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    "date": "2026-01-12T09:24:39",
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        "rendered": "OPEN CALL FOR SMES READY TO BUILD NEW SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE TOURISM SERVICES : CYPRUS"
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        "rendered": "<p><strong>Accelerate your green transformation!<\/strong><br>The GreenSET project is launching <strong>an open call for SMEs<\/strong> from MED regions to participate in the MEDSSIM sustainability pilot actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Selected SMEs will receive <strong>free expert support, tailored mentoring, practical tools, and European-level visibility<\/strong> as they <strong>design innovative, sustainable tourism service concepts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This open call aims to select <strong>3 SMEs per country<\/strong> to pilot the MEDSSIM methodology, developed by partners of the <strong>Interreg MED GreenSET project<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participation is <strong>free of charge<\/strong> for selected SMEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, 27 SMEs from the Interreg MED programme area (3 per partner country) will be selected. SMEs do not need to be active in tourism at present. Any company <strong>wishing to develop a service with potential application in tourism<\/strong> is eligible to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is MEDSSIM?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MEDSSIM (MED Sustainable Service Innovation Methodology)<\/strong> is a practical, step-by-step method designed to help SMEs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use resources more efficiently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce waste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create circular and sustainable services in tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Become more environmentally friendly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen innovation and competitiveness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How does the MEDSSIM methodology work?<br><\/strong>It guides SMEs through the following key phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>internal discovery &amp; ecosystem mapping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>opportunity identification &amp; idea generation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>service development &amp; validation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sustainable business model design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>implementation &amp; continuous improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What support will selected SMEs receive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Selected SMEs will benefit from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustainability assessment using the MEDSSIM methodology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailored guidance and mentoring from experts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support in developing strategic improvements and business model innovations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support in developing Service Concept Forms* for green and circular transformation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunity to test practical digital, green, and operational tools to improve services and reduce costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visibility as an EU-level best practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in transnational learning activities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Pilot support will last <strong>approximately 2 months<\/strong> .<a href=\"#_ftn1\" id=\"_ftnref1\">[1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>At the end of the pilot action, as a result, each SME will create a <strong>Service Concept Form<\/strong> tailored to the specific SME\u2019s needs, expectations, and maturity level, developed and finalized through the support received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*A <strong>Service Concept Form<\/strong> is the SME\u2019s personalised roadmap for business improvement and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who can apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eligible applicants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SMEs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered in<a href=\"#_ftn2\" id=\"_ftnref2\">[2]<\/a> <strong>Montenegro, Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur, Veneto, Comunitat Valenciana, Kriti, Cyprus, Algarve, Croatia, or Albania<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meeting the EU SME definition:<ul><li>&lt;250 employees<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2264 \u20ac50M turnover or &lt; \u20ac43M balance sheet total<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is expected from participating SMEs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Participation in workshops, trainings, and mentoring sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appointment of a dedicated contact person<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharing necessary operational information for analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implementing developed services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agreeing that their involvement and outcomes may be shared publicly in project materials, such as case studies, results, portfolios and best-practice catalogues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability for possible participation in the promotion of the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Selection criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Motivation and commitment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capacity and resources to participate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Openness to innovation and collaboration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to apply<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Submit your application via:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eusurvey\/runner\/SMESCYPRUS\"><strong>EUSurvey &#8211; Survey<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deadline: Wednesday February 4<sup>th<\/sup> 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more information?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact your national GreenSET partner: Nicosia Tourism Board &#8211; <strong>Email: <\/strong>info@visitnicosia.com.cy <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You wish to apply but are not sure whether you could be eligible? Here are some examples of eligible SMEs not currently active in tourism, but wishing to develop a service with potential application in tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ICT SMEs<\/strong> delivering digital tools for travellers (apps, self-guided tours,\u2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manufacturing SMEs<\/strong> offering sustainable, visitor-focused products (eco travel goods, leisure items,\u2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creative SMEs<\/strong> designing engaging tourism experiences or interested in developing new service concepts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Terms of Reference for Participation<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a>The company\u2019s legal representative, agrees to:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take part in the following activities:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Training programme<\/strong> on the Service Innovation Methodology (approx. 2 man-days), hosted by Nicosia Tourism Board<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Individual<\/strong> <strong>meetings<\/strong> with MEDSSIM experts at the company premises (approx. 4 man-days)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Homework<\/strong> (approx. 2 man-days)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Participation in training is mandatory for successful completion of the pilot. Participation requires approximately 2 months of engagement, totalling around 8 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The timeline will be organised based on the participants\u2019 schedule, ensuring flexibility to guarantee the successful completion of the pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If further implementation support is needed to integrate new services, additional expert meetings (approx. 2 days) may be organised by mutual agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure the participation of <strong>two staff members<\/strong> holding relevant roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide access to experts for on-site visits to analyse the company\u2019s context, products, services, and organisational processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share relevant business information necessary to carry out the pilot activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allow the use of company name and logo for dissemination of project results (Interreg MED Programme).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agree to participate in interviews, videos, or press releases relating to project results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immediately inform the project partner of any issues affecting participation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agree that the involvement and outcomes may be shared publicly in project materials, such as case studies, results, and best-practice catalogues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If withdrawing from the pilot, keep all related information strictly confidential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a>Each SME selected for the pilot will receive indirect State aid valued at \u20ac3,600, corresponding to consultancy and support services provided by the project.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>No financial payment will be made; the aid is entirely in the form of services delivered at no cost to the beneficiary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This aid is granted under Commission Regulation (EU) No 651\/2014 (GBER), Article 20a, and does not count toward the SME\u2019s de minimis ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SMEs must declare the \u20ac3,600 only when applying for other support measures under Article 20a or for similar advisory services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maximum aid per undertaking per project under Article 20a is \u20ac22,000. Records will be kept for 10 years in line with GBER requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If selected for participation, sign a Letter of Commitment confirming agreement with the points above.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>III. Application Form<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants may apply using one of the following (depending on partner choice):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EU Survey Application Form- <a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eusurvey\/runner\/SMESCYPRUS\">https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eusurvey\/runner\/SMESCYPRUS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/OPEN-CALL.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:840px\" aria-label=\"Embed of OPEN CALL.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-64077f9f-181c-4d31-aa59-d1a73c64e9b6\" href=\"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/OPEN-CALL.pdf\">OPEN CALL<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/OPEN-CALL.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-64077f9f-181c-4d31-aa59-d1a73c64e9b6\">\u039b\u03ae\u03c8\u03b7<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>",
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        "rendered": "<p>Accelerate your green transformation!The GreenSET project is launching an open call for SMEs from MED regions to participate in the MEDSSIM sustainability pilot actions. Selected SMEs will receive free expert support, tailored mentoring, practical tools, and European-level visibility as they design innovative, sustainable tourism service concepts. This open call aims to select 3 SMEs per [&hellip;]<\/p>",
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