Tourism: Call for the selection of collaborative projects: Go Green, Get Digital, Be Resilient Programme

The Go Green, Get Digital, Be Resilient Programme is an EU-funded initiative focusing on supporting tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the intersection of food and tourism. This programme, part of the TASTE project, has a total funding pool of €750,000 aimed at fostering collaborative projects that enhance sustainability, digital transformation, and resilience in the tourism sector. Each selected project will receive €15,000, with an opportunity for an additional €10,000 for exceptional projects. The target countries for the lead applicants are Belgium, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, and Spain, but partners may include organizations from any EU Member State or associated non-EU countries.

Eligible applicants must submit proposals as a consortium of 2 to 5 independent organizations, with a requirement that at least 50% of the partners are tourism SMEs and at least 60% of the funding allocated must benefit these SMEs directly. Projects have to be designed to address at least two specific transformation goals: Green Transition and Sustainability, Digital Transition, and Resilience.

The application process is open until September 2, 2025, with submissions done via an online platform. Evaluation will occur in a single stage where proposals are judged based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the programme's objectives. The initiative not only funds projects but also offers non-financial support, such as training and networking opportunities to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This programme represents a significant opportunity for tourism SMEs to innovate and grow in a rapidly changing landscape, promoting best practices in sustainable food tourism while bolstering their resilience against challenges.

The Go Green, Get Digital, Be Resilient Programme is a funding opportunity under the TASTE (Transformative Approaches for Sustainable Food in Tourism) initiative, an EU-funded project. The program targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organizations operating in the food and tourism sectors, specifically those at the intersection of both, referred to as "food in tourism". The aim is to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and digital readiness of these businesses through collaborative projects.

The program is open to participants from Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, and Latvia. It encourages collaboration among organizations to test innovative ideas. The TASTE initiative supports tourism SMEs in advancing sustainability, digitalization, and resilience through innovative food practices. The Go Green, Get Digital, Be Resilient Programme provides tailored training, consulting, and advisory services, and facilitates cross-border and cross-sector partnerships.

A total of €750,000 in funding is available to support at least 40 collaborative projects, engaging a minimum of 80 organizations. Each selected project will receive €15,000 in financial support, along with technical guidance and opportunities to participate in international innovation-focused events. Exceptional projects may qualify for an additional €10,000.

The objectives of the program are to enhance the competitiveness of tourism SMEs by facilitating their transition to sustainable, digital, and resilient business models. It emphasizes the development of innovative food tourism initiatives, the adoption of digital solutions for improved operations and customer engagement, and the strengthening of resilience through diversification and sustainability planning.

Selected collaborative projects will receive financial support of €15,000 each, with the top 15 projects after the Demo Day eligible for an additional €10,000. Participants will enhance their innovation capacity and gain visibility through international events organized by TASTE. Funding will cover attendance at these events, with the lead applicant required to represent the project.

Key events include:

TASTE Challenge Day: Framing the Problem and Finding Solutions (Rabad Fair, Brussels, 18-19 November 2025). This event allows collaborative projects to network, share ideas, and forge collaborations in preparation for project implementation, with the opportunity to opt for top-up funding.

TASTE Demo Day: Presenting Innovations and Gaining Exposure (Hostelco and Alimentaria Fair, Barcelona, 23-26 March 2026). Achievements of collaborative projects will be presented, and the 15 top projects will be selected to receive a top-up of €10,000.

TASTE Showcase Day: Celebrating Achievements and Scaling Innovations (Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, Turin, 20-24 September 2026). The 15 top projects will be showcased and featured in the “TASTE Book of Inspiring Recipes for Sustainable and Resilient Food in Tourism.”

Projects demonstrating a commitment to international cooperation and peer learning may qualify for the extra €10,000 top-up. TASTE will provide practical training on resilience, sustainability, and innovation, led by local experts across Europe, offering actionable strategies and tools for tourism SMEs. Proficiency in English is required for participation.

