The Role of European Funding in the Development of Rural Tourism

The development of rural regions and the promotion of tourism within these areas are crucial for fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring social inclusivity. Governments, particularly in Europe, play a vital supporting role through funding and strategic initiatives. This paper highlights the importance of European funding in driving the development of rural regions and enhancing their tourism potential, through the project "Creation of business cooperation networks in rural cross-border regions between companies in the gourmet agri-food and tourism sectors", with the Portuguese acronym CRECEER. Within this project, it was possible to involve 20 enterprises, specifically rural accommodation enterprises (RAE) and manufacturing endogenous products' enterprises, from cross-border regions of northern Portugal. It was understandable that the development of rural regions and the promotion of tourism within these areas are essential for sustainable economic growth, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity. It was also found that European funding is pivotal in providing the necessary resources and support to overcome infrastructure and marketing challenges, foster regional development, and empower local communities. By investing in rural regions, governments and the European Union play a crucial role in harnessing the immense potential of these areas, thereby ensuring a more balanced and prosperous society.