Overview

The civilizations rising in the Mediterranean basin has provided Europeans with a vast cultural heritage, which has shaped the history of the continent. But in many cases, local communities are not aware of the economic prospective of these touristic sites. Chord project develops a common sustainable approach which envisages exploiting the potential of the touristic sector as driver for the whole economy, through the creation of innovative cultural services.

Part-financed by Med programme, this initiative intends, through interregional cooperation, sketching long-term strategies that contributes to a balanced and sustainable rural development in the Mediterranean, particularly inland areas. Specifically, initiatives such as festival promotion, wellness, thematic events and health tourism are ideal examples to be promoted and implemented.

The idea behind this project is creating new tourist poles and seeking new segment market opportunities, which will diversify the regional touristic offer in the Mediterranean area. Projects goals are in line with the European Commission Communications “Agenda for a Sustainable and Competitive European Tourism” (2007).

The partners in the project are all regional or local authorities & public organisations representing the business community. From the Valencian Region, partners are Mancomunidad de la Ribera Alta and Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea (FCVRE), who is in charge of international dissemination of the project.

Project:

CHORD (Cultural Heritage: exploiting Opportunities for Rural Development)

Programme:

Med

Budget:

1.6 million euro

Length:

From April 1st 2009 to September 30th 2011

Lead partner:

Province of Benevento (Italy)

Partners:

Region of East Macedonia & Thrace, ENA Chios (Greece), Association Pôle Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines (France), Province of Avellino and Municipality of Saint Severino Lucano (Italy), Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Seville, Municipality of Ceutí, Mancomunitat de la Ribera Alta and Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea (Spain).

Web site:

www.chordmed.eu