Tourism without borders - strengthening cross-border cooperation in tourism based on environmental sustainability
The main idea is the popularization of the Polish–Slovak potential based on sustainable tourism, developed through cross-border partnership.
The main objective of the project is to increase the possibility of using the tourist attractiveness of the border area. This main objective will be achieved through specific objectives:
- improving the quality of tourism services (through a system of certification of tourist services and training courses for the tourism industry);
- promotion of natural and cultural resources in the border area;
- improving the flow of information about tourist offer and culture-tourist events;
- the creation of the Polish–Slovak tourism offer.
Activities related to promotion of the region have been provided within the project - conferences, publications (including journals on the subject of regional knowledge and socio-economic issues), study tours, participation in tourism fairs, cross-border events, film, web sites and also efforts to use existing resources (for example Eco-Museal Programme in Slovakia). The project will also contribute to improving the quality and competitiveness of services provided (Certification Scheme) under the management of tourism (Environmentally-Friendly Tourism; Book of Architectural Models).
The activities intended under the project are to strengthen the tourism industry itself (training and workshops on regional cuisine and traditions, training in nature and cultural tourism, innovation in tourism, the principles of investment planning in the region). The result of the action taken will also create a Polish-Slovak tourist offer and introduce solutions aimed at improving the availability of information about offers of the region and its tourist potential.
The project is aimed at the wider tourism industry (tour guides, tour operators, owners of agrotouristic farms, hotels, guesthouses, and all interested in the development of sustainable tourism.) The project, due to its nature is addressed also to the tourists who will have an easier access to information and access to services of higher quality. The project will also benefit local communities (because these activities provide an opportunity for socio–economic development, but also guarantee the preservation and maintenance of cultural and natural heritage of the region).
Implementation of the project will be based on cross-border partnership of 5 organizations (3 from Poland 2 from Slovakia):
- “PRO CARPAHTIA” Association (project leader)
- Regional Development Agency Svidnik (Slovakia)
- Bieszczady Foundation
- Polish Carpathian Euroregion Association
- Children Organization Fénix Snina
Project co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Republic of Poland–Slovak Republic Cross-border Co-operation Operational Programme 2007 – 2013
