The Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Cap Bon (Tunisia) launched the CLUSTERATLAS4MED project, bringing together key economic, institutional, and civil society actors to drive rural development.
Collective intelligence as the cornerstone
The success of CLUSTERATLAS4MED relies not only on financial resources but on the active engagement of stakeholders. The Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Cap Bon (Tunisia) highlighted that the project thrives through collaboration between public and private sectors and local actors in rural tourism and related industries. By involving regional partners from the start, solutions are tailored to local realities, turning stakeholders into co-creators of value and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs in rural tourism.
Expertise and incubation: a tailored approach
The meeting showcased the vital contributions of incubators, economic operators, and training consultants. Their insights ensure that the project meets the specific needs of Tunisian entrepreneurs. Incubators stressed local support, while training consultants focused on skills transfer for local trades and ecotourism. This approach guarantees that tools such as Rural Labs are fully aligned with the region’s socio-economic context.
Institutional support: digital vision and sustainability
The event was reinforced by strategic institutional backing:
Data as a strategic tool: Tunisia’s Ministry of Tourism emphasized the importance of converting benchmarking survey results into actionable digital indicators, enabling precise investment decisions and turning data into an economic asset.
Ensuring continuity: the Tunisian National Office of Tourism (ONTT) stressed the importance of long-term sustainability. Involving economic operators from the design phase ensures that services are supported by both local stakeholders and the private sector, securing lasting impact.
From benchmarking to Rural Labs
The project follows a clear roadmap:
Benchmarking survey: mapping rural tourism initiatives across Tunisia and the Mediterranean identifies best practices and untapped growth opportunities, providing a foundation for improved policies
Rural labs: innovation hubs where stakeholders actively test and adapt solutions, fostering collaboration between institutions and rural entrepreneurs
Service development and training: tailored support and intensive training programs equip local stakeholders to manage new initiatives independently and effectively.
Data for sustainability
A Data dashboard will centralize performance indicators and monitor project impact in real time. Beyond reporting, it promotes transparency, enables strategic adjustments, and demonstrates the economic model’s viability to future investors and decision-makers.
A vision for the future
At the close of the Info Day, Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Cap Bon reaffirmed its commitment to making CLUSTERATLAS4MED a driver of sustainable growth. The project aligns with national strategies promoted by the Ministry of Tourism and ONTT. By combining digital intelligence, skills development, and sustainability, the initiative positions Tunisia — and Cap Bon in particular — as a laboratory of excellence for the future of rural tourism.
Last Update
21/01/2026
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