Specific objective RSO5.2 – Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security, in areas other than urban areas.

Category: Cross-border cooperation

Project duration: 20.03.2025 – 19.03.2027

Project budget: 967 379,08 EUR

Project partners:

• Lead Partner: Municipality of Kresna, Bulgaria
• Project partner 2: Municipality of Vasilevo, North Macedonia
• Project partner 3: IN FOCUS Association, Bulgaria
• Project partner 4: DTPU Sasi-Trade Dooel, North Macedonia
• Project partner 5: Vine-wine association “Keratsuda” Kresna municipality, Bulgaria
• Project partner 6: TD Sinanitsa 2000 Association, Bulgaria

Territorial scope: Kresna and Strumyani Municipalities, Blagoevgrad District, Bulgaria and Vasilevo Municipality, Southeastern Region, North Macedonia

Project overall objectives:

1. Improving socio-economic conditions for sustainable growth through investments in infrastructure providing a competitive advantage for the development of cultural and eco-tourism
2. Bringing together the potential of local communities and territories to create attractive all-season tourist destinations through intelligent solutions, creativity and a multi-sectoral approach of action
3. Applying digital and green solutions to improve the business environment and employment opportunities in tourism.

Target groups: Travel companies, tour operators and tourist information centers, local, regional and national institutions and organizations, representatives of training and educational institutions and organizations, SMEs and NGOs working in the field of tourism and servicing the tourist flow, youth and vulnerable groups, media.

Planned activities:

Work package 1: Investments in tourism and cultural infrastructure for sustainable growth
     Activity 1.1 Creation of an innovative ECO CENTER SINANITSA in Kresna municipality
     Activity 1.2 Purchase of equipment and furnishing for the Sinanitsa Eco Center and TIC
     Activity 1.3 Renovation of the House of Culture in Gradoshortsi village, Vasilevo municipality
     Activity 1.4 Purchase of equipment and furnishing for the House of Culture
     Activity 1.5 Information and communication activities

Work package 2: Creation of all-season tourist offers, cooperation and networking
     Activity 2.1 Creation of 2 integrated tourist destinations
     Activity 2.2 Pilot testing of the new tourist destinations
     Activity 2.3 Cross-border forums for cooperation and networking

Work package 3: Development of digital and green skills and solutions
     Activity 3.1 Organization of youth Eco camp “Friends of Pirin”
     Activity 3.2 STORYDOERS – Training
     Activity 3.3 360° virtual tour and promotional video

Expected results of the project implementation:

1. Renovation and modernization of cultural and tourist infrastructure
   – Innovative Ecocenter “Sinanitsa” created in Kresna municipality
   – Renovated House of Culture in the village of Gradoshortsi, Vasilevo municipality
2. STORYDOERS pilot training for creating digital stories for local tourism
3. Creation of 2 integrated tourist destinations
   – Destination “In the footsteps of Miss Stone” in Vasilevo Municipality
   – Destination “In the Lands of the Keratsuda” in Kresna and Strumyani municipalities
4. Population covered within the project – 20230 people (population of the three municipalities, tourists, business partners, online visitors, population of neighboring municipalities, etc.)

Main activities of the IN FOCUS Association:

1. Creation, branding and marketing of a new tourist destination “In the lands of Keratsudata” for the municipalities of Kresna and Strumyani, with special attention to local wine production and natural heritage.
   Implementation period: 20.09.2025 – 19.09.2026
2. STORYDOERS training – Trained 20 young people from local communities to create digital stories to present and promote local tourism.
   Implementation period: 20.06.2025 – 19.09.2026
3. 360° virtual tour and promotional video – to present the region in an innovative and accessible way for the online audience.
   Implementation period: 20.12.2025 – 19.12.2026

    

How can you get involved?

If you are interested in the project or would like to learn more about opportunities for cooperation, training or participation in tourism initiatives, do not hesitate to contact us!
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Contacts for additional information: Contact form or email: nafocus.strumyani@gmail.com