Key issues are related to strengthening the competitiveness of micro, small and medium tourism service providers by enhancing their access to global markets by means of improved business opportunities through the certification scheme, its continuous improvement focus, education, training and consulting services.The pilot project will focus on the development and testing of a certification scheme for small hospitality sector representatives and for wineries with capacity to host visitors. It will undertake research and use customer feedback to educate members on new trends in tourism development and will help establish a network of certified partners to raise awareness of the Authentic Danube Quality Mark across the region and amongst selected international markets. Expected Results: On the one hand, the project is expected to bring about induced cooperation between stakeholders which, in turn, is bound to improve professionalism towards consistently delivering the best to visitors. The improved quality of service will result in enhanced experiences and greater satisfaction.In the meantime, this pilot phase will strengthen cooperation between partners from the "Middle and Lower" Danube and the upper stream of the river, which will inevitably play a crucial role in balancing the overall tourism development on a region-wide level.