The Managers of European Smart Destinations (MEDS) project has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and digital tourism across Europe. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, MEDS aimed to cultivate a new generation of destination managers equipped to lead the transformation of tourism in alignment with the principles of accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, and cultural heritage.
Launched in January 2023, the MEDS project brought together a consortium of partners from Slovenia, Italy, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Over its two-year duration, the project focused on developing innovative educational methodologies and practical tools to empower tourism professionals and public administrators. Central to this initiative was the establishment of the MEDS Academy, a hybrid learning platform combining digital microlearning modules with in-person co-creation labs. This approach facilitated immersive, work-based learning experiences, enabling participants to act as budding managers of smart destinations and to design actionable projects promoting sustainable tourism practices.
One of the project's notable achievements was the successful implementation of the Budding MEDS projects, which served as practical applications of the knowledge and skills acquired through the MEDS Academy. These projects demonstrated the potential of cross-border collaboration in developing creative and impactful solutions for smart tourism destinations. The culmination of these efforts was showcased at the MEDS Smart Destinations Final Conference held in Matera, Italy, where stakeholders gathered to share insights and celebrate the project's accomplishments.
As the MEDS project concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of enhanced capacity for smart destination management and a strengthened network of professionals committed to fostering sustainable tourism development. The tools, methodologies, and partnerships established through MEDS are poised to continue influencing the tourism sector, ensuring that the principles of smart tourism remain integral to its evolution.
