New resources are becoming available for the tourism sector with the launch of the European call “Supporting Sustainable Competitiveness of Tourism SMEs”, promoted under the Single Market Programme. The initiative makes €6.9 million available to support transnational cooperation projects between businesses and organisations in the sector, with the aim of strengthening the sustainable competitiveness of tourism SMEs.
The call will fund international consortia that will guide companies through pathways of innovation, digital transition and environmental sustainability, while also encouraging the development of integrated tourism itineraries and cross-sector collaboration, from tourism and culture to agri-food. Expected outcomes include the involvement of a large number of SMEs, the dissemination of replicable models, and the strengthening of European tourism networks. The deadline for submitting proposals is 20 May 2026.
Alongside this European measure, local-level instruments are also in place. In the Lazio region, a call promoted by Lazio Innova, within the ERDF Regional Programme 2021–2027, offers non-repayable grants for tourism SMEs operating in the area.
The regional measure targets accommodation providers, operators and supply chain businesses, supporting investments along three main lines: energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, service digitalisation (such as management systems and online platforms), and the enhancement of tourism offerings, including the modernisation of facilities.
Applications must be submitted via the GeCoWEB Plus digital platform and will be assessed based on the quality of the projects, their impact, and their level of innovation. The funding is non-repayable, with intensity varying according to the size of the enterprise and the type of investment.
Tourism is thus confirmed as one of the key sectors prioritised by the Lazio Region, which is home to over 53,000 cultural and creative enterprises, accounting for around 8% of regional GDP – a figure above the national average.
In a context where sustainability, digitalisation and seasonality management are becoming increasingly central, the combination of European and regional funding represents a strategic lever for the growth and renewal of tourism businesses, offering concrete opportunities to address the challenges of an ever-evolving market.
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