The development of rural tourism has emerged as a key pillar of sustainable tourism, supporting local economic vitality while safeguarding natural and cultural assets. In this context, the Ministry of Tourism – Tunisia is engaged in the promising project “Competitiveness and Internationalization of Rural Tourism SMEs in the Mediterranean” (CRESinMED)”, a Mediterranean cooperation project designed to enhance the performance and visibility of rural tourism enterprises across the region.

Co-financed by the European Union under the framework of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, the project is carried out in partnership with several Mediterranean stakeholders, including :

• Interforum Srl (Italy), THREE THIRDS SOCIETY (Greece),
• West Mediterranean Development Agency (Türkiye),
• Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (Jordan),
• Official Chamber of Commerce Industry Services and Navigation of Valencia (Spain),
• Leaders Organization (Palestine).

   Through this structured transnational cooperation, the project will support 50 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in rural tourism by providing customized business re-engineering and internationalization plans. The initiative seeks to foster a more competitive, digitally advanced, and internationally connected rural tourism ecosystem, strengthening resilience and market positioning through integrated actions in training, networking, digital innovation, and cluster development.