DIOD - Development of ICT for Outdoor Destinations

DIOD

The overall objective of this action is to contribute to the integration of the economy in the cross-border area by encouraging cooperation in the field of tourism and associated clusters. This objective is one which is focused on improvement of conditions in the program area relating to economic and tourism development and the need to develop cross border actions that will further create an enabling environment for the development of joint products in the area. While tourism development is central to the objective, it is the cross-border cooperation aspect that is of the greatest importance, as it is essential to sustainability. This action will seek to improve collaboration amongst stakeholders on all levels, including individuals, businesses, and associations of businesses, local, regional and national authorities on both sides of the border through facilitation of joint participation in the development of a cooperative area. This means working towards better capitalization and usage of human and natural resources, such that they are positioned as joint advantages. It has been established by the European Commission that cross border economic and social co-operation is an effective instrument not only for confidence building and overcoming conflicts based upon national identities, but also for establishing a platform for future cooperation in other areas that are of regional and local importance. The combination of tourist offers from both destinations and their joint promotion could create a synergy which can generate the effect of growth in both the number of tourists and income generated from tourism and associated businesses on both sides of the border. Natural, historic/cultural and associated assets are equally important, but without clear vision, understanding of the opportunities and lack of crucial cooperation, these potentials remain unused thus resulting in socio-economic and demographic decay of local, rural and other communities in the whole cross-border region which is addressed by this objective.

The Specific objectives of this project are:

Improvement of technical capacities for development of outdoor tourism;

To develop and solidify inter cluster cooperation, human resource needs and joint promotion.;

Result 1: Improved capacity for trail management and rescue services.
Result 2: Established ICT information system, for real time data acquisition and consumer information.
Result 3: Improved safety and instructional capacities.
Result 4: Joint tourism product promoted internationally
Result 5: To develop and solidify training methodologies and promotional capacities.