Spa resorts and the hotel business with access to EU funding from OPDR in the next programming period

Deputy Minister Nikolova: We are investing more than EUR 1.483 billion  for the development of regions and the economy in the next seven years  

Recreational and spa resorts as well as the hotel business in the country will have access to EU funds for the implementation of projects under the Operational Programme "Development of Regions" 2021-2027. They will be able to receive funding to implement major infrastructure projects in the form of integrated investments in partnership with at least three other stakeholders.  This was announced in Sandanski by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of the Operational Development Programme Denitsa Nikolova, who took part in a round table on "Bulgarian Spa Resorts - Sustainable European Health Destinations" and presented the opportunities for improving the infrastructure in tourist destinations.  The forum, organized by the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism, was attended by representatives of the association, mayors of municipalities from the country and others.  

Deputy Minister Nikolova informed that the funds available for the programme are about 1.483 billion euro, and national co-financing will be added to this amount.  It is expected that the programme will be open for applications from the middle of next year.

"Tourism is one of the main priorities of the new operational programme and we will rely on the sector to positively influence the development of small settlements, where there are the biggest imbalances," Nikolova said.  In this regard, she pointed out that restaurateurs and hoteliers, as representatives of the business, will be able to implement different types of activities and measures to support the economic sector and raise the standard of living and income in the regions.  The projects should include a combination of different types of measures - construction of supporting infrastructure, improvement of surrounding spaces, mobility, connectivity, accessibility to the spa resorts themselves.  "We are counting on the tourism business to contribute good project ideas that bring higher value to the territory and strong economic growth," Nikolova said.

The Deputy Minister also reminded that there will be no settlements in the country without access to EU funding, so all tourist municipalities will have the opportunity to implement projects, including cooperation of tourist organizations between urban and rural municipalities.

In the new programming period, in addition to cultural tourism, social and health tourism will also be in focus and will receive EU funding.  Measures aimed at the rehabilitation, recovery and aftercare of the elderly are foreseen.  There is also the possibility of implementing new infrastructure for nursing homes.

The deputy minister also commented that apart from investments in infrastructure, the tourism sector will be supported with easy access to low-interest credit lines, grants, etc. The industry will also be able to count on funds to support advertising and promotion of natural attractions, as well as a line for training and training of personnel for the various tourist sites.