The objective was to empower a network of prospective local advisors with essential competencies to guide and assist small tourism providers in watercourse regions, enhancing their sustainability and competitiveness. This involved the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes in the following competence areas: 1. Sustainable Tourism and SDGs; 2. Ethics and Social Responsibility; 2. Natural and Cultural Heritage; 3. Competitiveness and Sustainable Local Business Development; 3. Innovation and Digital Transformation; Networking and Local Partnerships; 4. Branding and Digital Marketing; 5. Internationalisation Strategy; By addressing these strategic areas, the project aimed to put forward a set of educational resources fostering a sustainable and competitive landscape for small tourism providers in watercourse regions.
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the tourism industry experienced a severe blow as restrictions on international travel led to a decline in the tourism economy ranging from 45 to 70% (OECD). This was considered an unprecedented economic crisis, especially for countries heavily reliant on tourism for economic development. However, it also presented an opportunity to reshape trends and enhance economic resilience, particularly in local areas. The "BLUE TOURISM – Building a network of local advisors to guide small tourism providers in watercourse regions towards a more sustainable path" project emerged as an opportunity to reconsider tourism comprehensively. It aimed to shift decisively from over-tourism models to existing sustainable tourism models. Watercourses served as the common link among the eight countries – Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Romania, and Ireland – comprising the project consortium. The BLUE TOURISM consortium sought to contribute to local sustainable tourism development through the capacity building of small tourism providers.