ALTER TOURS

17/12/2025

Read and explore the results of the ALTER TOURS project.

We invite you to read the EPALE blog post presenting the key results of the Erasmus+ project ALTER TOURS – Empowering Europe’s Tourist Guides for the Green & Digital Transition.

The article highlights the project’s main outputs, including the online curriculum, pilot trainings, and strategic recommendations for strengthening green and digital competences of tourist guides and travel agents across Europe.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://epale.ec.europa.eu/en/blog/alter-tours-empowering-europes-tourist-guides-green-digital-transition

An inspiring read for tourism professionals, educators, and policy stakeholders shaping the future of sustainable tourism.

Cyprus Certification Company / Κυπριακή Εταιρεία Πιστοποίησης
Razvojna agencija Sotla
Omnia
ESCE
IED Institute of Entrepreneurship Development
Balkania - Balkan Association for Alternative Tourism

ALTER TOURS: Empowering Europe’s Tourist Guides for the Green & Digital Transition

14/11/2025

Successful Completion of the ALTER TOURS PRO GUIDE Training in Slovenia, Razvojna agencija Sotla

Today we successfully concluded the Slovenian edition of the ALTER TOURS PRO GUIDE training with the final presentations of practical itineraries. Six local tourist guides upgraded their skills in sustainable, community-based and green tourism, and developed high-quality, authentic itineraries that reflect the character of our region.

Their proposals combine nature, culture, local producers and innovative regenerative practices—showcasing the potential of responsible tourism in Obsotelje and Kozjansko.

We are proud of the knowledge gained and the professionalism shown throughout the training.
We look forward to seeing these sustainable tours come to life soon.

23/10/2025

Successfully completed the first, written part of the exam within the training program, carried out by Razvojna agencija Sotla in cooperation with Cyprus Certification Company / Κυπριακή Εταιρεία Πιστοποίησης.

Six local tourist guides have successfully passed the first step of the certification process for the ALTER TOURS PRO GUIDE project (ERASMUS+ KA220-VET, 2023-1-FR01-KA220-VET-000152885), conducted through an online exam.

Next, we proceed to preparing sustainable itineraries and the practical part of the exam, which will be conducted in person. We are proud that our six guides will further enrich their knowledge with innovative approaches and guidelines for sustainable tourism. We also believe that new itineraries will be created, ready to be offered to visitors of the Obsotelje & Kozjansko region.

11/10/2025

🍎🍏The Kozjansko Apple Festival in Podsreda is a unique opportunity to showcase our project in the heart of tradition, nature, and sustainability. Surrounded by thousands of visitors, local producers, and cultural experiences, it offers the perfect stage to connect our story with the region's identity.

27/09/2025

Η Παγκόσμια ημέρα τουρισμού γιορτάζεται κάθε χρόνο στις 27 Σεπτεμβρίου.

Η Κυπριακή Εταιρεία Πιστοποίησης συμμετέχει ενεργά σας εταίρος των Ευρωπαϊκών έργων Feel & Altertours, δύο πολύ σημαντικών projects που έρχονται να αναδείξουν διαφορετικές πτυχές και εκφράσεις στον τομέα των τουριστικών υπηρεσιών

Ο ρόλος του ευρωπαϊκού έργου FEEL It είναι να ενισχύσει την κοινωνική και εργασιακή ένταξη για τους κωφούς και τους βαρήκοους, μέσω της δημιουργίας ενός προγράμματος κατάρτισης και Άτομα που είναι κωφά ή βαρήκοα να μπορούν να γίνουν ταξιδιωτικοί πράκτορες αλλά και να μπορούν να έχουν τουριστικές εμπειρίες προσαρμοσμένες στις ανάγκες τους.

Το Ευρωπαϊκό έργο ALTER TOURS δίνει τη δυνατότητα σε ξεναγούς και πράκτορες από τη Γαλλία, την Κύπρο, τη Σλοβενία, τη Βόρεια Μακεδονία και όχι μόνο, να σχεδιάσουν καινοτόμες, βιώσιμες περιηγήσεις που αναδεικνύουν τα καλύτερα στοιχεία της τοπικής τους κληρονομιάς.

18/09/2025

🌿 At the MOS Fair in Celje, Slovenia, we presented the ALTER TOURS project to the public.

The project focuses on developing innovative and sustainable tourism products that highlight local heritage, culture, and nature. Special emphasis is placed on training and animating tourist guides and travel agents, encouraging them to actively participate in the project’s activities and bring authentic alternative tourism experiences closer to visitors.

✅ About ALTER TOURS
Programme: Erasmus+
Duration: 2023–2026
Partners: 7 organisations from Slovenia, France, Spain, Greece, and Italy
Key contributions: new educational modules, innovative tourism experiences, and the promotion of responsible, community-based tourism.

With ALTER TOURS, we aim to build a stronger link between local communities and tourism professionals, ensuring that sustainable values and authentic experiences remain at the heart of European tourism.

29/08/2025

ALTER TOURS update
After the summer break, our partners met online to wrap up the final training details for tourist guides and agents, review the draft roadmap for the certification scheme of alternative tours, and align on the next steps.

Summer holidays are almost over – we’re kicking off the new season full of energy and ready to start with upcoming activities.

Razvojna agencija Sotla
ESCE
Balkania - Balkan Association for Alternative Tourism
Cyprus Certification Company / Κυπριακή Εταιρεία Πιστοποίησης
IED Institute of Entrepreneurship Development
Omnia

09/08/2025

ALTER TOURS at the Lovrenc Fair in Podčetrtek – Today!

The Razvojna agencija Sotla is presenting the ALTER TOURS project at the Lovrenc Fair, showcasing knowledge and tools for tour guides and experience providers in sustainable tourism and digital marketing. Visitors can discover the project’s results, explore inspiring best practices, and sign up for the free national training course this autumn.

More about the project: www.altertours.eu

29/07/2025

As we approach the final phase of the ALTER TOURS project, our teams are working closely to align the last steps for the national trainings of tourist guides and agents.

Even in the middle of summer, coordination doesn’t stop – because quality implementation matters. The focus? Sustainable tourism, green skills, and digital promotion.
Stay tuned – results and training modules coming soon!



ESCE
Balkania - Balkan Association for Alternative Tourism
Cyprus Certification Company / Κυπριακή Εταιρεία Πιστοποίησης
Razvojna agencija Sotla
IED Institute of Entrepreneurship Development
Omnia

22/05/2025

Day 2 of ALTER TOURS training done successfully!

From eco-friendly accommodation and transport to certification schemes and validation systems – today’s sessions were focused, practical, and all about raising the bar in sustainable tourism.

We officially received our certificates and are now ready to take the next step: delivering national trainings in each partner country to share the knowledge and tools further.

A big thank you to our presenters (CyCert, IED, OMNIA) and to everyone involved for the energy, expertise, and great discussions.

The ALTER TOURS journey continues – locally and beyond.



OMNIA
ESCE
Balkania - Balkan Association for Alternative Tourism
IED Institute of Entrepreneurship Development
Cyprus Certification Company / Κυπριακή Εταιρεία Πιστοποίησης
Razvojna agencija Sotla

22/05/2025

As part of Day 1 of the ALTER TOURS training, we explored the city once known as Lefkosia – a divided place full of stories.

We heard stories from both sides of the Green Line, walked through centuries of heritage, and tasted the soul of Cyprus through its food.Yes, we’re talking about mezze, halloumi, olives, wine – the kind of gastronomy you don’t forget.

The night ended with live music – and a special moment: one of our participants took the stage and nailed it.

Culture, learning, and connection in one powerful evening.