The tourism sector is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) whose potentials have to be strengthened in order to increase employment opportunities in the sector. Therefore the goal of the project was to develop of competences of employees and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. A key to these goals lies within the strengthening of operational capabilities of the actors through increased and improved opportunities for learning in the workplace. For this goal, the project aimed to facilitate and transfer the innovative learning method "bench-effect” to the tourism sector.In particular the project had the following objectives:- Strengthening of self-reflection in SMEs- Strengthening of motivation and creativity of entrepreneurs and employees in-house- Strengthening of networking among SMEs- Promoting a strategic management in SMEs- Increased involvement of the employees in change processes- Creation of a sustainable and lasting learning environment in the workplace