Funding Regenerative Tourism Projects Through EU Programmes

Tourism Development Needs Funding to Thrive

Creating a tourism strategy is one thing — funding it is another.
For destinations aiming to regenerate their environment, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen their local economy, EU funding is one of the most powerful tools available.

The challenge? Navigating the complex world of EU programmes and securing grants that match your tourism vision.

At Sustainable Tourism Hub, we specialize in designing fundable tourism projects and guiding municipalities, DMOs, and cultural organizations from concept to grant approval.

1. Why EU Funding is Key for Regenerative Tourism

Regenerative tourism projects — whether they involve cultural storytelling routes or full destination regeneration plans — often require substantial investment in:

• Infrastructure

• Training & capacity building

• Environmental restoration

• Cultural heritage promotion

EU programmes provide non-repayable grants to support these initiatives, helping destinations achieve big goals without relying solely on local budgets.

2. The EU Programmes That Can Fund Tourism

Here are some of the most relevant EU funding opportunities for regenerative tourism:

1. Erasmus+ – Funds training, skills development, and cultural exchange projects.

• Example: A municipality trains local guides to lead mythological tourism routes (Mythotour™).

2. Horizon Europe – Supports research and innovation in sustainability and climate resilience.

• Example: Piloting regenerative tourism models with measurable environmental impact.

3. Interreg – Funds cross-border cooperation and destination branding.

• Example: Creating a thematic cultural route connecting multiple countries.

4. Creative Europe – Supports cultural heritage projects and storytelling initiatives.

• Example: Producing digital heritage storytelling content for tourism marketing.

5. LIFE Programme – Funds environmental and nature restoration projects.

• Example: Restoring wetlands as part of a regenerative eco-tourism strategy.

3. How to Secure EU Tourism Funding

Securing EU funds requires more than a good idea — it demands:

• A clear project concept aligned with EU priorities

• Strong partnerships with other regions, NGOs, or private sector actors

• Measurable impact goals (environmental, cultural, and economic)

• A professional proposal that meets all technical and evaluation criteria

This is where we step in.

4. How Sustainable Tourism Hub Can Help

We offer a full funding support service:

• Identifying the right EU programmes for your project

• Designing a fundable project concept with clear objectives and KPIs

• Building an international partnership network

• Writing and submitting high-quality proposals

• Managing and reporting for approved projects

Our Regenerative Destination Plan and Mythotour™ services are funding-ready, meaning they can be adapted into strong EU proposals quickly.

5. Example: From Idea to Funded Project

A small coastal town wanted to create a regenerative tourism strategy.
We:

1. Conducted a destination audit and designed a regeneration roadmap.

2. Matched it to an Interreg funding call.

3. Built a consortium with neighboring regions.

4. Submitted the proposal — resulting in €1.2M in funding for implementation.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

EU funding can turn your tourism vision into reality.
With the right guidance, your destination can secure the resources it needs to thrive — culturally, economically, and environmentally.

📩 Contact us today to explore how we can secure EU funding for your regenerative tourism or cultural heritage project.