Networking and Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Economic Tourism Development

Project Name: Networking and Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Economic Tourism Development

Project Partners: Business Incubator Gotse Delchev – Center for Entrepreneurship Promotion from Gotse Delchev, Republic of Bulgaria

Implementation Period: 23/07/2012 to 22/10/2013

Programme: Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013, Bulgaria – Macedonia, CCI Number: 2007CB16IPO007

Project Objective: To contribute to the economic development of the cross-border region through sustainable tourism development.

Target Group: SMEs offering accommodation; restaurants; travel agencies; municipal centers and cultural centers.

Description of Activities:

Project management
Information and publicity
Trainings for SMEs from the tourism and other complementary sectors
Preparation of an Analysis of existing tourism capacities and potentials and creation of an SME database
Organization of 2 workshops with participation of stakeholders from the tourism sector
Establishment of a Tourism Association in Gevgelija
Preparation of joint tourism packages
Preparation of promotional materials for the cross-border region
Development and publication of an internet portal
Organization of a study visit in Bulgaria
Organization of a B2B meeting in Macedonia
Final event for promotion of project results.

Achieved Results:

An analysis of existing tourism capacities and potentials in the cross-border region Gevgelija – Gotse Delchev was prepared
96 SME representatives from the tourism and other complementary sectors were trained in developing new tourism products, innovations, and creativity
A set of training materials for four two-day modules was developed
8 tourism packages and 3 promotional materials (map, tourist guide, and event calendar) for the cross-border region were designed, printed, and distributed
Capacity-building, networking, and mediation events with participation of SMEs from Bulgaria and Macedonia in the field of tourism were conducted
A Tourism Association in Gevgelija was established
A joint internet portal was developed and launched, containing a database of SMEs from the tourism and other complementary sectors and other informational resources
A partnership was established between the Tourism Association of Gevgelija and the Tourism Association Mesta–Nestos from Gotse Delchev and their members

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