Six Innovative Tourism Projects Funded under PHOENIX 4.0
19.08.2026SparksPHOENIX 4.0 has funded 45 collaborative projects across Europe, supporting tourism SMEs in developing and testing innovative solutions for a more resilient, sustainable and digital tourism sector. Arctur is supporting six of these projects, which officially started on 1 July 2026. We are already looking forward to seeing their first results and the solutions they will bring to life.
From accessible wine and heritage experiences to smart energy management, restorative stays and underwater photography, the six projects supported by Arctur show how tourism SMEs can turn some of the sector’s most pressing challenges into new services, smarter operations and more resilient business models.
The projects focus on accessibility, seasonality, sustainability, digitalisation and the development of distinctive year-round tourism experiences.
Meet the six projects
Living the Senses: Boutique Accessible Experiences, led by Slovin International / Bagueri Brda, will develop accessible multi-day tourism programmes for blind, visually impaired and mobility-impaired visitors. The experiences will connect wine, local traditions and cultural heritage in Slovenia and Italy.
House of Žlikrofi, led by CINOBER / Gostišče Barbara, will turn Idrija’s culinary heritage into a year-round visitor experience. The concept combines hands-on workshops, local cooperation and a digital culinary heritage passport centred on the traditional Idrija žlikrofi.
Restorative Remote Stay System: Smartphone-First Micro-Retreats for Rural Tourism, led by Dejan Križaj s.p., will transform stays in rural and remote accommodation into guided micro-retreats. Smartphone-based content will support relaxation, movement, food rituals and better sleep.
Advanced Predictive Management of Heating Systems for Resilient Alpine Accommodation Infrastructure, led by Alpinia, will test a predictive heating system based on sensor data, building data, weather forecasts and algorithms. The solution is designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining guest comfort.
Underwater Photography Adventure at Piran Punta, led by MAR IN CO, will create a sustainable diving and underwater photography experience focused on marine biodiversity. The programme will combine guided diving, photography and responsible behaviour towards the underwater environment.
CarbonShift, led by HIŠA ROBIDA, will use electricity-consumption, energy-price and carbon-intensity data to improve daily operations in tourism accommodation. The project aims to reduce both emissions and operating costs.
Although the six projects address very different areas of tourism, they share a common goal: developing practical, transferable and market-oriented solutions that can help tourism businesses adapt to changing conditions.
With implementation already underway since 1 July, the six teams are now developing and testing their ideas in real tourism environments. We look forward to following their progress and sharing the first results.