​The "How to set a hıgh qualıty strategy" for rural tourısm course aimed to promote awareness of investing in a strategy to promote rural tourism since it has a major role in the economy and economic growth of a region, create a specific and innovative tool for developing such a strategy and demonstrate the advantages of working inside and with a network.
Below we would like to share to you the pilot experiences in each of the partner countries. 

The objective of the pilot was to make available to the trainees the results of the Escape2 project, as developed by the collaborative efforts of all partners. ALLI, with its extensive and successful record in adult education and training, aimed to actively and cogently educate the trainees on the evolution of the project curriculum and materials produced, so as to enable an effective and far-reaching teaching platform, fully optimized for online use. Trainees were to be trained on how institutions and public and private bodies should acknowledge that an effective rural tourism strategy has an important role in the economy and development of a region, as does the development of networks with multi-faceted action and influence.
​The pilots were organized by ALLI with the assistance of adult education and training experts. Margarita Defingou, Giannos Barbarousses,Konstantinos Makras and Dionysis Gkalantzis were involved in the training seminars.
In order to find and attract trainees, ALLI used media techniques such as facebook posts and newsletters. A major success in advertising the project was their event in the Chamber of Commerce in Livadia, Boeotia, which was able to attract many visitors, and was commented by media. This was all the more important since Boeotia was one of the regions chosen to be part of the project, and where good practices were highlighted.

The sessions began on Monday 19 June, and were scheduled to end on the first week of July. There were 8-10 sessions in total. ALLI had an excellent response in finding trainees, with almost 60 people showing interest in attending the sessions and program that we had prepared. Furthermore, their trainees came from different professional and educational backgrounds, allowing for a broad-based sample of people interested in what the project had accomplished and the concomitant training program. Among the trainees were farmers, civil servants, small and medium businesspeople active in tourism, hospitality and agriculture, schoolteachers and educators. There was particular interest among most trainees on Module 5, in particular its descriptions and proposed policies for European Union funding and for locating and attracting investors. The case studies and good practices of all modules were also followed and studied with great interest.

​In general, feedback was very positive.  The training sessions were so designed as to allow an interactive learning process, where there was always time for discussion at the end of each seminar. Trainees expressed gratitude and satisfaction on the practical and useful nature of the training provided to them. The modules developed by the partnership were found to be comprehensive and applicable to real-life situations. Our seminars were evaluated as helping trainees develop specific and innovative tools that can help them understand the dynamics of rural tourism strategy and how they can use these dynamics in their professional environment.

The "How to set a hıgh qualıty strategy" for rural tourısm course aimed to promote awareness of investing in a strategy to promote rural tourism since it has a major role in the economy and economic growth of a region, create a specific and innovative tool for developing such a strategy and demonstrate the advantages of working inside and with a network.

Below we would like to share to you the pilot experiences in each of the partner countries. 

​On May 31 - June 2, 2023, the pilot sessions started online, then on June 3, 2023, the pilot project learning was completed with a face-to-face session, and the participants were asked to take time to review the modules and give feedback until June 7th in Istanbul, Türkiye . A total of 40 hours face-to-face and 80 hours online were targeted with pilot participants. Instructor was Prof.Dr. Sahure Gonca Telli from K-GEM.

The sessions were attended by 8 participants: 

• 5 lecturers in Okan (1), Rumeli (1), Yeditepe(1) and Doğuş(2) Universities in Istanbul,
• 2 private sector employees, one in a project firm, the other an architect and
• 1 university student.

The modules in which entrepreneurship and financial issues were shared attracted great interest from the students. Students also noted the importance of case studies. Case studies have been seen as a really good option and the right approach to understand the details.
 
​After the training we asked an open ended survey about the participants final thoughts on Escape 2 Project.

• What did this pilot project bring you?
• How did it affect your level of knowledge regarding rural tourism development?
• How do you think this project will contribute when it is presented to the masses?
• What do you think about the level of information on the subject?

