From ideas to action: six businesses from the cross-border region between Italy and Slovenia have been selected to participate in the pilot actions, a practical support program designed to transform training, creativity, and innovation into new opportunities for tourism development. The pilot actions serve as a natural continuation of the recently concluded seminars and training courses: they will enable participants to move from theory to practice and test the BEST solutions in the field!
The 6 selected companies
Following the completion of the application evaluation phase, the BEST project has selected 3 Slovenian companies and 3 Italian companies to participate in the pilot actions, the new operational phase of the initiative.
On the Slovenian side, the selected companies are:
- Lagom home
- Evelin Bizjak
- Natura Radulje – Vanja Kofol
On the Italian side, the following were selected:
- Portopiccolo Apartments
- Vincenzo Panariello CD Consulting
- Next Step Bike
The selection was based on various qualitative criteria, including the sustainability of the proposals, the ability to enhance the cross-border network among tourism operators, and the level of innovation applied, in line with the strategies and methodological approach promoted by the BEST project. The final ranking is the result of a joint evaluation by all project partners, carried out by a committee composed of one representative per partner.
From Training to Practical Support
The pilot actions represent one of the most significant milestones of the BEST project, as they mark the transition from a learning phase to a phase of practical, tailored application.
After participating in the BEST seminar and course, the six selected companies will now have access to an ongoing support program designed to help them put what they have learned into practice and develop innovative cross-border tourism projects.
This is therefore not merely a theoretical exploration, but operational guidance that will enable the companies to work on their own development ideas with tools, methodology, and constant support.
Tailored support to help projects grow
During the pilot actions, businesses will be supported through a comprehensive growth process that will address key strategic aspects essential for the development of the tourism business.
Key areas of focus will include:
the Business Model Canvas, to structure and strengthen the business model;
marketing, to improve positioning and the ability to communicate the value of their offerings;
the application of the Innovation Catalyst method to specific business contexts;
cross-border networking, to foster connections, collaborations, and new opportunities among operators on both sides of the border.
This approach allows for the creation of pathways that truly align with the needs of the participating businesses, making innovation not an abstract concept, but a concrete tool for development.
The aim of the project is to be able to TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEVELOPED PRACTICES IN THE FIELD.
The Added Value of BEST: Creativity, Innovation, and Borders as a Resource
It is precisely here that the added value of the BEST project stands out clearly compared to other initiatives in the tourism sector.
BEST does not merely promote innovative tools; rather, it aims to demonstrate how creativity can also serve as a strategic lever for advancing the local tourism industry. At the same time, the project offers a new vision of the region: the border not as a barrier, but as an asset, capable of generating networks, ideas, and tourism offerings that are more attractive, sustainable, and competitive.
The pilot actions perfectly embody this vision, as they support businesses in developing projects that arise from the dialogue between different yet complementary skills, regions, and approaches.
An Opportunity for Visibility: Pilot Companies at “La Primavera Turistica”
The six pilot companies will also have the opportunity to present their innovative projects at the “La Primavera Turistica” event, which will take place tomorrow, April 15, and is organized by the Vipava Tourism Promotion Board.
It will be an important moment not only for visibility but also for engaging with the local community, other industry professionals, and an audience interested in authentic and innovative experiences. Participation in the event therefore represents a further step in the process of promoting the projects they will develop with the support of BEST.
A concrete step toward more connected and sustainable tourism
With the launch of the pilot actions, the BEST project is now fully engaged in its mission: to help local tourism operators innovate, collaborate, and grow by developing an offering that combines sustainability, creativity, and a cross-border dimension.
The six selected businesses will now be at the forefront of a journey that can generate tangible impacts not only for their own operations but for the entire tourism ecosystem of the Karst region spanning Italy and Slovenia.
