This paper discusses an e-learning pilot study focusing on local tourist producers and businesses involved in the production of artefacts, mainly textiles. The project included research into the possibilities of incorporating the strengths of local cultural heritage as a vital starting point for design creativity, innovation, production and education. A special educational module was developed, employing new technology, and was applied experimentally to selected participating tourist producers, offering them fundamental design education, computer training and basic management and marketing education. The programme was made available via distance learning, thus providing tourist producers and workshops in remote and rural areas with access to training and an opportunity to develop the skills necessary for them to be competitive. Examples are offered from the research work and the adapted teaching programme. (Contains 3 figures.)