The DECODE project aimed to develop training for those in the target group that will give them new knowledge and digital upskilling. Enrichening their skills for promoting and developing their business within cultural tourism while they at the same time enhance their competence in working with digital media. Built upon research from the different regions this project gives the target group fundamental quality learning within fields of social media, branding, product development and network and support, see all the benefits while using and learning about digital tools and media. The upskilling offered to them will provide flexibility and adaptability depending on if they have their own business or are employed or offer valuable learning for someone wanting to start up a business. The project will provide for development and sustainability of cultural tourism in rural and/or deprived areas and answer to the needs of municipal, service providers, professionals interested in the promotion of cultural tourism in rural and deprived areas). This project also aims to develop policy recommendations for cultural tourism stakeholders, facilitators and educators, that will improve the practices of cultural tourism education across the EU.
DECODE was a project developed to respond to current European trends and needs in upskilling and reskilling cultural tourism operators, professionals and volunteers in rural and/or deprived areas. Its foundation is different scientific evidence and EU reports that cultural tourism operators, municipality workers, local rural shops etc. are not offered the needed support to increase the rural and/or deprived area’s cultural potential. These workers and volunteers are rarely offered what they need to develop their skills and competencies, which makes them low-skilled and low-qualified for their jobs. The aim of the project was to provide the learners with the necessary skills and competencies, to promote their local rural and/or deprived area in the field of cultural tourism, with a training course and the use of digital means. DECODE addresses these needs of local communities, authorities, professionals, and volunteers in the field of cultural tourism with comprehensive tools and resources to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies.