How Iceberg+ Helped 60+ Tourism SMEs go Digital with EU Innovation Funding
The Challenge
Tourism SMEs across Europe were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing deep gaps in digital readiness and sustainable practices.
Despite a growing need to innovate, many lacked the expertise, tools, or access to funding needed to evolve.
Beneficiary
60+ tourism SMEs from 6 European countries, including accommodation providers and travel intermediaries seeking to modernize their services and operations.
Delivered by
The project was delivered by a transnational consortium. Iceberg+ led the funding facilitation and innovation support, acting as the central point of coordination for voucher allocation, SME onboarding, and solution matchmaking.
The
Solution
Iceberg+ helped design and operate a streamlined support process:
- €10,000 innovation vouchers for each SME
- A dedicated digital matchmaking platform
- Access to 90+ ready-made digital and sustainable solutions
- Capacity building through e-learning modules and peer support
This solution ensured SMEs could easily identify the right tools and access funding to implement them, reducing both friction and time to impact.
The
Impact
Accelerated digital transformation in the tourism sector
Increased adoption of sustainable technologies
Strengthened resilience and competitiveness of 60+ SMEs
Fostered transnational collaboration between providers and beneficiaries
The
Timeline
2021
Market research and stakeholder consultations
2022
Open call for SMEs and solution providers
2023
Matchmaking, funding allocation, onboarding
2024
Implementation and knowledge transfer
The
Results
solution providers engaged
in funding distributed
SMEs supported
for long-term collaboration and innovation created
OUT
SMART THE MARKET
THINK THE STRATEGY
DO THE STATUS QUO
SMART THE MARKET
For startups, SMEs, academia, authorities.
For Bold ones.