Pilot Training in Bulgaria 

From November 20 to 22, 2024, at the Old Mill in Karpachevo, the Devetaki Plateau Association brought together active members of the local community for training under the INHERIT project. The aim of the training was to present the educational materials developed by the international project team, review the tourist resources in the Devetaki Plateau region, and identify the most attractive ones in order to explore innovative ways to interpret them and spark greater interest in the region.

Today’s tourists increasingly seek out unique places, authentic local food, and trips filled with memorable experiences and hands-on activities. The natural beauty of the Devetaki Plateau continues to attract visitors from across Bulgaria, as well as from Romania, Denmark, and other countries. The new heritage trails, developed within the INHERIT project in collaboration with the local community, offer exactly the kind of rich and engaging experiences that travelers are looking for.

We’re ready to welcome tourists eager to discover the hidden gems of the Devetaki Plateau!

Pilot Training in Cyprus

From January 21, 2024, the team in Cyprus conducted a series of pilot training sessions under the INHERIT project, engaging local stakeholders in heritage-based tourism development. The training took place over seven separate days, with small groups of 2–4 participants. The key event was held at the Old Olive Mill in Pano Lefkara, where all stakeholders gathered for a full-day session.

The training introduced the INHERIT syllabus through typically Cypriot examples, sparking lively discussions and strong individual contributions. While it was sometimes challenging to stay on track due to participants’ personal interests, this also brought rich ideas—such as a proposal for a dentistry museum based on inherited family equipment.

Field trips played a vital role in the pilot, taking participants beyond the classroom to explore Kato Drys village, the olive groves of Kato Lefkara, the National Archaeological Museum, and the area around St. Lazarus Church in Larnaca. These experiences were especially well received and helped bring the course content to life.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the authentic stories and heritage of Cyprus through the INHERIT lens!

Pilot Training in Slovakia

From December 13 to 15, 2024, the INHERIT pilot training in Slovakia was held at the Lišov Museum, bringing together local stakeholders for a dynamic three-day seminar focused on rural tourism development. The training combined theory, practical workshops, and hands-on learning, including an immersive experience at the Christmas Fair hosted at the museum.

Participants explored a range of topics such as tourism resource assessment, destination marketing, and the creation of innovative tourism products using modern tools and techniques. The interactive format encouraged active engagement and exchange of ideas among the attendees.

The training successfully achieved its objectives, equipping participants with new skills to identify and assess cultural and natural heritage assets, design engaging tourism offers, and apply contemporary marketing strategies to attract and retain visitors.

The Lišov Museum and its community are now ready to welcome curious travelers eager to experience the authentic spirit of rural Slovakia through the lens of INHERIT!

Pilot Training in Spain

From December 9 to 20, 2024, the INHERIT pilot training in Spain took place across several sessions: in-person meetings in La Pobla de Segur and Tremp, followed by a series of virtual sessions. The training brought together stakeholders from two distinct regions within the Orígens Geopark, a mountainous area in Catalonia, rich in natural and cultural heritage.

The training cycle was complex due to the geographical distance between participants and the challenge of coordinating schedules among individuals with diverse work obligations. Despite these logistical difficulties, the training sparked valuable discussions on how participants perceive the value of both tangible and intangible heritage - natural and cultural alike.

Participants explored the potential of the region’s natural resources for sustainable tourism, while also acknowledging certain limitations. Seasonality was highlighted as a key barrier, especially in summer, along with the challenge of attracting high-profile clients seeking consistent quality standards in services.

Nevertheless, the group generated promising ideas for tourism routes and experiences, particularly targeting nature lovers, casual walkers, and food enthusiasts drawn to the area’s rich and varied local cuisine. The training sessions took place in the inspiring setting of the Orígens Geopark, further reinforcing the connection between natural heritage and responsible tourism development.

We’re excited to invite visitors to discover the landscapes, stories, and flavours of Orígens through the INHERIT project!

Impact

The pilot training activities conducted across all partner countries significantly contributed to building the knowledge and skills of rural entrepreneurs in developing experiential tourism products. Through a series of workshops based on the INHERIT course modules, 70 owners and managers of micro and small tourism enterprises enhanced their capacity to valorise local natural and cultural heritage while integrating digital tools into their offers. Importantly, the training fostered active engagement in the co-creation and promotion of authentic tourism experiences tailored to their destinations, paving the way for more sustainable and innovative rural tourism development.