site.btaOver EUR 8.5 Mln to Fund Tourism Development Projects in Bulgaria-Serbia Border Regions

Some 158 organisations from Bulgaria and Serbia are participating in the 43 project ideas submitted as part of the Call for Concept Proposals under the Territorial Strategy of the INTERREG VІ-А IPA Bulgaria-Serbia 2021-2027, the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works said here on Thursday.

The Ministry launched the call in June 2023. Projects with a total value of EUR 8.5 million will be funded under Specific Objective 2 "Improving regional competitiveness, including in the field of tourism". The programme region includes the territory of the Bulgarian regions of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Sofia region, Pernik and Kyustendil, as well as the regions of Bor, Zajecar, Toplica, Nishava, Pirot, Jablanica and Pčinja in Serbia.

Many of the ideas focus on a variety of tourism development activities, which include the development of new integrated regional tourism products, restoration, preservation and exposure of cultural heritage sites, support for natural tourist sites, investment in infrastructure and facilities, strengthening links between natural and cultural sites, including their connectivity and mobility, training of staff at tourist attractions, improving tourism marketing practices and branding of the cross-border region.

Most project concept proposals have been developed in partnerships with an average of four participants representing local/regional authorities and bodies, regional and sectoral development agencies, business support organisations, NGOs, academic, research, training, educational, social and cultural institutions. It is expected that the diversity and broadening of the scope of the project efforts will strengthen links between different areas and communities on both sides of the border, and contribute to the economic development of the area.

Following the review and approval of the submitted concepts by the Territorial Strategy Programme Management Board, the best project ideas that contribute to the achievement of the strategy will be able to proceed to the next stage with the development of full project proposals to be funded under the Interreg programme.