PRIORITY 3 - A more Inclusive Greece-Bulgaria Cross Border TerritorySail & Ski is an innovative cross-border project connecting Greece and Bulgaria, aiming to promote sustainable tourism through the combination of sailing and skiing. By linking sea and mountain destinations, the project supports local economies, extends the tourism season, and combats seasonal unemployment through shared services, joint marketing, and year-round employment opportunities.
The project brings together public authorities, tourism organisations, sports clubs, and local businesses to develop a strategic cross-border tourism product that combines three days of skiing and three days of sailing, encouraging visitors to discover the diverse landscapes and experiences of the cross-border region. Through dedicated Sail & Ski offices, specialised training programmes, joint promotional activities, and investments in innovative equipment such as a ski simulator and Olympic-level sailing boats, the project strengthens tourism services, enhances labour mobility, and reduces seasonal unemployment. Particular emphasis is placed on inclusive and alternative tourism, welcoming senior travellers and people with disabilities, while supporting local businesses in hospitality, catering, and cultural services through cross-border networking and cooperation.
By bridging mountain and sea, Sail & Ski transforms seasonal tourism into a shared opportunity for growth, innovation, and sustainable development for communities on both sides of the border.
The project develops an innovative Sail & Ski tourism model that connects coastal and mountain destinations across the Greece-Bulgaria cross-border area, promoting tourism throughout the year. Dedicated Sail & Ski Offices will be established in Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Blagoevgrad and equipped with modern IT and multimedia infrastructure to showcase key tourism assets, including Bansko and Kartala ski resorts, the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki, marinas and sailing facilities in Thessaloniki and Kavala, and the cities of Kavala and Blagoevgrad.
The project will enhance the competitiveness of tourism enterprises through targeted skills development, networking activities, and promotional actions. Beneficiaries include tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, marinas, sailing and skiing facilities, maintenance service providers, and other tourism-related businesses.
A broad training programme will be delivered, including 7-day open-sea sailing courses (Kavala/Thessaloniki), 5-day skiing courses (Bansko), specialised sailing triangle and ski maintenance training, as well as dedicated activities promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. Joint workshops will focus on the Sail & Ski innovative tourism product, tourism management, employment opportunities (hotel and restaurants), and strengthening cooperation among tourism stakeholders.
Networking actions will include joint Sail & Ski events, familiarisation trips for tour operators and silver tourism specialists (Joint Farm Trips), the development of a Sail & Ski e-platform, and the signing of a cooperation protocol (Strategic Plan) among tourism stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
The project will also invest in specialised equipment such as ski and snowboard simulators, foiling catamarans, sailing boats, electric boats, and digital technologies, while extensive publicity campaigns and local events will increase visibility and attract visitors.
Overall, the project contributes to sustainable tourism development, season extension, economic growth, job creation, social inclusion, and stronger cross-border cooperation, creating an attractive year-round tourism destination for local and international visitors.
