Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), and  Specto (Maharat Liqiyadat Al-Hasoub), has announced the launch of the ReTour project – Building Resilient SMEs in the Tourism Industry, a transnational initiative designed to strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and digital readiness of tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Mediterranean.

The ReTour project is funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.

ReTour brings together partners from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye within a consortium of nine core partners and eight associated partners. Implemented over 30 months, the project will directly support more than 150 tourism businesses through the introduction of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and smart sensors, combined with sustainable business practices. The total project budget amounts to €1.83 million, co-funded at 89% by the European Union.

The project was selected under the first call of Interreg NEXT MED following a highly competitive process that attracted hundreds of proposals from across the Mediterranean, with only around 60 projects ultimately approved. ReTour was recognised for its strong focus on innovation, SME empowerment, and cross-border cooperation in one of the region's most economically vital sectors.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Mediterranean economies, yet SMEs in this sector are particularly vulnerable to shocks such as pandemics, natural disasters, and economic instability. ReTour addresses these challenges by establishing a Mediterranean Innovation Hub, deploying smart digital tools, and delivering structured training and mentoring programmes. The expected impact includes stronger business continuity, enhanced digital capabilities, improved visitor experiences, and increased sustainability performance across participating destinations.

By fostering collaboration between tourism operators, technology providers, and knowledge institutions, ReTour aims to build a more resilient and future-ready tourism ecosystem—supporting job retention, stimulating innovation, and ensuring that Mediterranean tourism can thrive even in uncertain times.

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