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RDP project database

Eco-Tourism in Practice

Summary

Use of EAFRD funding for training activities to help local eco-tourism ventures in Sweden to offer a more integrated experience for visitors with food, accommodation and transport.

Photo:

Background

Västmanland Municipalities and Region (VKL) are responsible on behalf of the Västmanland county's municipalities and county council for the coordination and development of tourism in Västmanland. In recent years, the county's assets in the form of nature and its wildlife have become increasingly relevant and interesting for both Swedish and foreign visitors alike. Today there are dozens of actors in the county who are working to offer visitors experiences that are based on nature and wildlife.

Objective

The project aims to support local and innovative tourism ventures, particularly those focsued on natural and cultural heritage. Through education, more tourism entrepreneurs will collaborate to offer comprehensive solutions consisting of one or more components of accommodation, transport, food and tourism experience. The aim is that all the participants would increase sales by at least double that which they paid in tuition.

Main activities

This was a training project was conducted in spring, summer and autumn of 2009. The training consisted of four training weeks over three days and the individual coaching of participants.

Results & Benefits

In total 22 people participated in the training (including 13 women), which was 7 more than the target. About half of the participants stated that they will apply for certification from Nature's Best within two years after course completion. All participants have achieved the Nature's Best basic criteria. The training will probably be repeated in following years and it has been requested by other regions.

Lessons learnt

The project has meant that existing eco-tourism companies have developed and new ones have started up in the county and the surrounding area. Networks have been created between the companies involved and their skill level has been raised. The project has been so successful that it is already running a second time and the project idea has been transferred to several other counties in Sweden.

Project location and other information

Västmanland County

Region

Västmanlands län

RDP Territory

Sweden

Total project cost (€)

33 000

EAFRD contribution (€)

15 000

National contribution (€)

12 000

Private contribution (€)

6 000

Contact name

Henrik Wester

Telephone

+46 704 187959

Languages for contact

Swedish

At a glance

Country

Sweden

Final beneficiary type

Non-farm or non-forest entreprises

Budget range

€20 000 - €99 999

Start date:

01/01/2009

End Date:

31/12/2010

Theme / Measure:

• Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
• Training and skills acquisition
• 331. Training and information

Keywords:

Tourism, Eco-tourism, Education, Training, Natural heritage

Last update

12/02/2012