The DEEP CONNECTIONS project (MIS 6038886) aims to support the sustainable development and promotion of diving tourism in the cross-border areas of Heraklion, Crete, and Famagusta, Cyprus. It addresses current challenges related to the diversification of the tourism product, the extension of the tourist season, and the promotion of blue cultural heritage, combining innovative technologies with environmentally and socially responsible practices.
The proposal is based on the shared needs and potential of the two areas, focusing on:
- recording the current situation,
- developing growth strategies,
- using advanced monitoring systems,
- and promoting the diving tourism product at national and international level.
At the same time, the project promotes cross-border cooperation between Greece and Cyprus by making use of joint actions to enhance outward-looking development, protect the environment, and cultivate a culture of sustainable management of marine resources. In this way, DEEP CONNECTIONS is not limited to the simple promotion of an alternative tourism product, but introduces an integrated strategy that connects diving tourism with innovation, culture, and the local community.
A total of five beneficiaries from Greece and Cyprus participate in DEEP CONNECTIONS, as follows:
- Development Organisation of Heraklion — Lead Beneficiary
- Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry — Beneficiary 2
- Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas — Beneficiary 3
- Famagusta Region Tourism Development and Promotion Company — Beneficiary 4
- Larnaca–Famagusta Development Agency — Beneficiary 5
The total budget is €1,344,664.05. It is funded by the INTERREG VI-A Greece–Cyprus 2021–2027 Cooperation Programme and falls under Specific Objective SO4.6 "A more Social Europe."
The project consists of six (6) Work Packages (WPs):
- WP 1 – Project management
- WP 2 – Project publicity
- WP 3 – Local planning for diving tourism development and promotion
- WP 4 – Integrated monitoring system for diving parks
- WP 5 – Creation of marine environment and diving information centres
- WP 6 – Participation in exhibitions outside the eligible area