The project aimed to empower disadvantaged adults in rural areas of partner countries by equipping them with skills and knowledge to transform their homes into tourist homestays, fostering entrepreneurship and participation in the local economy. Through this initiative, we sought to increase accessibility to quality training, enhance digital and entrepreneurial skills, and promote socio-cultural and environmental sustainability. The objectives included raising awareness of sustainable tourism practices, improving the participants’ self-sufficiency, and enabling them to create income opportunities without leaving their homes. The project also aimed to preserve cultural heritage through the creation of a digital Eurasian recipe book featuring local cuisines and traditions in innovative augmented and virtual reality formats. By providing inclusive, high-quality training through both face-to-face and online platforms, we hoped to address socioeconomic disparities and foster international collaboration, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities.
The project was initiated to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by disadvantaged adults in rural areas of partner countries. Many of these regions, such as Kastamonu Province, Turkey, possess untapped tourism potential but lack professional and sustainable development. The project aimed to empower disadvantaged groups—unemployed women, disabled individuals, and young adults—by providing high-quality training on homestay tourism, enabling them to transform their homes into tourist accommodations. It also sought to promote socio-cultural and environmental sustainability by training locals to preserve traditions and natural resources while participating in the tourism economy. Addressing the digital skills gap was another focus, equipping participants with tools for effective digital marketing and communication. Additionally, the project aimed to preserve and share cultural heritage through the creation of a digital Eurasian recipe book. International collaboration among partners was key, fostering mutual learning and creating inclusive opportunities that align with European priorities for adult education and rural development.