The main territorial challenge facing the GR-BG region is the low competitiveness of SMEs, including in the tourism sector. At the same time, the tourism sector is considered to be growing for our region in recent years, but the quality characteristics of the tourism sector as a whole are low. In addition, there is limited business access (except for Thessaloniki) to a broader market area and, more specifically, to international markets.
The main territorial challenge facing the GR-BG region is the low competitiveness of SMEs, including in the tourism sector. At the same time, the tourism sector is considered to be growing for our region in recent years, but the quality characteristics of the tourism sector as a whole are low. In addition, there is limited business access (except for Thessaloniki) to a broader market area and, more specifically, to international markets.
The implementation of the investment plan for this project contributes to increasing sales through the newly created strategic partnership, which will produce a joint tourism product with the working title “Rhodope and Aegean Adventure,” offering customers the best of both destinations—mountain and sea tourism, which can be planned years in advance.
Both partners operate in the sustainable tourism sector while their main activities are complementary rather than overlapping. The lead partner, Smart Trip Ltd., has redeveloped an existing residential building located in the village of Shiroka Laka, Smolyan municipality, Bulgaria. The partner, SP Sailing Single Member P.C., will purchase a cruise yacht to offer charter services within the territorial waters of the islands of Samothrace, Thassos, and the Cyclades.
The partnership will use the principle “act and work together” not only at the project level but also after the investment is a reality.
Continuous improvement of products and services to retain existing users and attract new ones by expanding target markets is vital for the prosperity of local economies. The project helps provide the necessary tools for both companies to start and maintain a successful business by investing the bulk of their budgets in infrastructure and assets, thereby improving their competitiveness and market positioning.
The target export markets are all EU countries, the USA, and Asia. Our research shows that the tourism sector still has enormous potential for development. In recent years, the target cross-border region has been attracting an increasing number of international and local tourists. Thassos and Samothrace islands, as well as the Rhodopes, are some of the most attractive destinations on both sides of the border. Although the competition is high, both partners will offer an innovative product and a new way to access it.
In addition to investment activities, the project plans for the joint development of marketing tools aimed at promoting the initiative, attracting customers, and maintaining business results. The project’s target area is an integrated region with a shared vision for sustainable growth and prosperity, requiring joint solutions from both sides of the border. A joint team has been created for cooperation and capacity building, resource sharing, best practices, and the transfer of established experience at the national and cross-border levels.