The Cross-Re-Tour Open Innovation Programme is now fully underway. After a highly successful Call for Proposals, 87 Lighthouse Projects from tourism SMEs across Europe have been selected and are now in the process of implementing their innovative solutions to drive sustainable and digital transformation within the tourism sector.
With €2.4 million in funding allocated across consortium countries, the selected projects are addressing key challenges such as energy efficiency, water and waste management, circular economy practices, and digital visitor engagement. The awarded SMEs represent a wide spectrum of creative approaches aimed at making tourism more resilient, responsible, and future-proof.
Cross-Re-Tour is supported by the European Commissions Single market programme, pilar SMEs - SMP-COSME Tourism that is directly supporting Tourism SMEs as a third party to realize their innovative projects.
Awarded Projects Catalogue Now Available
To showcase the diversity of ideas and approaches, the Cross-Re-Tour consortium has published the Awarded Projects Catalogue. This brochure highlights the 87 funded projects, offering insight into how SMEs are using innovation to address environmental challenges while enhancing the visitor experience.
The catalogue provides an overview of projects across all participating countries and serves as an inspiring resource for businesses and stakeholders interested in sustainable tourism practices.
Read the full catalogue here.
National Info Session for Slovenian Tourism SMEs – November 2025
In November, a National Info Session will be organised for Tourism SMEs and related businesses. The interactive event will focus on key sustainability challenges in the sector and present innovative ways to address them.
Participants will broaden their horizon with great practices and a practical know how from tourism champions. In addition, explore how the Cross-Re-Tour AAT (Automated Assessment Tool) — an online diagnostic tool can support you on your journey of sustainability and simply to help you grow and perform better. The session will also cover strategies for reducing environmental impact in areas such as adventure tourism, water use, and waste management, while providing opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange across the sector.
Invest an hour of your time and join us on Wednesday, 19th November from 9.00 to 10.00. Register here.
