The HERITAGE TOURISM project, supported by the Central Baltic INTERREG IV A Programme 2007–2013, was implemented from November 2011 to April 2014. Its primary aim was to enhance the competitiveness of rural tourism SMEs in Estonia and Latvia by integrating cultural heritage into service design.

Led by the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, the project focused on developing tourism products and services. Key areas included:

• architectural and landscape design
• interior decoration
• traditional food preparation and presentation
• service staff attire
• celebration of national holidays and events, and
• the sale of culturally significant souvenirs

Among the project’s key deliverables were a consultation programme, handbooks on cultural heritage in rural tourism for both countries, a manual, a heritage map, and route leaflets for independent travellers. These resources aimed to promote shared solutions for making rural tourism more attractive across the region.

For a comprehensive overview of the project’s funding, focus areas, outcomes, results, and best practices, please refer to the link provided on the left-hand side of the platform.

#Destination management #Cultural preservation #Tourism development