The first INSPIRES Open Call for Collaborative Projects (25 August 2025 – 26 November 2025) has been successfully concluded.
A total of 82 proposals were submitted across the participating countries and funding categories, demonstrating strong interest from tourism SMEs committed to advancing their green and digital transition. Of these, 52 proposals were submitted under the INSPIRER category and 30 under the PIONEER category.
Following administrative eligibility checks and quality evaluation, 47 collaborative projects have been selected for funding, while additional proposals were placed on the reserve list or assessed as ineligible.
The selected projects show strong alignment with the INSPIRES objectives and address key transformation priorities in the tourism sector, including:
- Digital booking and CRM systems
- AI-driven and smart digital tools
- Immersive and experiential tourism solutions
- Sustainable mobility initiatives
- Energy efficiency investments
- Regenerative and low-impact tourism models.
Geographical participation was broad and diverse, with proposals submitted from Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Finland and Poland.
The complete list of funded projects — including project titles, lead beneficiaries, country and funding category — is available for download below.
INSPIRES now moves into the implementation phase, supporting innovative SME collaborations that will strengthen resilience, sustainability and digitalization in European tourism.
A Second INSPIRES Call for Collaborative Projects will be launched in March 2026 to further support tourism SMEs in Belgium, Finland, Germany and Poland in their green and digital transition.
Stay tuned for updates as the selected projects begin implementation in March 2026!
%20Alexander%20Scheer_Erlebnis%20Bremerhaven.jpeg?etag=%228cdd93-6991b3dc%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=2500,1406&quality=85 "Bremerhaven (c) Alexander Scheer_Erlebnis Bremerhaven")
Empowering Tourism SMEs for Innovation and Resilience through Training and Funding
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The NSPIRES Partners are not responsible for any use made of the information herein.
