INSPIRES: Empowering Tourism SMEs in Europe - 2nd Call

Apply for €15,000 in non-repayable funding to make your tourism business more sustainable, digital, and resilient. Work with partners. Innovate. Grow. Submit your idea by 11 May 2026!

APPLY NOW!

Download:

• Full 2nd Call
• Annex 5 List of Eligible Activities and Cost
  

Application Templates:

• Annex 6 Declaration of Honour
• Annex 7 Application Form
• Annex 8 Budget
• Annex 9 T4T Pledge

Further 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
• Finland
• Germany
• Poland

You must apply in a partnership of 2 to 5 organisations. 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

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

1. Download the Templates:
• Annex 6: Declaration of Honor
• Annex 7: Application Form
• Annex 8: Budget Template
2. Prepare your documents (include business registration + financial statements)
3. Submit your application by email to your country contact

Deadline: 11 May 2026 at 23:59 CET
The application templates are provided in Word and Excel formats. Please download, complete, sign, and convert them to PDF (except for Annex 9, which remains in Excel) before submitting.

5. Key Dates

INSPIRES Timeline
➤ 02 March 2026 – Call opens
➤ 11 May 2026 – Application deadline
➤ 12-29 May 2026 – Evaluation & selection
➤ 1-12 June 2026 – Results & contracting
➤ 15 June 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. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions 

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 (link to Annex 5).

10. Who Can Support You?

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

• Belgium: inspires@provincieantwerpen.be 
• Finland: inspires@lapinamk.fi 
• Germany: inspires@erlebnis-bremerhaven.de
• Poland: inspires@podkarpackie.pl