Agro-tourism; religious tourism; astrotourism; rural development

Dear Jose Francisco,

The Chamber of Commerce of Zenica-Doboj Canton (CC ZDC) is an independent, non-profit association representing companies and economic actors from the Zenica-Doboj Canton region (Bosnia and Herzegovina). We are interested in joining a consortium under the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM) Coordinated Call 7 on Sustainable Tourism, contributing to the transfer, adaptation and capitalization of successful practices and solutions developed within previous European cooperation projects.

CC ZDC has extensive experience in the management and implementation of EU-funded projects, particularly in territorial cooperation, sustainability, governance, digital transformation and capacity-building initiatives. Currently, we are implementing two Interreg projects:
• LEEWAY – Interreg Europe Programme 2021–2027;
• SteelCityZen – Danube Region Programme 2021–2027, focusing on the valorisation of industrial heritage and the transformation of former industrial areas into opportunities for sustainable local development.

As a regional business support organization, CC ZDC provides a strong connection between public authorities, tourism stakeholders, SMEs, academia and civil society. We cooperate closely with the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton through a Memorandum of Cooperation covering joint activities in several strategic fields, as well as with all 12 municipalities, the Tourist Board of Zenica-Doboj Canton, the University of Zenica, local development agencies, cultural institutions, NGOs and, most importantly, our extensive network of member companies.
Zenica-Doboj Canton represents a valuable pilot area for sustainable tourism initiatives, combining rich industrial heritage, natural resources, mountain and rural tourism potential, as well as cultural assets that can support the development of innovative and community-based tourism models. Through projects such as SteelCityZen, CC ZDC is already engaged in exploring new approaches for connecting industrial heritage, local communities and sustainable development.

CC ZDC can contribute to Euro-MED projects through:
• stakeholder engagement and mobilization of local actors;
• transfer and adaptation of good practices and innovative solutions;
• development and implementation of pilot actions;
• support to SMEs in adopting sustainable and digital approaches;
• organization of workshops, peer-learning activities and capacity-building programmes;
• communication, dissemination and capitalization of project results;
• contribution to policy recommendations and sustainable governance models.
Since 2024, CC ZDC has established a Digitalization Office, strengthening our capacity to support digital transition, innovation and the adoption of modern business tools among regional companies.

Our main strengths include:
– strong cooperation with regional and local authorities and public institutions;
– extensive stakeholder outreach, including tourism actors, SMEs, academia and civil society;
– experience in participatory processes, networking, knowledge exchange and policy dialogue;
– proven capacity in communication, dissemination and long-term uptake of project outcomes;
– ability to support the transfer of project results into local and regional practices.

We are particularly interested in projects addressing sustainable tourism governance, the green and digital transition of tourism ecosystems, cultural and natural heritage valorisation, community-based tourism, destination resilience, agro-tourism, religious tourism, and innovative approaches that connect tourism with local businesses and communities.

CC ZDC is open to participating as a Project Partner, including taking responsibility for specific Work Packages related to stakeholder engagement, governance, communication and dissemination, capacity building, pilot implementation and capitalization activities.

We look forward to connecting with committed partners.

Best regards,

Nedzad Jusufhodzic, Secretary of the Chamber
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF ZENICA-DOBOJ CANTON
Address: Mehmedalije Tarabara 15, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
T: +387 32 465 851

Contact: nedzad.jusufhodzic@pkzedo.ba

The Firefighting Association of Karlovac County (VZKŽ) is a county-level non-profit organisation coordinating 90 volunteer fire brigades, two public fire brigades, around 7,300 members, 1,200 operational firefighters and approximately 230 vehicles. It supports training, emergency preparedness and cooperation with civil protection authorities, local governments and other emergency services.

Within the Call, VZKŽ could contribute to the transfer, adaptation and local uptake of proven solutions for safer, climate-resilient and sustainable tourism destinations. Possible contributions may include, but are not limited to, visitor and route safety, wildfire prevention, community engagement and the development of a distinctive firefighting-heritage tourism niche.

VZKŽ holds historical documents, photographs and firefighting equipment that could support exhibitions, museum collections, educational programmes, digital storytelling and thematic visitor experiences. Firefighting traditions, local stories, traditional festivals, competitions and locally branded products could also be integrated into sustainable rural and cultural tourism offers.

