#SmartTour Smart Tour project kick-off press conference

On 19 August 2025, at Urban Space 100, the kick-off press conference of the international project “Smart Tourism - Smart Destinations: Accessibility, Sustainability, Digitalisation, Cultural Heritage and Creativity (SmartTour)” was held, which is being implemented as part of the Interreg Europe programme.

The welcoming speech was given by Deputy Mayor Sviatoslav Nykorovych and Director of the Department of Investment Policy, Projects, International Relations, Tourism and City Promotion Ihor Popadyuk.

Head of the Project Implementation Office Lidiia Cherevko presented the goals, objectives and prospects of the project.

Smart Tour involves partners from nine countries: Greece, France, Germany, Hungary, Cyprus, Romania, Italy, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ukraine's partner is the Department of Investment Policy, Projects, International Relations, Tourism, and City Promotion of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council.

The project aims to develop and implement smart tourism policies that combine the principles of accessibility, sustainable development, digitalisation, cultural heritage preservation and support for creative industries. It focuses on the exchange of experiences between partner countries, the analysis and improvement of existing tourism policies, and the implementation of innovative solutions for tourism development. During its implementation, it is planned to study the best European practices, modernise tourism management strategies and create an environment for active cooperation between business, the public, cultural and educational institutions. The final result will be the renewal of the local tourism development programme.

The total budget of the project is EUR 1,846,515.00, of which EUR 1,477,212.00 is financed by the EU.

The budget for Ivano-Frankivsk is EUR 131,500.00 (EU grant - EUR 105,200.00, own contribution - EUR 26,300.00).

Duration - 48 months, starting on 1 May 2025.

Smart Tour is a step towards creating “smart destinations” where tourism is developed based on the principles of sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation and creativity.

Smart Tourism - Smart Destinations: Accessibility, Sustainability, Digitalisation, Cultural Heritage & Creativity (Smart Tour) project is implemented under the Interreg Europe Program, funded by the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author. The management of the Interreg Europe Program is not responsible for any information contained in this publication.