Here are some thoughts and feedbacks:

Image sources: https://www.freepik.com/​

Bet you didn’t know that Leitrim is home to Ireland’s most rugged landscapes and dramatic formations where mountains, valleys, and lakes meet. Leitrim has countless beautiful mountain lakes dotted across its landscapes reaching into Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s and The Wild Atlantic Way. Many of this unspoiled stunning scenery can be enjoyed from the roadside while others are more hidden. Leitrim has many spectacular waterfalls, discover stunning panoramic walks, wake up to fresh air and lush countryside, taste delicious fresh food and explore endless memorable experiences.
​
Leitrim has the smallest population in Ireland of approx. 32000, is located in the Northwest of Ireland on the coast and is part of the UK border region. Leitrim is the 26th largest of the 32 counties in Ireland, its capital is Carrick on Shannon and it is a relatively small area. It is bordered by counties Donegal, Roscommon, Fermanagh, Cavan, Longford and Sligo. It is part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way and is known for its lakes, rivers, mountains and famous glacier valley Glenade. Glenade is known as one of the finest glacier valleys in Europe. Outside of the capital Carrick on Shannon, it has 9 other small towns and villages dotted throughout the county. 

​Leitrim is particularly famous for its cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, glacier valleys, rushing rivers, unspoiled stunning scenery, country living, open landscapes, sea and coastline, panoramic views, beautiful lakes, and farm experiences. The 4 most popular lakes (Lough Maclean Upper, Glencar Lough, Lough Allen, and Lough Gill), the famous Five Glens (Glencar, Glenfarne, Glenboy, Gleniff, and Glenade) located on the famous Wild Atlantic Way and in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands… 

​Cultural experiences that can be offered to tourists
Leitrim’s natural heritage awakens the senses and provides the perfect escape from billboards, parking, racing against the clock, crowded buses, neon signs, and traffic jams. As soon as you arrive you feel refreshed, exhale, and feel the stress disappear, you will breathe like you never breathed before. Delve deeper into our natural experiences to reconnect with your mind, feel fitter, feel healthier, and feel free. So many activities to explore the outdoors, paddle in a canoe along calm rivers, kayak alone down a river, challenge your stamina and catch a surf, walk-in solitude, climb up a mountain with panoramic views, crack open the bubbles and have a sunset picnic. Let Loose! Do whatever you want, whenever you want with whoever you want!
Culture and Heritage Attractions include the famous Parke’s Castle, Manorhamilton Castle, Sean MacDiarmada Homestead, Lough Rynn Castle, O’Rourkes Castle, Cavan and Leitrim Railway, Dromahair Abbey. 

​Explore the smooth river waters and lakes on a Canadian Canoe. Glide along on a private Canadian canoe tour with the experts from Adventure Gently through the relaxing waterways of River Bonnet down to Lough Gill and surrounding islands. Suitable for anyone even grandparents and toddlers. Explore with experts Adrienne and Graham, watch the wildlife, learn the local folklore and stories, and maybe a surprise! You even get to set up a picnic camp on a private island. If you are lucky you might spot a Kingfisher! 
Canter with views over Lough Allen, Sliabh an Iarainn (Iron Mountain) and the Arigna Mountains. Moorlands Equestrian is in the heart of Leitrim with very affordable lessons and excursions to suit all levels of experience and ages. They offer cross country, hunting, pony camps, treks, ride-outs and are open all year round
Walk or cycle at ease along Leitrim’s new Greenway. The new Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway is an old railway link currently being converted linking the Sligo, Leitrim and Fermanagh borders. This Greenway Loop will bring you for 5 km along its original line at Edergole Cottage, through to Bawn and Creevelea and along to the River Bonet then into Dromahair 
Shannon Blueway serenity! Way to Go Adventures offer guided round tours on the Shannon Blueway for a reasonable €25 per person.  Each relaxing canoe tour is approx 3-4 hours with stops, exploring, sightseeing, and refreshments. One full day of bike hire for only €20 for adults. Offer six different canoe trips with a min of 2 and a max of 12 in a group. Ring to ask about their amazing slow adventure packages. 
Let’s Go Chasing Waterfalls! You have to see two of Leitrim’s most famous and stunning waterfalls Glencar Waterfall beside the idyllic Glencar Lake and Fowley’s Falls in Rossinver. Glencar Waterfall is a 50ft high waterfall inspired by WB Yeats and just a short distance from the famous TeaSHED where you can get scrumptious coffee, scones, and homemade delights. Very accessible located a short distance from the road through a wooded pathway near the car park. Has a picnic area, playground, and information points. Devils’ Chimney, Sligo is one of Ireland’s tallest waterfalls standing at 492 feet. Depending on the wind it does something special and rare where it blows itself backwards over the mountain top. Fowley’s Falls on the other side of North Leitrim is different from these two waterfalls and equally beautiful. Instead of a single-drop waterfall, it cascades several drops over exposed bedrock 

