This blog aims to tell you more about the experiences, places, culture you will encounter with Discovery Travels.
A Valuable Start with EU’s Rural Development Fund: How Leader Suomi and Joutsenten Reitti Ry Helped Discovery Travels Take Off
Every new company has a story to tell, and for Discovery Travels, ours begins with an idea — and the invaluable support that helped turn that idea into reality.
The EU’s Rural Development Fund we are receiving from Leader Suomi and Joutsenten Reitti Ry (7500 €) played a fundamental role in shaping the birth of our company. We consider this contribution is not just financial; it is a catalyst that allowed us to move from the dream phase to concrete planning to action.
Thanks to this support, we were able to:
- Equip our office with essential tools and other start-up materials — the basic instruments that transformed our ideas into real projects.
- Collaborate with experts in planning marketing and web development strategies. The guidance of these experts helped us structure a professional communication strategy and a clear web presence plan for our future growth.
- Cover travel expenses for scouting trips, allowing us to explore new areas, decide where and with whom build partnerships, and identify potential destinations where Discovery Travels could develop sustainable and authentic experiences for future travelers.
This early support provided by Leader Suomi and Joutsenten Reitti Ry gave us the foundation we needed to start strong and, most importantly, with confidence.
But beyond the financial help, we are deeply grateful for the human and professional network that came with being part of the Leader community. Joutsenten Reitti Ry is not only a key reference point for Discovery Travels, but also for many other rural entrepreneurs in Hämeenkyrö and this part of the region. Through its constant networking work and its connections with other Leader groups in Finland and across Europe, Joutsenten Reitti Ry creates bridges between local and European actors, opening new possibilities for collaborations and growth.
For us, this network means inspiration, exchange, and the feeling of belonging to a wider community that believes in rural development, innovation, and sustainable tourism in a constant dialogue with local and international entrepreneurial realities.
A heartfelt thank you to EU’s Rural Development Fund,Leader Suomi and Joutsenten Reitti Ry — your support has been priceless, far beyond its monetary value. You have helped us take our first steps, and we look forward to continuing this journey together toward a more connected and thriving rural future.