Future-proofing sustainable cultural tourism

Future-proofing sustainable cultural tourism promotes multidisciplinary research and innovation with the aim of securing cultural tourism sustainably in Europe. The initiative targets companies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, public bodies, and start-ups in EU member states and associated countries. Funding supports evidence-based strategies as well as AI-driven approaches to integrating cultural tourism into regenerative sustainability, digitalization, inclusion, and environmental protection strategies at all government levels. Special emphasis is placed on developing participatory, cross-border models for social and economic development in less accessible regions. Transnational collaborations are also supported, where experts from academia, culture, SMEs, and civil society organizations develop and test innovative and inclusive tourism models. The maximum funding amount is €4,000,000, with a funding rate of 100% over a project duration of up to 36 months.

Interested consortia must consist of at least three independent organizations, including at least one partner from an EU member state. The application requires a project description, a financing plan, and CVs of key personnel; submissions are due by 23.09.2027. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, travel expenses, material costs, and subcontractor services. Real estate purchases, retrospective costs, and debt settlement are excluded. Evaluation is based on innovation content, sustainability aspects, and relevance to the target group. Successful projects make significant contributions to evidence-based policy recommendations, strengthen cultural tourism as a driver of regenerative development, and promote knowledge transfer between science, policy, and practice as well as the development of innovative digital and AI tools for an inclusive tourism future.