In recent years, the author conducted a survey on the three agritourism facilities in Crete Island, which is located on the southern tip of the Aegean Sea in Greece. What surprised then in relation to the difference between Japan and Europe was the EUʼs financial support system for private businesses that operate these agritourism facilities. Each of the three facilities surveyed so far had received a financial grant, which is called “LEADER”, from the EU. This LEADER programme has currently been taken over by another programme. Also, each facility is still operating effectively after its opening. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of employment and supply chain in the local community as well, it contributes considerably to the local economy.
Therefore, this research plans to proceed to the following studies for the next five years: 1) Grasping the outline of the financial support system related to the tourism sector in the region of EU. 2) Broadly defining tourism business support systems of EU, such as the European Regional Development Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development etc., in addition, the characteristics and operational status of their preceding systems, also, the business effects and problems of the beneficiaries. 3) Case studies for tourism promotion utilizing this support system (for Greece / South Aegean Islands and Crete)
In this study, as the initial stage, the research team will clarify, as above mentioned 1) stage, the outline of the financial support system related to the tourism sector in the region of EU, especially for the six major related funds.
