The development of the business and tourism is the key-factor supporting the development and well-being the islands of the Baltic. Rapidly growing modern business branches (education, services, e-business, new kinds of tourism etc), which are becoming a vital part of the traditional economy, also expect such trends from the islands of the Baltic in order to maintain the level of jobs and income on the islands.

The B7 co-operation is expected to support the development of local economy using the commonly co-ordinated projects, which are targeted on:

• developing new products for traditional industry;
• acquiring and implementing new technologies;
• common marketing and development activities aimed on new growing markets;
• supporting the development of new types of business branches;
• improving the role of municipalities/ authorities in the local economic development.

To achieve the objectives defined, WG Tourism and Business organises and supports the preparation and implementation of the co-operation and joint projects for businesses, organisations on charge of local business development, municipalities and/or local authorities.