From September 17th to 19th, 2024, researchers from the Institute of Economics and Rural Development (EKVI) visited Tartu, Estonia, as part of the Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 project „BASCIL – Innovative Solutions for the Rural Food Production Sector to Diversify into Sustainable Culinary Tourism Services“.
During the meeting, participants engaged in a comprehensive discussion of the project’s 2024 implementation outcomes. They assessed the achievements in diversifying services through sustainable culinary tourism and examined the challenges faced during the year. A key point of discussion was the marketing strategies for culinary tourism routes in the partner countries. Special attention was given to identifying best practices, adjusting strategies for future efforts, and aligning the marketing initiatives with the local and regional tourism objectives to enhance visibility and economic impact.
In addition, project participants and partners visited pilot food and beverage producers in the Tartu region to learn more about their new or enhanced products and services. Among the visits were Andre Cheese Farm, KODAS cider and fruit wine producers, Meemeistrid beekeepers, and Põltsamaa Castle, where participants learned about the history and products of winemakers involved in the „Estonian Wine Trail“. The meetings also showcased the products and services of other producers in the network.
The next BASCIL project meeting will take place in March 2025 in Germany.
For more information about the project, visit: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bascil/