INSPIRES Call Details

1. Who Can Apply?

If you are a small or medium-sized tourism business based in one of the countries below, you are eligible:

• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Finland
• Germany
• Poland
• Spain.

You must apply in a partnership of 2 to 5 organizations. At least 50% of partners MUST be tourism SMEs. The Lead Applicant MUST be a tourism SME.

2. What Funding is Available?

• €15,000 for Pioneer projects: for SMEs with some experience in sustainability or digitalization
• €25,000 for Inspirer projects: for SMEs starting their transition journey

Funding is awarded per collaborative project and disbursed in two installments: 60% upfront and 40% after final reporting.

3. What Kind of Projects are We Looking For?

Projects that help make tourism businesses:

• More Sustainable → greener operations, less waste, climate-conscious
• More Digital → smart tools, platforms, and data-driven solutions
• More Resilient → innovative services, inclusive models, stronger partnerships

Projects must involve collaboration, including optional partners from other sectors (e.g., agri-food, culture, ICT, creative industries).

4. How to Apply: Step-by-Step

(a) Download the Call Templates:

• Annex 6: Declaration of Honor
• Annex 7: Application Form
• Annex 8: Budget
• Annex 9: T4T Pledge (optional).

(b) Prepare your documents (include business registration + financial statements)

(c) Submit your application by email to your country contact

Deadline: 26 November 2025 at 23:59 CET
Download Application Pack

The application templates are provided in Word and Excel formats. Please download, complete, sign, and convert them to PDF (except for Annex 8, which remains in Excel) before submitting.

5. Key Dates

INSPIRES Timeline
➤ 25 August 2025 – Call opens
➤ September 2025 – Info Days and Q&A
➤ 26 November 2025 – Application deadline
➤ December 2025 – January 2026 – Evaluation & selection
➤ 11 January – 16 February 2026 – Results & contracting
➤ 1st March 2026 – Project implementation begins

6. What Happens if You Are Selected?

• Bring your idea to Life
• Receive funding in two instalments: 60% at the start and 40% after completion
• Sign a Sub-Grant Agreement with your regional partner
• Share your progress in mid-term monitoring visits
• Submit a Final Report highlighting what you achieved and learned

7. What Are We Looking for in Your Proposal?

• Strong alignment with INSPIRES goals (sustainable, digital, resilient)
• A clear, realistic, and well-planned project
• A partnership with complementary expertise and strong collaboration

8. F A Q - Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, please download the full Call document .

The F A Q webpage is organised in the following categories:

1. Eligibility & Partnerships
2. Funding
3. Application Process
4. Evaluation & Selection
5. Project Implementation
6. Legal & Financial
7. Support.

9. What Can You Spend the Money On?

Examples of Eligible Activities:

• Strategic business planning and sustainable product development
• Energy-saving and eco-certification measures
• New digital tools (booking engines, CRM, platforms)
• Inclusive, cross-sector, or community-based tourism offers

Not eligible: infrastructure works, renovations, or profit-based subcontracting

View full list of eligible activities: Annex 5.

10. Who Can Support You?

Reach out to your regional contact or register for an info session!

• Belgium: inspires@provincieantwerpen.be 
• Bulgaria: ccivr.inspires@gmail.com 
• Finland: inspires@lapinamk.fi 
• Germany: inspires@erlebnis-bremerhaven.de 
• Poland: inspires@podkarpackie.pl 
• Spain: inspires@camaradesevilla.com

Upcoming Info Days (September 2025).
Learn how to apply, ask questions, and get practical tips!
Exact dates are published here.