The Managing Authority of the Interreg (VI-A) IPA CBC “Greece-Albania” 2021-2027 is launching the 5th Targeted Call for Operation of Strategic Importance proposal, with an approximate indicative budget of maximum € 6 million. The EU contribution is 80% of the project’s total eligible costs and the project’s national co-financing is 20% of the total eligible costs.
For the 5th Targeted Call for the Operation of Strategic Importance foreseen in the Programme Document under the title “Thematic Touristic Routes”, the project proposal shall be submitted under the Specific Objective RSO 4.6 “Culture and Sustainable Tourism”.
The Specific Objective 4.6 aims to promote the rich cultural and natural heritage of the cross-border area, enhance the valorization of its heritage through the deployment of modern technological tools, making integrated cultural and tourism information more accessible. This joint approach is expected to diversify destinations, improve the visitor experience and strengthen the branding of underexploited tourism sites across the cross-border area.
In this context, this Call aims to support the joint development and implementation of actions for the preservation of key cultural monuments, combined with the development of digital tools for the promotion of thematic cultural routes, based on a strategic promotional plan. The strategic project shall focus on the creation of thematic tourist routes in the cross-border area highlighting cultural heritage assets, thereby diversifying the heritage-based tourism offer and fostering sustainable tourism development.
Developing these thematic tourist routes, supported by digital solutions, is expected to contribute to the establishment of a “smart” cross-border destination capable of attracting balanced visitor flows throughout the year and extending the tourism season. Planned interventions include the restoration of significant cultural heritage sites, the preparation of a strategic promotional plan, and the development of digital and complementary tools for the promotion of thematic routes. Investments under this Call are expected to contribute to EUSAIR Pillar 4 “Sustainable Tourism” and its related flagships, while also taking into account the principles of the New European Bauhaus.
The potential Applicants are encouraged, in order to understand the main features of the Targeted Call and prior to the submission of their project proposal, to carefully read:
the Terms of Reference of the 5th Targeted Call for Operation of Strategic Importance proposal here,
the Application Package / Supporting documents & guides here.
The Programme provides the following support measures and tools to assist applicants (potential beneficiaries) in submitting quality project proposals. In particular:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Questions may be sent in writing (at interreg@mou.gr) via an e-mail to the Managing Authority, no later than ten (10) calendar days before the deadline for the submission of proposals. Answers shall be given no later than five (5) calendar days before the deadline for the submission of Project Proposals.
- Helpdesks for technical support – For questions related to the application system, contact MIS helpdesk by email or consult the MIS user manual.
- National support by Antenna Office – Applicants can also reach out to Antenna Office in Albania. It offers national support regarding the calls and provides information in national languages on primarily national application issues.