DigAccessAgrotourism Project: an opportunity for the development and growth of agrotourism in Greece

The Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki (GICC Thessaloniki) plays an active role and serves as the national coordinating body in Greece within the DigAccessAgrotourism project, a European initiative aimed at fostering digital transition and accessibility in the agrotourism sector. The project, funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union, involves partners from six countries (Poland, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Belgium) and focuses on the adoption of digital tools and accessible models to make rural tourism more competitive and inclusive.

DigAccessAgrotourism is closely aligned with European strategies for the digital transition of SMEs, as well as with the strengthening and promotion of social innovation and sustainable development. The objective is twofold: economic growth and social inclusion.

In Greece, GICC Thessaloniki cooperates with Agroxenia (the Hellenic national association of agrotourism enterprises) in the organisation of conferences, meetings and workshops in various regions, aiming to present the project to local agrotourism operators and to provide information on digital tools, accessibility practices and opportunities for competitive development.

Agrotourism in Greece is recognised as a form of sustainable tourism that combines nature, local culture, agricultural production and hospitality, enhancing traditional products and rural experiences. Although a fully structured national strategy is still lacking, there are clear signs of development linked to local initiatives and European projects that connect agriculture and tourism.

In some rural areas, awareness of the potential of agrotourism remains limited; many entrepreneurs are not aware that they are offering agrotourism services or do not perceive them as income-generating opportunities. Transnational projects such as DigAccessAgrotourism, together with other local innovation initiatives, can strengthen skills, digitalisation and networking among enterprises, contributing to the growth of the sector.

At least during the first year, in 2025, itinerant workshops with enterprises will be held in Xanthi, Kozani, Volos, Thessaloniki, Serres and Katerini. These activities will enable our Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness among enterprises and local stakeholders about the project, as well as—together with the other partners—to map the digital and accessibility needs of sector enterprises (especially SMEs and social economy organisations), in order to identify obstacles and opportunities in the digitalisation process and make the sector more inclusive and competitive.