Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR
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.
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
Project website
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