As part of our Erasmus+ Accreditation journey, Vidin Fund successfully implemented the "Green Terra" Youth Exchange, a project focused on promoting ecology in the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) sector and green tourism. This initiative brought together young minds to address pressing environmental challenges in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The "Green Terra" Youth Exchange took place from November 5-14, 2023, uniting 24 enthusiastic participants aged 16-26 from Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and Serbia. The project aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues in tourism, develop practical skills for implementing sustainable practices, promote intercultural understanding, and create innovative solutions for eco-friendly tourism.

Throughout the exchange, participants engaged in a diverse range of activities designed to deepen their understanding of sustainable tourism practices. Interactive workshops on eco-friendly hospitality were complemented by field visits to local green tourism initiatives. Participants also took part in hands-on activities such as creating upcycled products from hotel waste and designing energy-efficient.

A key outcome of the project was the development of a comprehensive "Green Tourism Toolkit." This resource, created collaboratively by the participants, offers practical guidelines and innovative ideas for implementing sustainable practices in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The toolkit covers areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and guest education on environmental issues.

Feedback from participants was exceptionally positive. Many expressed a newfound awareness of the environmental impact of tourism and felt empowered to make a difference in their communities. The project also fostered a deep sense of European citizenship, with participants forging strong intercultural bonds through their shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the increased environmental awareness among participants and their local communities. The young people returned home as ambassadors for sustainable tourism, sharing their knowledge and inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives and travel habit.

While the project was highly successful, it also presented valuable learning opportunities. Coordinating activities across four different countries with varying levels of green tourism development posed some challenges. However, these differences ultimately enriched the exchange of ideas and led to more diverse and adaptable solutions

The "Green Terra" Youth Exchange exemplifies Vidin Fund's commitment to addressing crucial environmental issues while promoting intercultural understanding and youth empowerment. As we continue our work under the Erasmus+ Accreditation, we look forward to building on this success and further contributing to the development of sustainable tourism practices across Europe

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