Applications must be submitted online through EUSurvey. The application must be submitted by a single organization, the lead applicant, which must be a tourism SME, on behalf of the entire partnership. The application consists of the project description and the budget breakdown, which correspond to Annex A – Courtesy Application form and Annex B – Estimated Budget of the Application Pack. Templates are available for download on the website. The deadline for applications is 2 September 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time).

The evaluation process involves two steps:

Admission and Eligibility check: Ensuring the application is complete and meets the call requirements.

Evaluation: Applications are judged by two independent experts against six selection criteria: Excellence and Level of Innovation, Contribution to the Goals of TASTE and the objectives of the EU Transition Pathway for Tourism, Feasibility and Potential for Growth, Expansion and Scalability, Replicability and Transferability Potential, Capacity, Competences and Commitment of partnering entities, and Cost Effectiveness and Efficiency.

TASTE aims to select 8 projects from each participating country. If fewer eligible applications are received in one or several countries, the remaining spots will be given to the highest-scoring projects from other countries. In the event of selection of a lower number of collaborative projects (40) and/or a total amount of financial support below the call’s available budget (€750,000), the TASTE project will re-launch the Call for the selection of collaborative projects.

Eligibility Criteria:

Administrative Eligibility Criteria:

Partnership Requirements: Projects must be submitted by a partnership of at least two and a maximum of five organizations, which must be independent from each other (no structural, legal, or financial control).

Tourism SME Participation: At least 50% of the partners must be tourism SMEs. For example, a 3- or 4-partner consortium must include at least 2 tourism SMEs, and a 5-partner consortium must include at least 3. Additionally, at least 60% of the financial support must be allocated to the tourism SMEs involved.

Partnership Composition: Partnerships can be formed in one of the following ways: A tourism SME as Lead Applicant with one or more additional tourism SMEs, A tourism SME as Lead Applicant with one or more tourism-related entities, ensuring at least 50% of partners are tourism SMEs, or A tourism SME as Lead Applicant with SMEs from other sectors (e.g., agri-food, culture, digital technologies), again ensuring tourism SMEs make up at least 50% of the total partners.

Eligibility of Project Applicants: The Lead Applicant must be legally registered in Belgium, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, or Spain. Other partners can be registered in any EU Member State or non-EU countries associated with the Single Market Programme, provided they meet specific criteria. If an organization is an SME, it must comply with the EU definition set out in recommendation 2003/361. Tourism SMEs must be classified under relevant NACE codes related to tourism activities or demonstrate active economic activity within the tourism ecosystem.

Technical Eligibility Criteria:

Collaborative projects must align with TASTE objectives, addressing at least two of the following transformation goals: Green Transition and Sustainability, Digital Transition, and Resilience. They must also clearly integrate the tourism and food sectors through initiatives such as local sourcing, immersive experiences, and curated gastronomic events.

Other Application Criteria: Applications must be submitted in English, submitted electronically before the official deadline, and each legal entity can only be involved in one collaborative project. Applications must be submitted via the official online submission link, and all required documentation must be included for review.

Cost Eligibility: The €15,000 funding must cover compulsory expenses, including travel and accommodation for TASTE events, and may also cover optional expenses related to service providers, innovation development, sustainability certification, and training. The budget breakdown must clearly indicate the allocation of activities and associated costs, with at least 60% of the funding dedicated to tourism SMEs. Financial support will be awarded as a lump sum.

Applicants may focus on the following topics (minimum 2 from different blocks):

Green Transition and Sustainability: Food waste and circular food systems, Sustainable food sourcing and local supply chains, Low-carbon food operations, Sustainability certifications, Accessibility, Health and Nutrition, Heritage preservation.

Digital Transition: Smart food tourism, Digital storytelling and immersive experiences, E-commerce and digital marketing, Food traceability and blockchain, Data analytics for waste reduction, Digital skills for tourism SMEs.

Resilience: Diversification of tourism offer, Food security and contingency planning, Risk management strategies, Staff wellbeing and working conditions, Business model adaptation.

