Cross-Re-Tour Partners Meet in Nova Gorica as the Project Enters Its Final Phase
07.06.2026SparksThe Cross-Re-Tour consortium met in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, for its final project meeting. The meeting marked an important milestone for the three-year European initiative, giving partners an opportunity to review the project’s achievements, coordinate the remaining activities and discuss how its results can continue to support tourism SMEs after the project concludes in August 2026.
By connecting tourism businesses with knowledge, technologies and solutions from other sectors, the project has encouraged cross-domain cooperation and supported the introduction of practical approaches in areas such as energy and water efficiency, food sustainability, plastic reduction, mobility, equipment and furniture, and measures promoting more sustainable behaviour among employees and visitors.
Turning project activities into practical solutions
One of the main topics of the meeting was the review of the project’s key outputs and their practical value for tourism businesses and destinations.
Through the Cross-Re-Tour Open Innovation Programme, tourism SMEs from across Europe tested and implemented innovative solutions supporting their green and digital transition. The participating businesses worked with project partners, mentors and external experts to develop practical approaches tailored to their specific needs.
The project also developed a range of resources for the wider tourism ecosystem. These include an automated tool for assessing SMEs’ readiness for the green and digital transition, a market scan of relevant innovations, knowledge resources, examples of good practice and opportunities for international knowledge exchange.
As the Slovenian project partner, ARCTUR contributed to the development of the assessment tool, awareness-raising activities, the implementation of the open innovation programme, and the promotion of project results in Slovenia.
The final event in Nova Gorica also included an educational guided visit to the Tactile Gallery, Art Beyond the Visible, which enables visitors to experience art through touch and other senses. The visit demonstrated how accessibility and inclusive interpretation can become an integral part of cultural and tourism experiences. It also highlighted that innovation in tourism is not limited to digital technologies, but also encompasses thoughtful design, user involvement, and the development of experiences tailored to diverse needs.
Building on the project’s results
As Cross-Re-Tour enters its final phase, partners are focusing on completing the remaining activities, finalising project outputs and ensuring that the knowledge, tools and solutions developed through the project remain available and useful.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore future cooperation among project partners, tourism SMEs, technology providers and other stakeholders across Europe. Although the project is approaching its formal conclusion, the partnerships established and the solutions developed provide a strong foundation for continued cooperation in sustainable, accessible and digitally supported tourism.