The overall objective of the Adaptation Accelerator project is to help civil society in marginalised areas to mitigate challenges posed by pandemic and to adapt to post-COVID reality trough strengthening community- based tourism CSOs in Russia and increasing resilience of rural tourism sites. It aims to support regional and local CSOs, so they can perform their role in adaptation and sustainable territory development. Thus, the project responds to the urgent needs of rural areas, of CBT CSOs at the regional and local levels and through them — to the needs of local people.

Key activities and projected results:

• Adaptation accelerator and professional network for CBT CSOs: online and offline capacity building opportunities — online education courses, study-tours, webinars, individual coaching and mentoring as well as specially developed ready-to-operate packages to start-up new modern and safe COVID-adapted micro-businesses.

Results: 100+ CSO teams got through the trainings and improved their competences; 40 CSOs developed their strategic plans, incl. marketing strategies, financial plans, COVID-adaptation plans, partnership development plan; methodological materials available for broader CSO public

• Targeted support to CBT practitioners: online and offline capacity building events, publications, courses, as well as direct financial support through small grant programs.

Results: 40 CSOs improved their capacities to continue operations in post-COVID time; 20+ CSO teams were financially supported to upgrade their tour products to meet post-COVID requirements; visitors benefit from modern COVID-adopted high-quality rural and ecotourism products

• National-level advocacy and promotion for the CBT sector: support to the CBT sector at the national level though cooperation with federal authorities to improve legislation; conducting national-level marketing research in CBT sector, including analysis of consumers demands in the post-COVID reality; developing and conducting federal-level marketing and PR-campaign to promote CBT.

Results: 5+ policy documents developed and proposed to decision-makers during the project; CBT widely broadcasted in media at national and regional levels; public awareness of CBT and its products will increase by 20% by the end of project.

Duration: 01/04/2021 – 30/09/2023 (30 months)

Total Project Budget:  € 560,820

EU Contribution:  € 498,255

Location/s: 60+ regions of Russia

Implementing Partners:  Autonomous non-profit organization “Agency of rural community development”, “Russian National Rural and Ecotourism Association”, “Environmental – educational centre Zapovedniki”, European Federation of Rural Tourism (Rural Tour, France)