Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent 99% of all businesses in Europe. Among them are also Tourism SMEs, often being VSE – very small enterprises. With a rapidly changing market, the SMEs often face challenges negatively on their growth, also limiting their competitiveness.
There is a big opportunity on the horizon for the Tourism SMEs – including the financial support for implementing own projects.
PHOENIX 4.0, a European project focused on sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience (European Commission`s Single Market programme, COSME Tourism), is now inviting 130 Tourism SMEs from six countries to join its support programme—completely free of charge.
Helping Tourism Businesses Grow Stronger & Perform better
Tourism businesses often face tough challenges: seasonal demand, the impact of crises, and managing visitor flows without harming local communities or the environment. PHOENIX 4.0 is designed to help SMEs tackle these issues head-on, giving them the skills, knowledge, and resources to build stronger, more competitive business models.
What Participants Will Receive
Businesses selected for the programme will benefit from:
- Online trainings tailored to their needs, delivered by European experts
- One-on-one coaching to improve business strategy and innovation capacity
- Networking opportunities with other tourism professionals across Europe
- Funding of up to €25,000 for sustainable collaborative projects (available to SMEs based in Spain, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Iceland, or Kosovo)
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, businesses must:
- Be an SME & be based in one of the 6 eligible countries: Spain, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Iceland, or Kosovo
- Work in tourism, hospitality, creative industries, or related cross-sector activities
*For the funding opportunity, SMEs must be active in at least one of the following NACE categories: I5510, I5520, I5530, I5610, I5630, N79, R90, R93. Registration under these codes is not required—as long as the business can show relevant activities.
How to Take Part
Joining the programme is straightforward:
- Fill in the registration form for the Call for SMEs – Join PHOENIX 4.0
- Complete the Resilience Navigator self-assessment
- Access the learning programme and apply for funding if desired
Key Dates
- Registration period: September - October 2025
- Training start date: October 2025
- Funding application period: January – April 2026
- Estimated total time investment: 3 to 4.5 hours
A Chance to Grow, Connect, and Innovate
PHOENIX 4.0 offers tourism SMEs the opportunity to gain new skills, strengthen their business, and create lasting change for a more sustainable tourism sector.
Want all the details?
Download the PHOENIX 4.0 Information PDF here for full eligibility guidelines, funding information, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
More about the project: Phoenix 4.0 Connect, LinkedIN
