initiative aimed at equipping 50 rural tourism (M)SMEs with the skills, tools and networks needed to improve their competitiveness and successfully access international markets. Through tailored training programmes, capacity-building activities, innovative digital solutions and transnational cooperation initiatives, the project supports enterprises in enhancing their managerial, technical and digital capabilities, while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.
Sustainability & inclusion
The project promotes sustainable and inclusive rural tourism practices while enhancing managerial, technical and digital capabilities, supporting long-term social and economic benefits for rural communities.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of CReSInMed is to strengthen the competitiveness and internationalisation capacity of micro, small and medium-sized tourism enterprises operating in rural Mediterranean areas. By doing so, the project seeks to transform rural tourism into a resilient and sustainable driver of local development, capable of generating income, employment and long-term social and economic benefits for rural communities.
Competitiveness (skills, productivity, innovation)
Strengthening the competitiveness of rural tourism (M)SMEs by improving their skills, productivity and innovation capacity, with particular attention to digital transition and sustainability.
Internationalisation & cooperation
Supporting internationalisation and transnational cooperation by fostering networks and partnerships among Mediterranean tourism businesses, facilitating access to new markets and cross-border business opportunities, and generating lasting economic and social benefits for rural areas.
Local development benefits
Generating lasting economic and social benefits for rural areas, including improved access to the labour market, income generation and stronger community resilience through sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
PROJECT PARTNERS
- Italy – Interforum Srl (Lead Partner)
- Greece – THREE THIRDS SOCIETY (PP1)
- Türkiye – West Mediterranean Development Agency (PP2)
- Jordan – Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (PP3)
- Spain – Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Valencia (PP5)
- Palestine – Leaders Organisation (PP6)
- Tunisia – Ministère du Tourisme (PP7)
ASSOCIATES
- Italy – Gruppo di Azione Locale (GAL Sulcis Iglesiente Capoterra e Campidano di Cagliari)
- Greece – Associazione Generale Cooperative Italiane (AGCI)
- Türkiye – Municipality of North Tzoumerka
- Jordan – Palestinian Center for Research and Development of Information and Communication Technology
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
CReSInMed will strengthen the competitiveness and internationalisation capacity of 50 rural tourism (M)SMEs across the Mediterranean by improving their managerial, technical and digital skills, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and market access. Participating enterprises will be better equipped to adopt digital tools, enhance service quality and position themselves in international tourism markets, supporting their sustainable growth and competitiveness over time.
Enterprise-level results
- Adopt digital tools and improve service quality
- Enhance managerial, technical and digital capabilities
- Position services in international tourism markets
- Support sustainable growth and competitiveness over time
Territory-level impact
- Transnational cooperation networks & local tourism clusters
- Shared digital solutions for the rural tourism ecosystem
- Inclusive local development and improved market opportunities
- Contribution to job creation and income generation
Sustainable resilience
Beyond individual businesses, the project will generate a positive and lasting impact on rural territories by fostering transnational cooperation networks, local tourism clusters and shared digital solutions. These outcomes will support inclusive local development, contribute to job creation and income generation, and reinforce rural tourism as a sustainable driver of economic and social resilience in Mediterranean communities.
Project duration
36 months — January 2026 to January 2029.
DOCUMENTS
Programme-related PDF and Word documents are listed below. You can view them online or download.
