Projects foster the collaboration
Over the years, we have implemented and participated in a wide range of diverse projects. Through these initiatives, we have developed public tourism services, carried out marketing activities, and created various travel routes.
The most extensive projects have been related to the Via Hanseatica tourism route, but we have also contributed to the South Estonia “Life on the Border of Two Worlds” project, marked by the famous yellow windows.
Recently, we have been involved as a pilot region in international projects like Impactour and Smart Tourism Destinations. Currently, we are participating in the sustainable tourism initiative Tourism4SDG.
If you have a great idea for a future project, feel free to contact us at info@visittartu.com!
You can find more information about our ongoing projects below.
Sustainable Tourism Initiative – Tourism4SDG
The Tourism4SDG project, co-funded by the Interreg Europe 2021 –2027 programme, actively improves tourism policy measures across participating regions. The project’s goal is to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the field of sustainable tourism.
At the local level, Tartu County Development Strategy 2040 serves as our key tourism policy document, guiding efforts towards more sustainable practices.
The project began on April 1, 2024, and will run until June 30, 2028.
With a total budget of €2,009,113, it offers strong opportunities for enhancing tourism strategies across Europe.
If you would like to learn more about the Tourism4SDG project, please contact Miia Maris Praks, Sustainable Tourism Coordinator, at miia.praks@visittartu.com.
Via Hanseatica tourism route
The Via Hanseatica tourism route runs from Riga, through Tartu, and reaches the border city of Narva.
It is based on the historic trade route between Lübeck and Riga, and today it serves as a modern extension of that important connection.
Moreover, Via Hanseatica forms part of the Pan-European Transport Network and falls under the classification of Transport Corridor 1A.
The entire route includes the following cities: Lübeck–Gdańsk–Kaliningrad–Šiauliai–Jelgava–Riga–Valka–Valga–Tartu–Narva.
Since 2001, various Interreg projects have continuously developed and expanded the Via Hanseatica route, making it a key initiative for regional tourism and cooperation.
Life on the Border of Two Worlds
In the six counties of South Estonia, both in cities and rural areas, travelers are drawn to the yellow frames of National Geographic, which invite them to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, stunning nature, and innovative enterprises.
These iconic frames were first installed in 2013, inspired by a similar initiative launched by colleagues in the Netherlands.
Importantly, South Estonia LEADER action groups funded the activities, while the Tartu County Development Association led the project.
At first, 21 yellow frames were installed. However, over time, many more have been added to new and exciting places worth discovering.
During the European Capital of Culture year, some frames were transformed into different colors to mark the special occasion. Looking ahead, each frame could eventually reflect the unique identity of its specific local area.
