Call for Proposals to Promote Sustainable Tourism Cultural Projects in Trinidad (Cuba)

The Cultural Projects Accelerator for Sustainable Tourism in Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios, Cuba is an initiative launched by UNESCO Regional Office in Havana to support cultural and creative projects that promote sustainable tourism and heritage conservation. Selected participants can receive microfinancing of up to USD 5,000, along with mentoring, technical training, and implementation support to strengthen local capacities and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

About the Cultural Projects Accelerator

The Cultural Projects Accelerator for Sustainable Tourism is designed to strengthen cultural entrepreneurship by supporting projects that integrate culture, creativity, heritage conservation, and responsible tourism.

The initiative forms part of the regional “Communities for Heritage” project, funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It builds on the outcomes of the Workshop on Heritage Safeguarding and Sustainable Tourism held in June 2025 and aims to develop practical skills, enhance local capacities, and encourage sustainable economic opportunities linked to cultural heritage.

The programme promotes responsible tourism while safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage of Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills), Cuba.

Programme Objectives

The accelerator aims to:

Strengthen cultural and creative entrepreneurship.
Promote sustainable tourism initiatives.
Protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage.
Build local implementation and project management capacity.
Improve monitoring and evaluation practices.
Reduce project implementation risks.
Encourage sustainable livelihoods.
Generate temporary employment and income opportunities through cultural initiatives.

Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

Sustainable tourism
Cultural heritage conservation
Natural heritage protection
Cultural entrepreneurship
Creative industries
Community development
Responsible tourism
Heritage safeguarding
Capacity building
Monitoring and evaluation
Sustainable livelihoods
Cultural innovation
Local economic development

Funding Information

Selected projects may receive:

Microfinancing of up to USD 5,000
Funding tailored to project-specific needs

Additional Support

In addition to financial assistance, participants will receive:

Specialized mentoring
Technical training
Continuous implementation support
Monitoring and evaluation guidance
Access to project-related goods and services
Customized technical solutions
Capacity-building activities

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

Be individual representatives or applicants of cultural or creative projects.
Operate within Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills), Cuba.
Have a project at any stage of development.
Demonstrate alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Agree to sign a Letter of Acceptance if selected.

Eligible Projects

The accelerator welcomes projects that:

Combine culture with sustainable tourism.
Promote responsible tourism practices.
Protect cultural or natural heritage.
Strengthen creative industries.
Support local communities through cultural initiatives.
Generate sustainable economic opportunities.

Projects may be in the planning, development, or implementation stage.

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants will benefit from:

Up to USD 5,000 in project funding.
Professional mentoring throughout implementation.
Technical capacity-building workshops.
Practical project management support.
Improved monitoring and evaluation skills.
Increased project sustainability.
Greater opportunities for community engagement.
Potential employment and income generation.

How the Accelerator Works

The programme combines funding with technical support to help participants successfully implement their cultural tourism projects.

Support includes:

Project selection.
Award of tailored microfinancing.
Specialized mentoring.
Technical training.
Ongoing implementation support.
Monitoring and evaluation assistance.
Completion of sustainable, community-focused cultural projects.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your project:

Operates in Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios.
Relates to culture, creativity, or sustainable tourism.
Supports heritage conservation or community development.

Step 2: Prepare Your Project Proposal

Develop a proposal explaining:

Project objectives.
Planned activities.
Expected community impact.
Contribution to sustainable tourism.
Heritage protection outcomes.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application according to the programme guidelines before the deadline.

Step 4: Participate in the Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with the programme’s objectives and potential impact.

Step 5: Confirm Participation

Selected applicants must formally accept the award by signing a Letter of Acceptance before receiving programme support.

Why This Programme Matters

Sustainable tourism can create long-term economic opportunities while protecting cultural and natural heritage. This accelerator helps local cultural practitioners transform creative ideas into practical projects that benefit communities, preserve heritage, and strengthen responsible tourism.

By combining funding with mentoring and technical support, the programme increases the likelihood that projects will achieve lasting social, cultural, and economic impact.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly demonstrate how the project supports sustainable tourism.
Explain the cultural or heritage value of the initiative.
Show measurable community benefits.
Present realistic implementation plans.
Describe how funding will be used effectively.
Highlight long-term sustainability beyond the funding period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

Submitting projects unrelated to culture or tourism.
Failing to explain community impact.
Providing incomplete project information.
Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Ignoring sustainability and heritage conservation objectives.
Forgetting to complete the required acceptance process if selected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Cultural Projects Accelerator for Sustainable Tourism?

It is a UNESCO-supported programme that provides funding, mentoring, and technical assistance to cultural and creative projects promoting sustainable tourism in Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios, Cuba.

2. How much funding is available?

Selected projects may receive up to USD 5,000 in microfinancing, based on their specific needs.

3. Who can apply?

Individual representatives or applicants of cultural and creative projects operating in Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios are eligible to apply, regardless of their project’s stage of development.

4. What additional support is provided besides funding?

Participants receive mentoring, technical training, implementation assistance, monitoring and evaluation support, and access to project-specific goods and services.

5. What types of projects are encouraged?

Projects that integrate culture, creativity, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism while benefiting local communities are encouraged.

6. Is the programme limited to completed projects?

No. Projects at any stage of development are eligible, provided they align with the programme objectives.

7. What happens after selection?

Successful applicants must sign a formal Letter of Acceptance before receiving funding and programme support.

Conclusion

The Cultural Projects Accelerator for Sustainable Tourism in Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios offers an excellent opportunity for cultural practitioners to transform creative ideas into sustainable initiatives that protect heritage and strengthen responsible tourism. Through microfinancing of up to USD 5,000, expert mentoring, technical training, and implementation support, the programme helps participants build resilient cultural projects that generate lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits for their communities.