BCCI presented modules and Handbook for digitalization of SMEs in rural tourism

On 2 November, BCCI (Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) held an information seminar to present the results of the Storydoers (Digital Storydoing for Local Tourism) project, which is aimed at enhancing the digital skills of representatives of the tourism industry in rural areas.

During the seminar, the 16 short training modules developed by the partners and the Handbook for digitising SMEs in rural tourism and promoting digital storytelling were presented.

The materials developed aim to develop skills in using different digital tools and platforms that can benefit entrepreneurs in the local tourism sector in their operations.

Among the topics that are the focus of the developed tools are: website optimization, wider use of social networks as a marketing and advertising tool, graphic design and design of promotional materials, photo and video shooting, podcast recording, communication strategy creation, branding, etc.

The modules and guide are available for free on the project website – https://storydoers.eu/ , and have been translated into Bulgarian.

Pavlina Ivanova, President of the Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents “United Future for Tourism”, which is one of the branch organizations of the BCCI, was also a speaker at the event. She presented the challenges faced by tour operators and travel agencies after the pandemic, as well as the digital solutions that are increasingly used in the tourism sector.

The event was attended by representatives of the Varna Chamber of Tourism, managers of travel agencies and tour operators. A link to the presentations can be found here.

In the ensuing discussion among the participants, the need for professional training of more specialized staff in the tourism sector was discussed, including through the creation of a new profession and the development of relevant curricula.

The Storydoers project is implemented within the Erasmus+ Programme with the participation of 6 partner organisations from 5 countries – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain and Italy. The project aims to promote the digitalisation of SMEs in rural tourism. The main target groups of the project are: tour operators, owners of family hotels, guest houses, restaurants, guides, mountain guides, transport companies, museums, farms, bakeries, wineries, breweries, etc.

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