Tourism & SME Eligibility

Yes, tourism SMEs can apply—if their project matches the call’s goals. Some calls mention tourism directly. Many others fund themes like sustainability, digitalisation, skills, or regional development where tourism projects can fit. Eligibility is always defined by each call, so check the specific rules.

Read the ‘Eligibility’ section of the call. It usually states: who can apply (legal type), where you must be based, your company size, and what projects are allowed. If you are unsure, contact the call’s helpdesk or the managing authority before you invest time writing the proposal.

Often yes, because micro enterprises are usually part of the SME definition. But some calls require a minimum capacity (for example, staff, turnover, or experience). Check the call to see if there are extra requirements for very small companies.

Tourism projects are often funded when they support big EU priorities such as: (1) digital tools and data (e.g., online services, smart visitor management), (2) sustainability (e.g., energy efficiency, lower emissions, circular solutions), and (3) resilience (e.g., skills, crisis planning, climate adaptation). The best fit depends on the call, so use the call’s keywords and expected results.

More information:

Most tourism-relevant calls tend to cluster around three thematic axes:

This framing aligns closely with the EU tourism policy emphasis on the twin transition (green + digital) and the broader push to strengthen the tourism ecosystem’s capacity to adapt and compete.

Sometimes some calls focus on areas like sustainable destinations, cultural heritage, digital tourism services, tourism skills, or resilience. Often the call will not name your niche, but your project can still fit if it clearly supports the call’s objectives.
(A structured overview of tourism relevant programmes, opportunities, thematic priorities and subsector examples will be available in the updated EU Funding Guide).

Yes. Many calls are open to any sector and focus on goals like innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, or regional development. If your tourism project contributes to those goals and you can show it clearly, you may be eligible.

Often yes, if the call allows it and their role supports tourism needs (for example: technology, training, data, energy solutions). Many EU calls welcome cross sector partners when they help deliver the project’s goals.

Partners from outside the EU may participate in EU-funded projects only when this is explicitly allowed in the call or programme rules. Their participation is typically subject to specific conditions defined by the funding authority. For SMEs, this means that non-EU organisations can sometimes join a consortium—particularly in programmes focused on cooperation, innovation or international collaboration—but they may not always be eligible to receive EU funding directly and may instead have to participate without financial support or under restricted arrangements.

Whether their involvement is permitted, funded or limited depends entirely on the individual call for proposals, so SMEs should always check the eligibility section carefully to understand what types of international partners are allowed and how their role must be justified within the project.