The primary goal of the Re-Connect project is to address specific needs and challenges by creating and implementing a comprehensive toolkit focused on enhancing competence and fostering behavioral changes in circular tourism for local communities. The project aims to involve various stakeholders, including tourism labor forces at operators, local SMEs, NGOs, suppliers, local government entities, and tourists. Aligned with priorities such as environmental sustainability, climate objectives, and digital advancements, the project endeavors to elevate the skills of local tourism communities in offering more environmentally conscious and digitally enhanced tourism products and services by: Establishing a robust interregional digital ecosystem among local tourism communities centered on circular tourism. Enhancing the preparedness and expertise of tourism labor forces in achieving climate-neutral tourism specifically in lesser-known destinations. Creating a knowledge repository to expedite the collaborative development of innovative products and services.
The EU tourism sector is evolving, favoring short domestic trips and offbeat destinations over mass tourism. Community-based ecotourism is gaining importance, emphasizing local community development and sustainability. However, this approach often lacks attention in tourism agendas. Offbeat destinations, found in rural areas, are on the rise, offering diverse tourism experiences and supporting local communities and the environment. But, greener and more digital approaches are needed in their development, currently run by small businesses. To address these challenges, the RE-CONNECT project aims to enhance community-based tourism skills in offbeat destinations. It will create a toolkit for circular tourism competence, involving various stakeholders. This project aligns with environmental sustainability and climate goals, promoting a greener and more digital tourism ecosystem.