Mediterranean Peer Learning Visits for Sustainable Tourism: fostering cross-Programme learning through project-to-project visits
The Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism is pleased to announce the launch of the Mediterranean Peer Learning Visits for Sustainable Tourism, a unique collaborative initiative created to foster cooperation between ongoing projects working on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean, through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and solutions during physical on-site visits.
The Mediterranean Peer Learning Visits for Sustainable Tourism (MPLVs) are a collaborative initiative jointly developed by the ten Interreg Programmes participating in the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM), namely Interreg Italy-France Maritime, NEXT MED, Euro-MED, Italy-Croatia, Italy-Malta, NEXT Italy-Tunisia, Greece-Cyprus, Italy-Slovenia, IPA South Adriatic, and IPA ADRION.
The overall objective of MPLVs is to connect ongoing projects from different Interreg Programmes working on sustainable tourism across the Mediterranean area through on-site physical peer learning visits, with the aim of fostering knowledge exchange and promoting the transfer and replication of proven solutions among projects.
The MPLVs enable partners from different Interreg Programmes and countries to meet and collaborate beyond the geographical boundaries inherent to each programme, creating opportunities for projects that would not normally have the chance to work together. Through this initiative, projects can develop new synergies and networks while exchanging knowledge, experiences, and solutions in the field of sustainable tourism.
For example, the idea is that a project partner based in Bulgaria - funded under Interreg Euro-MED - could host a visit at one its pilot sites or premises, with the involvement of a project partner from Lebanon funded by the Interreg NEXT MED Programme and a partner from Croatia supported by the Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme. This configuration would be in line with one of the key requirements of the MPLVs, namely involving partners from two different Interreg Programmes and, ideally, from different countries.
The objective of the MPLVs is to organise physical on-site peer visits, with a view to strengthening mutual learning between partners working on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean area, fostering the transfer of knowledge and the replication of good practices learned during the peer visit in the territories of the visiting projects' partners. The MPLVs will also facilitate the creation of connections between projects and new networks of stakeholders in the field of sustainable tourism.
Participation in the MPLVs is open to lead partners and partners of ongoing sustainable tourism projects funded by one of the Programmes participating in the MMM.
To foster a genuine learning experience, projects may act either as:
- “Giver” is the project hosting the visit at one of its pilot sites or premises. It is responsible for sharing knowledge, showcasing good practices, tools, methodologies, and governance models to the visiting partner(s) (“Takers”). The hosting project should ensure the visit is well-organized and effectively facilitate the exchange of knowledge.
- “Takers” are partners from one or more projects, funded by different programme(s) than the one represented by the organisation hosting the MPLV (the “Giver”). They will have the opportunity to learn from knowledge, solutions, and practices presented during the visit, with the aim of adapting and replicating them within their own projects and local contexts.
To apply to a MPLV, you should fulfil the following criteria:
- Only ongoing projects dealing with sustainable tourism and being funded by one of the ten programmes involved in the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM) can participate in the MPLVs.
- Partnerships should comprise at least two projects from two different Interreg Programmes and that could normally not collaborate within their respective programme.
- MPLVs shall be focused on one of the key four topics defined by the MMM (you will find more information in the Guidelines):
- Shared and strategic governance of the tourism offer,
- Tourism and green transition,
- Social, inclusive, and accessible tourism,
- Innovative tourism products.
- MPLVs should be designed as a learning opportunity, based on the logic of “Giver” and “Taker”. In this sense, project partners should consider whether they would like to participate as a “Giver” or as a “Taker”.
- Although participation is open to all partners involved in an ongoing project, it is necessary to decide which partner (or partners) will be involved in the MPLV and represent the entire project. While participation is not limited to a single partner - as several partners from the same project may be involved - participation should be coordinated and reflect a common project-level approach.
Interested organisations are invited to consult the Guidelines for detailed information on participation requirements.
Organisations interested in organising a Mediterranean Peer Learning Visit on Sustainable Tourism should submit a request for participation by filling in the dedicated form.
The request for participation should be filled in by one organisation on behalf of the partnership established for the purpose of the MPLV.
Once the request for participation has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the concerned Interreg programmes. As the case may be, further information may be requested. Projects should wait for the validation by the concerned programmes to implement the MPLV.
Together with the request for participation, the Lead Partners of the involved projects in the MPLV must submit a signed letter to express their support to the organisation of the MPLV on behalf of the project (the support letter is needed whether or not the Lead Partner intends to participate in the MPLV).
After the visit has been carried out, an activity report should be filled and send one month after the visit.
Organisations interested in organising or participating in an MPLV are invited to fill in the online database with the requested information and contact details. This database is intended to facilitate direct contact and interactions between interested organisations.
As the case may be, the Interreg Programmes involved in the MMM may also support matchmaking activities.
Under Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta Programme, the costs that are strictly necessary for carrying out the organisation of a Mediterranean Peer Learning Visits are considered as eligible under the project budget.
After receipt and validation of the request for participation by the programmes representing the projects involved in each MPLV, the Programmes will authorise the expenses incurred for the purpose of the visit in accordance with their internal procedures, that could be different for each Programme.
The deadline for presenting your MPLV request is 31/11/2026.
A second round of applications may be open from 1/1/2026 to 31/3/2027, depending on the outcomes of the first round. Information will be updated in this sense.
If participants are ready, it is recommended to submit a request under the first round.
Have you checked those documents?
- MPLVs FAQs (available soon)
- Presentation of the Mediterranean Peer Learning Visits (available soon)
- Video presenting the Mediterranean Peer Learning Visits (available soon)
If after checking all the provided information you have any other query or doubt that is not solved, you can contact the representatives of your Programme checking the list at the end of the Guidelines.