Tourism is exposed to a great variety of exogenous factors or forces that have no direct link with the sector. Unexpected emergencies such as extreme environmental events due to climate change or health emergencies may have disastrous impact on tourism, putting more than 6 million jobs at risk across the EU and spurring a deep transformation in people’s lives. Rural tourism can be an enabler of innovation, fostering changes in such areas as food and culture, promoting new partnerships, acting as a marketing means for the primary sector.

Proper training/upskilling of the workforce is key for competitive economies and social prosperity, to keep pace with the green and digital transitions.

EXTOR aims to overcome this threat by providing blended learning solutions and promoting attractive employment opportunities to increase the motivation of people living in rural and remote areas, including youngsters, to start a career in their territory.

As highlighted by UNWTO World Tourism Day 2022 Report, the pandemic was a pivotal moment to spur a renovation in the sector. Tourism can be the key solution for the prosperity, sustainability and economic growth of rural areas, being a cross-cuttingactivity, with considerable economic repercussions on other sectors, and one of the pillars of the EU economy.

EXTOR Project aims to create synergies between education & training, youth and sport and will implement Innovative Features such as:

- An Interactive Map and a Common Framework based on the collection of success stories;
- A Training Programme that will offer cutting-edge contents on experiential tourism and digital solutions;
- The chance for VET learners to get in contact with local businesses and to apply the newly acquired knowledge;
- The Multi-actor Forums and the Local Charters of Intents that will enable rural communities to raise their voice for future developments;
- The EXTOR e-platform that will include interactive functionalities for e-learning and communication.