CReSInMed

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Implements, as a Partner, an EU Project to Enhance the Competitiveness of Rural Tourism in the Mediterranean The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) is implementing, as a partner, the CReSInMed – Competitiveness and Internationalisation of Rural Tourism SMEs in the Mediterranean project, which is funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. The project aims to enhance the competitiveness and internationalisation of micro, small and medium-sized rural tourism enterprises across the Mediterranean region. faced by rural tourism enterprises in the region, most notably limited access to specialised training opportunities, weak integration into international markets, insufficient digital and managerial skills, and fragmented cross-border cooperation networks. CReSInMed seeks to transform these challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth by building capacities, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional integration.

International Partnership

The project is implemented through a transnational partnership bringing together public and private institutions from seven Mediterranean countries:

• Italy – Interforum Srl (Lead Partner)
• Greece – THREE THIRDS SOCIETY
• Türkiye – West Mediterranean Development Agency
• Jordan – Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)
• Spain – Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Valencia
• Palestine – Leaders Organisation
• Tunisia – Ministère du Tourisme

The project also includes several associated partners from Italy, Greece, and Palestine, further strengthening technical integration and knowledge exchange across participating regions.

Project Objectives

CReSInMed aims to:

• Enhance the competitiveness of 50 rural tourism MSMEs across Mediterranean countries.
• Strengthen managerial, technical, and digital capacities of participating enterprises.
• Support digital transformation and the adoption of innovative technological tools.
• Promote sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.
• Enable enterprises to access international markets and expand cross-border cooperation networks.

Through these objectives, the project seeks to position rural tourism as a sustainable development driver that contributes to job creation, income generation, and strengthened social cohesion in rural communities.

Expected Results and Outputs

The project is expected to:

• Improve the managerial, innovation, and digital marketing skills of participating rural tourism enterprises.
• Develop shared digital solutions and establish long-term Mediterranean cooperation networks.
• Enhance the quality of tourism services and increase enterprises’ readiness to enter international markets.
• Support the establishment of local rural tourism clusters.
• Generate sustainable economic and social impact through job creation and increased local income.

The benefits will extend beyond the participating enterprises to include local communities and public and private stakeholders, reinforcing the rural tourism ecosystem across the Mediterranean region.

Duration and  Bu dget

The project will run for 36 months, from January 2026 until January 2029. It is funded by the European Union

ASEZA affirms that its participation in this project aligns with its strategic vision to diversify the tourism product, promote sustainable tourism in rural areas surrounding Aqaba, and create new opportunities for local enterprises to access regional and international markets.

For more information about the project, please visit the programme page at:
https://www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/cresinmed/about/