In the last week of June 2024, our group of twenty-five youngsters gathered from Italy, Serbia, Spain, Cyprus, and Greece in Novi Becej, Serbia, for a week-long Learning, Teaching Training Activities (LTTA) under the YETA project. This event, set against the beautiful banks of the Tisa River, aimed to foster cultural exchange and skills development among young YETA direct beneficiaries. The participants had previously engaged in YETA learning activities (online training, local workshops, virtual mobilities), continuing their journey of growth and learning.

This LTTA was designed to empower young people through experiential learning and intercultural exchanges. The activities focused on fostering cultural awareness, developing practical skills, enhancing employability, and promoting personal development. During their stay in Serbia, participants continued to learn about sustainable tourism and community development strategies, and they were encouraged to develop social entrepreneurship ideas that would positively impact their communities.

 

In Novi Becej, the participants introduced themselves and their organizations through speed dating and ice-breaking activities, discussed the opportunities provided by Erasmus+ and the significance of Youthpass, and participated in creative team-building exercises. Exploring Novi Becej’s tourism potential was a key focus. Participants visited local attractions, including a flower nursery and the river, and discussed their tourism potential. Workshops on sustainable tourism defined sustainable practices, shared ideas, and created strategies to promote Novi Becej as a sustainable tourist destination. Cultural nights celebrated the diverse traditions of the participants, enhancing their intercultural understanding.

Workshops on different types of tourists and digital nomads provided insights into attracting various tourist demographics. Participants developed action plans to ensure tourism opportunities were accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, age, or economic status. Further workshops on social entrepreneurship explored how to become social entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, generating innovative ideas. A hands-on glamping workshop combined comfort with sustainability, enhancing the camping experience with eco-friendly elements.

Digital tools for tourism promotion were also a significant part of the LTTA. Participants learned about video and photo editing tools, practiced creating promotional materials, and developed action plans to promote Novi Becej’s tourism offerings, integrating insights from the week’s activities.

Additional activities included building a glamping-style bonfire, incorporating mathematical and technical knowledge, archery courses with analysis of their tourist potential, and using native plants in cooking, soap-making, and decoration. Participants also presented and discussed online maps they created during the local workshop phases, one for each country involved. They explored building renovation through a biophilic approach and took boat trips to highlight natural resources for activities like water sports and recreational fishing.
Rural areas hold immense potential for sustainable tourism and social entrepreneurship. The integration of educational tourism activities, like those experienced in Novi Becej, can rejuvenate rural regions. Glamping, for example, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional camping, attracting tourists while preserving the natural environment. Educational tourism activities foster a deeper connection between visitors and local culture and nature, promoting sustainable practices.

Throughout the LTTA, participants faced and overcame challenges that contributed significantly to their personal and professional growth. Navigating cultural differences enriched their intercultural competence, conducting activities in English improved their language skills, and living and working in a rural setting highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities of rural development. These experiences inspired participants to devise innovative ideas for sustainable tourism and community improvement.

Developing sustainable facilities reduces environmental impact and sets a benchmark for responsible tourism. The LTTA in Novi Becej showcased the transformative power of educational and intercultural exchanges in promoting sustainable development and social entrepreneurship. By engaging young people in meaningful activities, the YETA project cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious, culturally aware, and socially responsible individuals. This approach benefits the direct participants but also their communities, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.