Eurocluster Rural Tourism Support Methodology

Description

The EuroCluster Rural Tourism project was implemented from September 2022 to February 2025, supporting 188 micro- and nano-SMEs in rural tourism in 17 EU and COSME countries across Europe. The project allocated €932,000 for structured support to very small rural businesses that often operate with limited staff and resources.
Each SME received a €5,000 service pack, delivered as result-based financial support. Payments were linked to completed outputs rather than detailed financial reporting. Funds covered expert mentoring, technical services, travel for on-site visits, training, and limited small-scale improvements.

Commitment's information

Stakeholder beneficiary(ies)

Activities

Expected Outcomes

A core element of the project was the careful selection of Assistance Service Providers (ASPs). ASPs were required to demonstrate proven experience working with small, family-run, rural tourism businesses and an understanding of local contexts. Technical expertise alone was not sufficient; mentors needed the ability to translate complex concepts into practical, manageable actions, following the “Keep It Simple” (KISS) principle. Solutions had to be realistic, easy to maintain, and immediately applicable within the daily workload of rural SMEs.
Support followed a two-phase methodology. Phase 1 focused on assessment and planning and included a structured self-assessment tool consisting of 50 questions. Together, the SME and the consultant reviewed whether practices were already in place, at what level, and assessed the business’s maturity and readiness for further implementation. This process allowed actions to be prioritised not only based on needs, but also on the SME’s capacity to absorb change. It also created space for discussion, reflection, and encouragement, helping owners think beyond
immediate problems and plan longer-term progress.
Phase 2 focused on implementation through one-to-one mentoring and on-site support, delivering concrete outputs. This approach resulted in 728 support actions, mainly in digitalisation, soft and social skills, and sustainability, strengthening both competitiveness and long-term resilience.
The mentoring methodology is openly accessible and available for download. Further information about the project, including its activities and results, is available at: https://www.euroclusterruraltourism.eu/.

Main results

Number of people

1000

Number of projects

728

Number of jobs

188

Final results

The project partners are committed to continue the dissemination of the methodology, and project results.

Organisation/Company information