PROGRAMME CONCERNED  

Implementation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Work Programme 2016 

Action 1.2.1.12–Nautical Routes for Europe 

The Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, hereafter referred to as "EASME",  acting  under  the  powers  delegated  by  the  European  Commission  (also referred  as  "the  Commission"),  is  launching  a  call  for  proposals  with  a  view  to concluding  grant agreements  to  develop  and promote  transnational  touristic  thematic routes  and  transnational  thematic  tourism  products  in  the  fields  of  nautical  tourism  and water sports tourism. 

As competition in tourism is now worldwid e, the EU has to develop innovative and competitive products to attract tourists who are no longer only looking for the "sea and sun" option.  
Thus, the Strategy for Coastal and Maritime Tourism encourages EU Member States, local and regional authorities and the tourism sector to develop more targeted products, offering unique experiences to customers.  
The EU maritime heritage offers a competitive advantage in comparison to the rest of the world.
Unfolding the potential of our natural and cultural heritage as a touristic attraction requires us to first and foremost ensure its protection for the future generations.
In particular, with regard to nautical tourism, sailors, boaters and water sports practitioners are increasingly looking for a more diversified tourism offer to complement their holiday programs.
Synergies with other maritime and coastal activities should thus be encouraged. 

Transnational thematic tourism products and services are an important niche market with a large growth potential (e.g. cultural routes crossing several countries, industrial heritage sites in various Member States). Whilst recognising the important role Member States play in developing and implementing strategies for tourism at national and regional level, the Union should help the development and promotion of transnational tourism products which embody common European shared values and heritage and promote Europe as a "unique tourism destination". 

General objective 

The main objective of this call for propo sals is to support the development of transnational thematic tourism products  and their promotion through the creation of transnational touristic thematic routes in coastal regions in the areas of nautical tourism and water sports tourism at sea.   

The tourism products developed should aim at promoting at least one of the following segments: nautical tourism and water sports tourism at sea. Applicants are encouraged to create and enhance synergies with other relevant tourism segments such as food and wine tourism, culture tourism, health and wellbeing tourism and cruise tourism.   

The routes created by the projects must be innovative in the sense that they result in a diversification of the coastal and maritime tourism offer in Europe.