Immerse yourself in accommodation with a special farming experience. Alder Cottage and Bluebell Organic Farm is located in Dromahair. Mary is well known for her homemade cooking and she will meet you with a warm welcome. Get involved in real-life farming with over 200 free-range hens, 30 sheep, gardens, fruit and veg gardens, and more. Choose from one of the many cookery or farming courses. You might even catch Mary in the kitchen making jams, chutneys, pestos, organic bread, mini quiches for the local farmers' markets. If you feel like staying Mary has the Bluebell Cottage available for self-catering next door
Farming experience accommodation and holistic caring packages: Ardvarney Country House B&B and Self Catering is close to Dromahair with views of the mountains, countryside, gardens, and farmyard from all directions. Even views from your bedroom window! Comfortable high-end accommodation, open all year round with a self-catering apartment that sleeps 4 and 4 guesthouse suites that sleep 2. Has a terrace for dining and activities such as hiking, walks, canoeing and cycling nearby. Wilfred and Carin are amazing hosts specialising in homemade breakfasts 

Lišov is located in the southern part of central Slovakia, on the border of the Nitra and Banská Bystrica self-governing regions, in the historical region of Hont. The Hont region is well known to tourists thanks to its lively folk traditions, rural architecture and viticulture, which is famous for its specific local autochthonous grape varieties. The landscape has a typical rural character. Lišov has preserved folk houses and there are specific rock dwellings carved into the tuff rocks of the volcanic mountain range (Krupina plateau). 

Today's territory of the village was inhabited by Neolithic cultures and also in the younger Bronze Age. The first written mention of a medieval village dates back to the second half of the 13th century. Farming, specifically viticulture and stonemasonry, were typical livelihood activities in the past. The countryside in Slovakia generally suffers from depopulation. However, this is not the case in Lišov. The population is predominantly of the productive age group and no population decline has been observed over the last 20 years. These predispositions of the rural environment, among other factors, stimulated the establishment of the Civic Association (CA) Lišov Museum in 2015. Over the last 7 years, the OZ Lišov Museum has become popular and attracts foreign visitors. This means that the hitherto unnoticed but picturesque village of Lišov has become known far beyond the borders of the region and Slovakia.​

Thanks to the cultural events and festivals associated with the Lišov Museum, the village is known to tourists beyond the borders of the Hont region. The Lišov Museum has also financed the creation of the Masks Gallery, which contains an interesting collection of masks from different countries around the world, which also attracts foreign visitors. 

The Lišov Museum operates as an innovative community organisation providing educational tourism in the small village of Lišov. OZ Lišov Museum provides tourist educational activities and services in its three buildings; the first is a traditional Lišov Folk House called "Lišov Room" and showcases typical local and regional architectural features in a room that is decorated in a rural folk style; the second is a replica of a Celtic dwelling; and the third is the Mask Gallery, which houses a small shop with handmade products from local craftsmen, artists, and farmers. The Lišov Museum Association is currently working on the restoration of the 1887 house. Original materials such as clay, stone and wood are being used for the renovation. In the future, it is planned that there will be a café. The Lišov Museum is actively involved in educational activities funded by the ERASMUS+ programme and several exchanges have been carried out annually through this grant programme. The educational tourism business strategy combines innovative aspects that interact with expert knowledge of local and regional history and traditions. This core activity is further diversified into services provided directly in the three buildings.

The preserved folk architecture and traditionally farmed agricultural landscape create valuable landscape features that increase the attractiveness of the landscape for tourists compared to commercially farmed agricultural landscapes with monocultures and large blocks of fields. In addition, traditional landscapes have significant natural values and are rich in biodiversity.
The OZ Lišov Museum has also become popular through its website and social networks: [email protected] www.lisovmuzeum.sk.

​Tran is a region in Central Western Bulgaria and borders the Republic of Serbia.
Once the town of Trаn was the main town / center of the district, but today it is a small municipality, including 52 settlements (51 villages and the town of Trаn.) It is located 70 km. west of the capital Sofia.
Municipality of Tran is defined as a mountain region, it has a key geographical position - on the border with the Republic of Serbia, located in a uniquely beautiful and clean natural environment, with many cultural, historical, and religious monuments and natural resources. Tran region has the potential and prerequisites to become an attractive tourist destination, to attract suitable investors and to provide employment opportunities for local people and young entrepreneurs.

