The goal of the Smartourism project was to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic for education in Europe, mainly concerning students' engagement in online learning and limited resources in less advantaged regions. The project aimed to facilitate the adaptation of partners to the new reality of online teaching by providing computer training for students and teachers. Additionally, the project aimed to promote the regions involved in the partnership, which were affected by the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. The two NGO partners work directly with schools in their region to ensure the implementation of educational tasks, and students from partner schools as well as collaborating institutions work together for the development of their communities. The partners aim to establish links with their networks and local authorities to create sustainable strategies for project outcomes..
The motivations for applying to this project are numerous. Firstly, the pandemic has had a significant impact on educational systems, particularly in terms of students' interest in online learning and the lack of resources in disadvantaged areas. Secondly, mobility restrictions have made online courses increasingly common, but some countries were not prepared for such education. Therefore, this project aims to provide mutual support to partner countries and assist countries lacking in information technology and computer resources. Additionally, the project should help to enhance the visibility and promotion of partner areas, which suffered a significant loss due to restrictions imposed during the pandemic, especially in the tourism industry. Finally, partner NGOs have been tasked with working directly with schools in their region to ensure the implementation of educational tasks, which will create links with local networks and authorities to achieve a greater impact and sustainability strategies for the project's results.