Base de données des projets PDR
Genuine Experiences Sustainable Tourism Network
Summary
This project involved a co-operative group of 14 “Genuinely Estonian” tourism farms and 1 private museum in Lahemaa. Common marketing tools improved tourism in the area with a focus on local and organic products.
Background
In winter and spring of 2005 Lahemaa National Park Visiting Centre, in co-operation with a group of entrepreneurs, created an entrepreneurs co-operation network, which works under the name Genuine Experiences in Lahemaa. The network is a voluntary union, created in 2005. The Products and experiences offered by the Genuine Experiences entrepreneurs are all environmentally friendly and their development co-incides with their continued sustainability.
Objective
The aims of this project were to: - create market links and public relationships that are still missing or insufficiently developed within the Sustainable tourism network Genuine Experiences in Lahemaa (SGEL); - create and develop new local, regional and international long-term partnerships in connection with SGEL in order to develop sustainable tourism and marketing in the region; - use more local food and food resources of the Lahemaa region.
Main activities
The main activities undertaken in this project were: - the creation and management of a common website for SGEL members; - a four-hour training session for members on Internet marketing; - a training trip on presenting techniques for SGEL members; - participating in the 2010 TOUREST Fair from the 12th to 14th of February; - a seminar during which project partners could experience new local foods and products; - the publication of a logo to present SGEL
Results & Benefits
In the longer term the benefit of the project is expected to increase economic activity in the region and strengthen the sustainability of the SGEL network. The main results are: - increased referrals from other tourist organisations; - development of a common marketing approach (through use of improved marketing tools); - the introduction of Lahemaa as a nature tourism target area.
Lessons learnt
The main lesson learned is that there is a problem with the organisation of information exchange within the network. This can be resolved by finding a person who is capable of fulfilling this role. However in this kind of sustainable tourism it is important that people act honestly in order to avoid losing the “naturalness” of the business. This would mean the person to fulfill this role should not be recruited only through the use of a salary.
Project location and other information
Ama village, Viitna, Kadrina municipality 45205
Region
Lääne-Eesti
RDP Territory
Estonia
Total project cost (€)
6 699
EAFRD contribution (€)
4 823
National contribution (€)
1 206
Private contribution (€)
670
Project website
Contact name
Sirje Kuusik
Telephone
+372 51 53 573
Languages for contact
English, Estonian
At a glance
Country
Estonia
Final beneficiary type
Non-governmental organisations
Budget range
< €20 000
Start date:
19/11/2009
End Date:
31/05/2011
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Training and skills acquisition
341: Skills-acquisition and animation measure
Keywords:
Rural tourism, Cooperation, Leader, Sustainable development, Entrepreneurship
Last update
16/05/2012