Future-proofing sustainable cultural tourism

Overview

Funding for projects that future-proof sustainable cultural tourism by integrating AI, digital transformation, and regenerative practices while addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Targets researchers, policymakers, businesses, and civil society working to enhance resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability in cultural tourism across the EU and beyond.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, public bodies, NGOs, and cultural organizations) from eligible countries. Partnerships with non-EU countries are encouraged, particularly for Focus 2.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €5,000,000
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Total budget: Not specified
• Co-funding: Not required (lump sum model)

What Is Funded

Projects must address either Focus 1 or Focus 2:

• Focus 1: AI integration and strategic foresight for cultural tourism resilience, including:

- Ethical AI tools for visitor engagement, accessibility, and heritage preservation. - AI-assisted foresight methodologies (e.g., scenario planning, horizon scanning) for proactive governance. - Multilingual interpretation, visitor flow management, and real-time heritage monitoring.

• Focus 2: Community-centric models for sustainable cultural tourism in emerging/less-developed destinations, including:

- Adaptable frameworks for equitable benefit-sharing and regenerative practices. - Cross-border networks for small businesses and civil society to co-create culturally respectful tourism models. - Living labs and pilot demonstrations for workforce upskilling and improved working conditions.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (validation in lab to prototype in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-12
• Deadline: 2027-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Proposals must use the standard Horizon Europe application form (HE RIA/IA) and adhere to page limits.

Post-Award Obligations

• Knowledge dissemination: Policy co-creation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous knowledge exchange.
• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements, including financial and technical progress.
• Ownership/licensing: The EU may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-EU countries with specific provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must align with existing EU-funded research and tools (e.g., European Data Space for Tourism).
• Projects must integrate cultural tourism with broader sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusion goals.
• Emphasis on participatory approaches, ethical AI, and equitable benefit-sharing.