The project titled: Partnership for Innovative Rural Tourism Actions, acronym JOINOUT, code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457, MIS 5184343, under the Action
“Collaborative Innovation Clusters / 2nd Call – Enterprises” is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources within the framework of the Operational Programme “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPAnEK)” of NSRF 2014–2020.

The proposal “JoinOut” is included under the Call for project funding applications within the Action “COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION CLUSTERS / CIC: 2nd call.” It adopts the philosophy of the Rural Tourism Network (epaithros) and at the same time aspires to design, implement, and disseminate new technological practices, strengthen the actions of the e-paithros network, and deliver a sustainable ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship synergies and collaborations.

JoInOuT enriches the tourism product, improves its competitiveness, and contributes overall to sustainable tourism development.

Additionally:

• It contributes to the promotion of alternative tourism destinations and supports professionals and visitors in rural areas to ensure quality and unique travel experiences.
• It strengthens the attraction of visitors to rural areas.
• It contributes to the extension of the tourist season.

The project aims to evolve into a collaborative structure, so that businesses operating in or targeting rural areas may adopt a new approach, enabling all the companies in the e-paithros partnership to gain access to and participate directly in research and innovation.

The collaborative cluster (innovation cluster) titled: Partnership for Innovative Rural Tourism Actions, with supporting organization ETAM S.A. and coordinator Aegean Solutions S.A., has successfully entered Phase B of funding by the Ministry of Development & Investments – General Secretariat for Research and Innovation. The project implementation period is 17.5 months, until 31.12.2023.

The cluster brings together a set of technological innovations for tourism and innovative tourism products aimed at visitors and businesses, to facilitate their access to technology and the innovative ideas that reshape the content of the tourism experience, modify business models, and contribute to the sustainability and competitiveness of rural tourism in Greece.

Expected Benefits for Rural Tourism Enterprises

• Development and promotion of new tourism products aimed at enhancing attractiveness and enriching the rural experience.
• Continuous education–training and information–awareness within the framework of the triple sustainability approach (environmental – economic – social).
• Upgrade of services and products offered to visitors.
• Improvement of their market position in the tourism sector.
• Promotion of joint marketing actions in Greece and abroad.
• Development of collaborations at national and international level.

A total of 12 businesses and entities are participating, 7 of which are based in Crete.

“Integrated Hosting Plan for Digital Nomads in Crete” (CPV 79415200-8) WITH ETAM S.A.
The project titled: Partnership for Innovative Rural Tourism Actions, acronym JOINOUT, code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457, MIS 5184343, under the Action “Collaborative Innovation Clusters / 2nd Call – Enterprises” is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources within the framework of the Operational Programme “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPAnEK)” of NSRF 2014–2020.