About the project

The ENERDECA II project was an important initiative funded under Submeasure 19.3 (CLLD/LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014–2020, implemented with the participation of regions from Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and Lithuania.

Its main goal was to highlight the value of Creative Tourism, a form of tourism based on visitors’ active participation in cultural and authentic experiences such as local gastronomy, art, traditions, and storytelling.

With the involvement of 19 partners from different countries, the project demonstrated that when people and regions collaborate, they can create something exceptional: tourism experiences that respect local identity, support small-scale regional economies, and connect cultures in creative and sustainable ways.

The project coordinator was the Development Agency of Kavala S.A., while each participating region designed and implemented actions suited to its character and potential.

Thus, ENERDECA II was not a single, uniform programme for all, but a collection of local initiatives sharing a common vision, to make their regions vibrant, creative destinations for visitors, and more dynamic places for residents. Through training activities, cultural routes, participatory workshops, and the promotion of local products and stories, ENERDECA II strengthened local pride, showcased cultural heritage, and gave new life to rural tourism.

In simple terms, it proved that tourism can be much more than holidays, it can be a shared experience that we create together.