The Go Green, Get Digital, Be Resilient Programme, under the umbrella of the EU-funded TASTE initiative, is essentially a call for collaborative projects aimed at transforming the food tourism sector. It provides funding and support for SMEs in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, and Latvia to develop innovative solutions that enhance sustainability, embrace digital technologies, and build resilience. The program encourages partnerships between businesses to address challenges and create new opportunities in the food tourism landscape. By participating in the program, businesses can access funding, training, networking opportunities, and increased visibility, all contributing to their growth and competitiveness in the evolving tourism market. The focus is on projects that integrate food and tourism, aligning with at least two key transformation goals: green transition and sustainability, digital transition, and resilience.

Eligible Applicant Types: The lead applicant must be a tourism SME. Other partners can include tourism SMEs, tourism-related entities, or SMEs from other sectors such as agri-food, culture, or digital technologies. The partnership must consist of at least two and a maximum of five organizations.

Funding Type: Grant, specifically cascade funding. Financial support will be awarded as a lump sum.

Consortium Requirement: Consortium. Projects must be submitted by a partnership of at least two and a maximum of five organizations.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The lead applicant must be legally registered in Belgium, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, or Spain. Other partners can be registered in any EU Member State or non-EU countries associated with the Single Market Programme, provided they meet specific criteria.

Target Sector: Tourism, food, digital technologies, agri-food, culture, sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Specifically, the intersection of food and tourism, referred to as "food in tourism."

Mentioned Countries: Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, Latvia, EU Member States.

Project Stage: The call supports projects that aim to test innovative ideas and enhance business resilience, sustainability, and digital readiness, suggesting a stage of development, validation, or demonstration.

Funding Amount: Each selected project will receive €15,000 in financial support. Exceptional projects may qualify for an additional €10,000, bringing the potential total to €25,000. The total funding available for the call is €750,000.

Application Type: Open call. Applications must be submitted online through EUSurvey.

Nature of Support: Money in the form of a lump sum grant, technical guidance, and opportunities to participate in international innovation-focused events.

Application Stages: 2 stages: Admission and Eligibility check, and Evaluation by independent experts.

Success Rates: The call aims to select at least 40 collaborative projects out of all applications received. The success rate is therefore dependent on the number of applications.

Co-funding Requirement: While not explicitly stated, the requirement that at least 60% of the funding must be allocated to tourism SMEs suggests that the SMEs themselves may need to contribute resources or in-kind support to the project.

The Go Green, Get Digital, Be Resilient Programme, a key offering of the TASTE initiative, is an EU-funded opportunity designed to bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism SMEs operating at the intersection of food and tourism. This program, targeting entities in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, and Latvia, provides financial support, technical guidance, and networking opportunities to collaborative projects focused on innovative food tourism initiatives. The core objective is to facilitate the transition of these SMEs towards sustainable, digital, and resilient business models.

The program offers a total funding of €750,000, aiming to support at least 40 collaborative projects, each receiving an initial €15,000. Exceptional projects demonstrating significant impact and commitment to international cooperation may qualify for an additional €10,000. The funding is intended to cover expenses related to travel, accommodation for TASTE events, service providers, innovation development, sustainability certification, and training, with a requirement that at least 60% of the funding benefits tourism SMEs directly.

To be eligible, projects must be submitted by a consortium of two to five organizations, with a lead applicant that is a tourism SME registered in one of the specified countries. The consortium must include at least 50% tourism SMEs, and the projects should align with TASTE objectives, addressing at least two of the following transformation goals: Green Transition and Sustainability, Digital Transition, and Resilience. Projects should also integrate the tourism and food sectors through initiatives such as local sourcing, immersive experiences, and curated gastronomic events.

The application process involves submitting a project description and budget breakdown online through EUSurvey. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as excellence and level of innovation, contribution to TASTE goals, feasibility and potential for growth, replicability, capacity of partnering entities, and cost-effectiveness. The program also includes several high-profile events, such as the TASTE Challenge Day, TASTE Demo Day, and TASTE Showcase Day, providing opportunities for networking, pitching innovations, and showcasing project results. The application deadline is September 2, 2025. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for tourism SMEs to enhance their sustainability, digital capabilities, and resilience through collaborative projects and access to EU funding and expertise.