Prepare your tourism business for the holiday rush

With the holiday season just around the corner, many travellers are looking to explore new destinations, enjoy festive experiences, and unwind during the winter break. From bustling ski resorts to cozy mountain lodges, it's important to know where to find the right tools and support to make the most of this winter season.  

This is where Your Europe can be helpful, providing information on how to prepare, adapt, and thrive in the competitive tourism market, especially during the peak holiday season.

Make your business accessible to all travellers 

As the demand for travel increases, the diversity of travellers also grows. This includes seniors and people with disabilities who are looking for accessible tourism options. Providing accessible services is not only about meeting legal requirements, but also about opening your business to a wider audience and delivering an inclusive experience for everyone.  

Your Europe offers practical resources on tourism and accessibility. By implementing simple but effective changes, such as installing access ramps, providing dedicated parking spots, and adapting bathrooms and elevators you can make your hotel, Air B&B, or cozy mountain lodge more inclusive.   

You can also find advice on how to ensure your ticketing systems and online platforms meet EU accessibility standards, making your services more user-friendly for everyone.  

Offering these services can open your doors to a broader client base, including travellers who need assistance and those who accompany them. Accessible facilities encourage off-season travel, as some seniors and people with disabilities prefer quieter times of the year.   

Overall, improving accessibility can benefit your business reputation and make it more attractive to a wider audience in the long term. 

Embrace digital tools for a hassle-free experience  

In today's digital age, tourists expect seamless online experiences. Whether they are booking accommodation, checking reviews, or searching your website for information, a smooth digital interaction can make all the difference.  

Especially during the holiday season, when tourists are in a rush to plan their trips and expect quick and easy access to services.  

From setting up your website to promoting your business online, Your Europe has all the resources and tools to help you digitalise your tourism business.   

In the rush to go digital, one of the most important things you can't afford to overlook is data protection. Your Europe can help you learn how to protect sensitive information through measures such as encrypted connections (HTTPS) or multi-factor authentication.  

Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is also crucial. Make sure your privacy notice is clear, accessible, and GDPR compliant, and that it informs customers of how their data will be used.   

By securing your digital operations, you'll not only protect your business but also build trust with your customers - an essential factor for lasting success. 

Boost your business with EU funding 

Financial support can be a game changer for tourism businesses, especially those looking to expand their services, upgrade their facilities, or implement new technologies. For many small and medium-sized businesses, access to external funding is essential to drive growth and meet customer expectations. 

With Your Europe, you can easily navigate the complex landscape of EU funding.  On the European Commission page for SMEs a more detailed  Guide on EU funding for tourism provides a step-by-step support. Identify the right funding based on your business size and specific types of tourism-related projects, such as infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism initiatives.  

By taking advantage of these funding opportunities, your businesses can grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the tourism industry.  

One of the real-life examples of a successful project funded by previous EU programmes, a ski resort in Austria, received funding to improve its sustainable energy solutions, reducing its environmental impact while also cutting operational costs.  

Get started today by visiting Your Europe  

The holiday season brings a surge in demand, and businesses that are ready will benefit the most. No matter the size of your business, Your Europe provides you with information to help you succeed.  

By taking advantage of the easy-to-use tools, funding opportunities, digitalisation guides and other resources available on the portal, you can build a more competitive and resilient foundation for your business to stay ahead of the curve.  

Don't wait until the holiday rush is upon you. Visit Your Europe today and get ready for a successful season ahead!