Programme: Southern Finland - Estonia Sub-programme
Priority: Economically competitive and innovative region
Direction of support: Creating and supporting innovative and competitive environments

The link between tourism and local foods continues to strengthen. Tourists demand products of high quality with an authentic experience, but since
relatively few operators can satisfy the whole demand, the need for linked or complementary products and services is evident. Micro-businesses require greater cooperation and joint marketing to succeed in attracting more international tourists to the region.

The project InFAcTo stimulates SMEs to develop joint food and tourism activities and services in order to increase the number of international tourists in the region.

SME entrepreneurs and employees require better skills and contacts to become more competitive to attract tourists and to fulfil international customer expectations. Through market research, the partners are creating the basis for further product and service development as well as marketing efforts. The entrepreneurs are participating in training, receiving mentoring and taking part in benchmarking trips to increase their competencies in tourism product and service development as well as networking.

Lead partner:
Häme Development Centre Ltd, Finland, (Hämeenlinna)
www.infactoproject.eu