INSPIRES 2026 Second Call
Funding for collaborative projects led by tourism SMEs to develop sustainable, digital, and resilient tourism solutions through cross-sector partnerships.
Type of projects to be funded: Collaborative projects that implement sustainable tourism practices, digital innovation, and resilience-building solutions for tourism SMEs. Activities may include adopting smart tourism technologies, developing new sustainable tourism services, implementing energy-efficient or circular practices, strengthening business models, promoting innovative tourism experiences, and conducting marketing or capacity-building actions that support the green and digital transition of tourism businesses.
Sectors / domain: Tourism ecosystem, including tourism SMEs and related sectors such as culture, agri-food, digital technology, creative industries, social economy, and sustainability services that collaborate to develop innovative tourism solutions.
Individual or consortium: Applications must be submitted by a consortium of 2 to 5 independent organisations, with at least 50% being tourism SMEs. The lead applicant must be a tourism SME that coordinates the partnership and manages the grant.
Specific eligibility requirements: Applicants must be SMEs operating in or supporting the tourism sector and legally established in one of the eligible countries: Belgium, Finland, Germany, or Poland. Partnerships may include additional organisations such as tourism associations, destination management organisations, or SMEs from other sectors contributing expertise aligned with the project objectives.
Specific topics or challenges: Projects must aim to promote sustainability (energy and resource efficiency, reduction of waste and emissions, and climate-conscious tourism operations), enhance digital capabilities (integrating smart technologies, digital marketing tools, customer interfaces, and data-driven business models), and build business resilience (better manage economic shocks, climate risks, market disruptions, and inclusive and accessible tourism).
Projects duration: Minimum 3 months and maximum 12 months, with all projects completed no later than 14 June 2027.
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 100% (lump sum).
Budget conditions / limitations: Lump-sum grant of EUR 15,000 per collaborative project, at least 60% of the project funding must be allocated to tourism SMEs. From the 13 projects to be funded, maximum 6 will be from Belgium; 2, from Finland; 2, from Germany; and 3, from Poland.
Payments: 60% pre-financing upon signature of the Sub-Grant Agreement and 40% final payment after project completion and approval of the final report.
Links
Closes
11/05/2026
Max funding per project
15.000€