The “Tour4Youth” project concluded with a strong and lasting impact on youth employment in the Central Baltic region, particularly in rural areas and within the tourism, hospitality and restaurant sectors. From the beginning, the project sought to address the challenges faced by young people aged 15–24, many of whom struggle with limited job opportunities, low competitiveness, lack of confidence and uncertainty about their future career paths. As a result of the project, these barriers were significantly reduced, and young people across the region gained new skills, motivation and practical experience that helped them move closer to stable employment.
The final achievements of “Tour4Youth” exceeded expectations in nearly every area. A total of 120 young people completed the online training course, surpassing the planned 100. An impressive 647 participants took part in job-matching and recruitment activities—almost three times more than foreseen. In addition, 77 young people completed traineeships, most of them locally in rural areas, where tourism enterprises play a crucial role in offering early work experience. Overall, more than 1000–1500 young people were positively influenced by the project in some form, whether through training, events, information sessions or coaching. Twenty participants even secured paid employment during or after their traineeships, proving that the project’s approach was effective and relevant to real labour market needs.
“Tour4Youth” introduced a new way of supporting young people by combining personal coaching, international elements, a structured online course and close cooperation with employers. The personalised support model was especially valuable for less competitive participants, who often required guidance, encouragement and step-by-step help to navigate their route from studies to the world of work. Many participants described how the programme strengthened their confidence and helped them believe in their own abilities. The project also created long-term results: the online course is now integrated into the study offer of SAMK, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) and PVEC, and will remain accessible on https://Tour4Youth”.eu/ . Materials and handbooks created in the project will continue to be used by educational institutions, employment agencies and organisations supporting young people.
Kurzeme Planning Region (KPR) played an essential role in achieving these results. With its strong understanding of the regional labour market and close relationships with local tourism and hospitality businesses, KPR ensured that the project’s activities in Latvia were rooted in real needs and practical opportunities. KPR supported young people throughout their journey by helping them prepare CVs and motivation letters, offering career guidance, building their confidence and assisting them in finding suitable traineeship placements. This hands-on support was especially important for those who lacked previous work experience or who felt insecure about entering the job market.
KPR also collaborated actively with local companies, encouraging them to host trainees, participate in events and engage with young people looking for their first professional steps. This cooperation contributed directly to the high number of local traineeships completed in Latvia and helped build long-term relationships between employers and potential employees. Through matchmaking events, introduction days and personalised mentoring, KPR ensured that young people could meet employers in a supportive environment and gain insight into real career possibilities.
Furthermore, KPR contributed to the project’s international dimension. By working closely with SAMK, ViA and Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre, the organisation helped prepare young people for cross-border mobility, introduced them to labour market opportunities in the Central Baltic region and supported the coordination of joint events, workshops and traineeship structures. KPR’s role in dissemination also strengthened awareness among regional institutions, schools, municipalities and tourism stakeholders about the importance of supporting youth employment.
In summary, the project achieved more than planned and left a meaningful mark on rural youth across the Central Baltic region. “Tour4Youth” not only improved the employability of young people but also established new practices, networks and tools that will continue to benefit them long after the project’s completion. The contribution of the Kurzeme Planning Region was vital to this success—through its commitment to mentoring young people, connecting them with employers and ensuring that the project’s solutions were practical, accessible and sustainable for the region.
We express our sincere thanks to the project funder – the Interreg Central Baltic Programme – and look forward to successful cooperation in the future.
More information about the project is available at www.”Tour4Youth”.eu and https://centralbaltic.eu/project/”Tour4Youth”/
More about the “Tour4Youth” project
The Tour4Youth project was being implemented to promote youth employment in the tourism, hospitality, and catering sectors in rural areas of the Central Baltic Sea region. These sectors play a significant role in integrating young people into the labour market, helping them build relevant skills and pursue long-term careers. The project offered opportunities for young people to grow professionally in their chosen field, thus reducing the need to seek employment abroad or in unrelated sectors. Tour4Youth also enhanced youth competitiveness by offering targeted labour market services and practical experience.
Further information about the project and its opportunieties is available at www.tour4youth.eu and on the website on the Central Baltic Programme’s website: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/tour4youth/
Further information about the project on the website of the Kurzeme Planning Region: https://www.kurzemesregions.lv/projekti/izglitiba/tour4youth/
Project Education Area Expert:
Agnese Lāce
Phone: +371 28381229, agnese.lace@kurzemesregions.lv