One of the symbols of Tran is the rock chapel of St. Petka. 
​Interesting places to visit are the villages of “Busintsi” and “Studen Izvor” with the museums of ceramics and yogurt, and the biggest natural phenomenon is the gorge of the river Erma.
Despite the low development of tourist infrastructure (and maybe thanks to that!) Tran region is visited by lots of mountain tourists with its many opportunities for hiking, trekking and adventure sports.
In Tran region there are great conditions for mountain tourism. A Tran eco-trail has been built near the town. The most famous route is to Mount Rui, the highest in the area, which offers a wonderful view of the whole region. Rui Mountain is the most impressive in the municipality of Tran, and the peak is 1706 m high, as the border line between Bulgaria and Serbia and Montenegro passes along the very ridge of the peak. From there is a magnificent view in all directions.
Several definitely interesting caves await their researchers for adventure tourism.
Some of the favorite places for rest of the locals and tourists are the Vrabcha waterfall under the rocks before the village of Vrabcha, as well as the chapel of the Holy Mother of God after the village of Mramor. Tourists, who stay in a tent in the summer on the meadows in the forest, claim that at night they really understand what it means "the stars to land on your heads"!
Many ancient and forgotten fortresses in the Tran region await their visitors, one of the most preserved is Kaleto above the village of Filipovtsi, and in the heart of Znepole rises a whole ancient and unexplored city - the fortress Zeman (Zemun) between Yarlovtsi and Zelenigrad, at the foot of which the ancient the Romans built mineral baths, used by the locals even at the beginning of the last century.

The network of 11 thematic ciclo routes go through la Ribera from the inland to the coast. 
The orography of La Ribera offers the cyclist a flat landscape, with few slopes. A walk through its history surrounded by orange groves, rice fields and persimmon trees. A delight for the eyes and for the nose, which is impregnated with the sweet scent of orange blossom. The hospitality of its inhabitants, the calm of its villages offer the visitor a comforting holiday. 
The orange route, the tours road, the iron bridge road or the river Xúquer road are some of the most desired ones.  You can read more about it on: CICLOTURISMO
 
The Xúquer river bathes the region from north to south and offers visitors a variety of activities: cycling, fishing, kayaking, paddle surfing. But the sporting event of the Descent of the Xúquer is one of the most awaited. It is a sporting event, but also a popular one, which makes the river more dynamic and shows an incredible natural heritage full of life and nature. Hundreds of canoes invade the river to enjoy this natural resource so precious in the region. 

Hiking lovers will find in La Ribera a complete offer of approved trails (GR, PR and SL) where they can go Nordic Walking, horse riding or birdwatching. 
​

Bovino, Italy

Monti Dauni: where we are and how to reach us
The Monti Dauni are located in southern Italy, precisely in the Puglia region, of which they constitute the most authentic territory, as it is not a destination for mass tourism.
 
The authentic soul of Puglia
A different and unexpected destination compared to the rest of the region, guardian of an extraordinary variety of colors and emotions: let yourself be seduced by the soft profile of the mountains that blush kissed by the setting sun, enchanted by the rustle of the leaves moved by the wind or by the song of the fresh streams protected by luxuriant woods.
The Monti Dauni are characterized by the presence of medieval villages, whose skylines are often dominated by the profiles of castles and churches, where the squares can be reached by crossing cobbled streets where the hooves of the steeds of knights and pilgrims still resonate.
Photo: View of Faeto and Celle di San Vito - credit: Luigi Casoria

Archeology and history
On Monti Dauni it is possible to follow an ideal itinerary that from village to village and from agro to agro leads us to discover the traces of the presence of an ancient people, the Dauni, and then of Rome and the signs left by the Byzantines, Normans and Swabians, from Templars and Crusaders, Angevins and Aragonese, shepherds and brigands.
Between archaeological excavations from every era, ancient abandoned cities, museums with wonderful finds, castles, towers and fortresses, this is a true paradise for history buffs.
Photo: Grifoni - P. Rosario Museum - Ascoli Satriano - credits. Niki Dell’Anno

Cults and culture
The soul of Monti Dauni rich in memories and rituals that combine the sacred and the profane, passing through pilgrimages, art festivals, cultural events, through legends, beliefs, superstitions, etc ...
They range from the many fires lit at various times of the year to coincide with the changes of seasons and in honor of the deceased loved ones, of Sant'Antonio Abate, of San Sebastiano or of San Giuseppe to pilgrimages often in devotion to the Madonna.
Each period of the year offers a deeper and more authentic experience of knowledge of the local culture.
Photo: Feast of Sant’Alberto - Pietramontecorvino - credit: Luigi Casoria
 
