The RETES project began its journey in December 2025 with a Kick-off Meeting held in Vicenza, Italy, bringing together the European partnership for the first time.
The RETES project officially started in mid-December 2025 with its Kick-off Meeting in Vicenza, Italy. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme under the KA220-VET framework and coordinated by EPC – European Project Consulting srl, the project brings together partners from several European countries with a shared objective: strengthening resilience in the tourism sector through vocational training, preparedness and cross-sector cooperation.
RETES focuses on improving the capacity of tourism professionals, vocational education and training providers, disaster risk management operators and civil protection actors to work together in the prevention and management of risks affecting tourist destinations. In a context marked by the increasing impact of climate-related hazards and other emergency situations, the project aims to support more prepared, informed and resilient tourism ecosystems across Europe.
The Kick-off Meeting represented an important operational starting point for the partnership. During the meeting, partners reviewed the overall objectives of the project, discussed the expected results and established a common understanding of the work plan, implementation phases and responsibilities. The session also allowed the consortium to define the first steps of the project, including coordination procedures, communication actions, research activities and the foundations for future training and cooperation tools.
Beyond the technical and organisational aspects, the meeting was also a valuable opportunity for partners to meet in person, exchange experiences and build the trust needed for effective collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. This first face-to-face encounter helped create a shared vision among the organisations involved and laid the groundwork for a coordinated and impact-oriented implementation process.
Over the coming months, RETES partners will work together to analyse local needs in the project pilot areas, engage relevant stakeholders and develop resources aimed at improving preparedness and cooperation in tourism destinations exposed to different types of risks.
The Kick-off Meeting in Vicenza marked the beginning of a European collaboration committed to making tourism more resilient, better connected with civil protection systems and more prepared to face future challenges.
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