VZKŽ is primarily interested in participating as a Project Partner, while remaining open to involvement as an Associated Organisation if more appropriate. Should our profile correspond to the needs of the emerging partnership, we would be glad to provide additional information and discuss our potential contribution.

Kind regards,

Ana Barković
Firefighting Association of Karlovac County
razvojniprojekti@193.vzkz.hr

Dear Jose Francisco,

My name is Gabriela Popova, and I represent BATTI Association.
BATTI is an NGO based in Varna, Bulgaria. Our region is eligible for the Interreg Euro-MED calls, and we have experience in two projects under this programme: GARDEN and Med-Routes. Med-Routes focused specifically on sustainable tourism, allowing us to gain strong expertise in this field.

We also work on other tourism-related projects under the Interreg Danube Programme, such as Roman Legacy. Currently are partners in 9 Interreg projects in total under the different Programme Regions.

As an NGO, according to the programme rules, we cannot act as the lead partner. We would like to join as partners in future consortia. Thanks to our extensive experience, we would be pleased to support you in the preparation of the project proposal.

BATTI Association’s expertise includes digital tools, research, innovation, training and education, dissemination and communication, sustainable measures and reporting, cultural routes, and sustainable tourism.

We would be happy to explore potential cooperation opportunities with you.

Kind regards,
Gabriela Popova
battinnovation@gmail.com
BATTI Association

Hello, my name is Arianna, and I am writing on behalf of GAL La Cittadella del Sapere, a Local Action Group (LAG) based in Basilicata, Southern Italy, committed to promoting sustainable local development and enhancing the economic, social, cultural and tourism potential of rural and inland areas.

GAL La Cittadella del Sapere is interested in joining partnerships and project proposals within the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM) Coordinated Call 7 on Sustainable Tourism and is available to participate as a project partner.

The LAG works in close cooperation with local authorities, businesses, communities and other territorial stakeholders to support rural development, sustainable tourism, local entrepreneurship and the enhancement of the natural, cultural and religious heritage of Basilicata.

Our main areas of expertise and strengths include:
– In-depth knowledge of rural and inland territories and their development needs and opportunities;
– Experience in facilitating cooperation among public authorities, private stakeholders and local communities;
– Capacity to enhance rural, cultural, natural and religious heritage as strategic assets for sustainable territorial development;
– Strong relationships with municipalities, local communities and businesses, supporting the effective implementation and dissemination of project activities and results.

We are particularly interested in project topics related to:
– Religious and spiritual tourism, including the development and enhancement of pilgrimage routes and religious and cultural heritage;
– Rural development and sustainable rural tourism, with particular attention to villages, local communities, traditions, landscapes and local products;
– The development of an integrated and sustainable tourism itinerary connecting the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Basilicata, linking coastal destinations with rural and inland areas and enhancing the region’s natural, cultural and religious heritage.

Within the MMM framework, GAL La Cittadella del Sapere would welcome the opportunity to contribute to project proposals addressing these topics and to cooperate with Mediterranean organisations in the development of sustainable and transferable tourism models.

For further information or to discuss potential project ideas and partnership opportunities, please feel free to contact me.

Dear,

I hope you are doing well. My name is Tamara Radulovic, and I am reaching out on behalf of the Center for Tourism Development and Cooperation (CTDC), Montenegro.

We are currently looking for opportunities to join a consortium as a project partner for Interreg Euro-MED Call 7 – Sustainable Tourism.

CTDC is a Montenegro-based NGO working in tourism development, research, sustainability and regenerative tourism. Our team brings together tourism experts and PhD candidates with extensive academic and professional experience across different areas of tourism. We are currently involved in the Interreg Euro-MED MedSkyTour project, focused on sustainable and innovative tourism development in the Mediterranean.

We are interested in all areas related to sustainable, innovative and inclusive tourism and would be very happy to explore whether our expertise could complement your project or consortium.

If you are currently developing a proposal for Call 7 and are looking for a tourism partner from Montenegro, I would be very happy to connect and discuss potential cooperation.

You can also find more about us here:
🌐 https://ctdcmontenegro.org/
📧 ctdcmontenegro@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully exploring an opportunity to work together.

Best regards,
Tamara Radulovic
+38267524400