The TRIP-LED: Tourism-Related Innovation and Performance Lab Experience Design for SMEs project aims to enhance digital readiness and capacity through a tailored learning platform focusing on innovative experience design and sustainable practices for tourism SMEs.
The TRIP-LED project is а small-scale partnership which involves two organizations: EQ Brands from Bulgaria and EuroAcademy Consulting NUF from Norway.
Tourism SMEs face several challenges, including limited resources for education, a shortage of skilled human resources, and the need to adapt to post-COVID trends in traveller behaviour. Furthermore, due to the lack of resources in destination marketing, business and employment opportunities for local stakeholders have declined significantly. Entrepreneurship education and innovative training are essential for economic recovery after any disaster or crisis because they help people manage their businesses with limited resources while creating jobs and generating income for local communities. The project aims to empower tourism-related SMEs, professionals, and educators with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge to adapt and thrive in this new landscape.
The project objectives are:
1) Enhance digital readiness and capacity with a comprehensive learning platform which will empower tourism-related SMEs in the digital age.
2) Foster skill development and professional growth for individuals in the tourism sector.
3) Strengthen the capacity of educators and staff in the tourism sector to teach and guide effectively.
4) Encourage the adoption of a holistic approach to experience design that integrates sustainable practices in the tourism industry.
1. Creating a user-friendly Handbook of the best immersive and sustainable tourism practices.
2. Developing a comprehensive digital learning platform.
3. Develop six online innovative experience design learning modules and resources
4. Workshop and Pilot test of the platform.
5. Project Management and Dissemination.
1) Handbook of the best immersive and sustainable tourism practices.
2) An easy-to-use, experience design-focused platform with digital tools, skillsets, and knowledge tailored for tourism SMEs.
3) Six online training modules and one workshop emphasizing digital competencies, innovative teaching methods, and sustainable practices.
4) Inclusion of green principles and innovative design strategies in the learning platform's content and resources to inspire responsible tourism practices.
The TRIP-LED project aims to address the diverse needs of various target groups within the tourism sector. These target groups include:
1) Tourism-related SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism and hospitality industry will benefit from the platform by gaining access to innovative tools, resources, and knowledge to enhance their digital readiness and create immersive, responsible tourist experiences.
2) Individuals in the tourism sector: Professionals working in the tourism industry, including employees, managers, and entrepreneurs, can develop essential skills and competencies in experience design, digital marketing, and sustainable practices through the customized learning modules and resources offered by the platform.
3) Educators and staff in the tourism sector: Teachers, trainers, and guidance staff will be equipped with digital competencies, innovative teaching methods, and knowledge about sustainable practices, enabling them to teach and guide others in the industry effectively.
4) Local communities: The project supports local ecosystems by encouraging tourism-related SMEs to adopt sustainable and responsible practices, which can, in turn, contribute to the economic growth and resilience of local communities.
5) Policy makers and tourism authorities: By showcasing the importance of digital transformation, sustainable practices, and experience design in the tourism industry, the project can provide valuable insights to inform the development of policies and strategies that support a more sustainable and competitive tourism sector.
6) Other stakeholders in the tourism sector: Various stakeholders, such as destination management organizations, sector associations, and NGOs, can benefit from the platform by gaining insights into best practices and innovative approaches for experience design, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism development.