Nature and Adventure
Sweet and rugged reliefs, valleys drawn by the course of rivers and streams, surrounded by the ruins of ancient mills, woods with thick vegetation, furrowed by paths and enriched by the presence of centuries-old oaks and then ... beech woods and lakes, high pastures and breathtaking views .
The Monti Dauni are an unmissable destination for lovers of nature and outdoor sports: from trekking to acrobatic routes in adventure parks.
Photo: Archery - Bosco di Biccari - credit Niki Dell’Anno
​
Food and wine
The spontaneous fruits of the earth, cured meats, cheeses, dairy products, fresh pasta, lioliuo, wine, baked goods, traditional recipes…. All precious pleasures for the palate.
A journey into taste, from cellar to cellar, from restaurant to restaurant .... Let yourself be enveloped by seductive and unmistakable flavors!
Photo: Cheeses and Cured Meats - credit Get Local
 
The experiences
Food and wine tours? Guided tours in the villages? A traditional cooking workshop? Hiking in the woods? Traditional music festival? Sleeping in a castle or in a tree? Find out how olive oil is produced? Dine in a cellar? These are some of the many experiences that the Dauni Mountains offer and that you can find on the website / app www.visitmontidauni.it , as well as accommodation facilities, restaurants, companies and local products.

Alba county, Romania

​Rimetea is considered one of the most beautiful village in Romania, with history, rural architecture and wonderful landscapes, at the base of Trascau Mountains. Local tale explain the name of the mountain, when back in 13 century, the Secui (Hungarian local ethnics) had to flee to the mountains from Tartars occupation, by getting hide in the calcareous massif.
One spectaculars phenomena that is happening in this village is that “the sun is rising twice” during summer due to the massif that keeps shadow over the village during morning, even if the sun is up, and it get lighter after it cross the massif as well.
 
Short history:
As a mining village, Rimetea had some benefits back in 14 century, from the side of Hungarian King, by sending handcraft man here to be taught by the locals and increased the socio-economic life.
Way back to 150 years ago, this village almost disappeared under a wildfire, fact which is not visible nowadays anymore and the massive “white houses” are built to reconstruct the village.
Since 1999, this village is part of UNESCO patrimony and the village won the price “Our Europe”.
 
We recommend Rimetea for a quiet and relaxing weekend, but if you are searching for something more interactive, here is a list with marvelous destinations at a bat throw
- Ethnographic museum, in the village
- Turda Valley – mountain area at 15 km distance
- Secuiului Stone – 1.5 km distance
- Băișoara ski slope at 24 kilometres
- Vălișoar Valley at 8 kilometres
- Colțești citadel – 6 kilometres distance
- Ciucaș waterfall, 13 kilometres away
- Râmeț Monastery, 17 kilometres away
- Salina Turda, 22 kilometres away.
 
To plan your visit to Rimetea, Romania, check more pictures here and choose the accommodation that fits your desires: from holiday houses, guests houses until pension houses where you can find local food as well.
 
How to get there:
By car from

• Cluj Napoca (which is the closest airport), following the national road to Buru, or through Turda
• Targu Mures, another airport
• Alba Iulia through Aiud

By train until train station Aiud or Teius, where you have to change with a local tread to Rimetea or by cab from both train stations. 

Here is a study who aimed to comprehend rural tourism marketing through the visitors’ eyes and discuss its sustainability. What makes rural tourism marketing more sophisticated and complex is that it is a service marketing, associated with agricultural activities, natural conditions and rural areas, and the main providers have no experience in rural tourism or service marketing.

The study investigated perception of visitors in a small village, Kuyucak, in the Southwest part of Turkey, where rural tourism based on lavender production has recently developed. Results of the analysis of 175 questionnaires completed by visitors online showed that more than half of the respondents had heard and got information about the village via social media. Although, the main purpose of their visit was stated as nature/rural experience and recreation/holiday, the primary motivation of the majority was taking and sharing photos via social media tools.

Appearance of lavender and previous social media sharing are very important determinants in the decision-making and expectations of visitors. Results of the factor analysis showed that two components composed of the variables regarding pre-visit perception and the physical conditions of the village together explain sixty-five per cent of the overall satisfaction.
The most important component in decision making of visitors was found their perception before visiting, which means that what they expected to see was more important than what they actually saw, which was represented by visitors’ satisfaction. Making visitors experience their pre-visit perception will contribute to the sustainability of rural tourism activities benefiting the area.

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