Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania

Date of latest update: 2026-05-06

Description

Description (EN):

Latvia and Lithuania have a pronounced seasonality of tourism. To tackle this challenge project SnowPower aims to enhance the low tourism season – winter, thus contributing to economic development and sustainability of Daugavpils (Latvia) and Visaginas (Lithuania) cross-border region as a sustainable tourism destination. By establishing a cooperation network between both municipalities and developing new tourism offer - ski tracks, this cross-border region will be promoted as destination for active winter tourism activities. As the result of the implemented activities, both Daugavpils and Visaginas cross-border region will have become more sustainable and more inclusive tourism destination.

Description (LV):

Latvijā un Lietuvā ir izteikta tūrisma sezonalitāte. Lai risinātu šo izaicinājumu, projekta SnowPower mērķis ir attīstīt ziemas tūrismu, tādējādi veicinot Daugavpils (Latvija) un Visaginas (Lietuva) pārrobežu reģiona kā ilgtspējīga tūrisma galamērķa ekonomisko attīstību un ilgtspējību. Izveidojot sadarbības tīklu starp abām pašvaldībām un attīstot jaunu tūrisma piedāvājumu - slēpošanas trases, šis pārrobežu reģions tiks popularizēts kā aktīvā ziemas tūrisma galamērķis. Īstenoto aktivitāšu rezultātā gan Daugavpils, gan Visaginas pārrobežu reģions būs kļuvuši par ilgtspējīgāku un iekļaujošāku tūrisma galamērķi.

Description (LT):

Latvijos ir Lietuvos turizmo sezoniškumas yra ryškus. Siekiant išspręsti šį iššūkį, projektu "SnowPower" siekiama sustiprinti "žemąjį" turizmo sezoną - žiemą, taip prisidedant prie Daugpilio (Latvija) ir Visagino (Lietuva) pasienio regiono, kaip darnios turizmo vietovės, ekonominės plėtros ir tvarumo. Sukūrus bendradarbiavimo tarp abiejų savivaldybių tinklą ir plėtojant naują turizmo pasiūlą - slidinėjimo trasas, šis pasienio regionas bus reklamuojamas kaip aktyvaus žiemos turizmo vieta. Įgyvendintos veiklos rezultatas - Daugpilio ir Visagino pasienio regionas taps tvaresne ir labiau įtraukiančia turizmo vietove.

Actual Achievements (EN):

On 5th March, 2024 a Partnership Agreement was signed between the Lead Partner (Daugavpils City Municipality, Latvia) and the Project Partner (Visaginas Municipality, Lithuania) for the implementation of the project "Sustainable Cross-Border Cooperation in the Development of Winter Tourism, SnowPower", Nr.: LL-00123. On 20th March, 2024 online kick-off meeting of the project was organized. The meeting was in 2 parts: the first part of the meeting included a welcome, the status of the project, planned activities described for all people involved working in the project, as well as for steering group, and the 2nd part of the meeting - project management - discussion of project management questions between main SnowPower project managers from LV and LT. It was a productive start for cooperation between tourism professionals in Daugavpils and Visaginas. On 24th July, 2024 LP organized a training "Green and digital skills in tourism supporting winter tourism season" in Daugavpils, Latvia, for tourism professionals and municipal staff working in urban development in Daugavpils, Latvia and Visaginas, Lithuania. Participants of the training worked together on the development of Daugavpils and Latvia as a successful cross-border destination for winter tourism. Both partners implemented publicity activities - A3 project info post at its premises, information online about the project - both on partner’s websites and latlit.eu. Procurement plans were developed. Procurement for investment works "Installation of the artificial snow blanket creation system in the Stropi forest in Daugavpils" LP planned within the project is in the process. PP2 signed a construction contract for the repair works of the ski slope on 9th April, 2024. The renovation works are scheduled to be completed on 6 October 2024. Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the SnowPower project, which aims to boost winter tourism opportunities in the cross-border region of Daugavpils (Latvia) and Visaginas (Lithuania). The cooperation between the lead partner (LP) and project partner (PP2) has already delivered tangible results in infrastructure, accessibility, promotion, and capacity-building. Infrastructure Development A major milestone was reached on 14 November 2024 with the signing of a contract between LP and Ltd. CBF & LANDSCAPE for the installation of an artificial snow blanket creation system in the Stropi forest in Daugavpils. As of now, 13.56% of the construction work has been completed. To ensure quality and proper supervision, two additional contracts were signed on 15 November 2024: With Ltd. Ekolat for author’s supervision of the infrastructure works; With Ltd. INRI for construction supervision. In Visaginas, ordinary repair works of the ski slope with asphalt concrete surface were successfully completed on 1 October 2024. Additionally, essential equipment for ski slope maintenance, including a quad bike with tracks, a slope maintenance machine, and a trailer, was procured, with delivery finalized on 17 December 2024. Accessibility and Inclusion To support inclusive tourism, LP signed a contract with Ltd. KD SHOP on 29 January 2025 for the purchase of sleds designed for people with special needs, enhancing accessibility for all winter visitors. Promotion and Marketing Efforts to promote the cross-border region as a joint winter tourism destination have continued actively. On 29 January 2025, an agreement was signed with Ltd. ORGLAB for the creation of engaging video content showcasing both Daugavpils and Visaginas. These short videos, intended for social media, aim to attract a wider audience to the region. The video production process is being coordinated jointly between LP and PP2, using remote communication tools and planned site visits. Capacity Building and Coordination A joint project management meeting was held online via Zoom on 6 December 2024 to review progress, identify risks, and ensure alignment with project goals. Earlier, on 24 July 2024, LP organized a capacity-building training session in Daugavpils titled "Green and digital skills in tourism supporting the winter tourism season." The training targeted tourism professionals and municipal staff from both Latvia and Lithuania, reinforcing the project’s sustainability and innovation objectives. Publicity and Communication Both project partners have actively promoted the project through various channels: A3 project information posters displayed at their premises; Project updates published on municipal websites and on latlit.eu. Added Value of Cooperation The cross-border cooperation has added significant value by fostering joint planning, shared promotion, and knowledge exchange between Daugavpils and Visaginas. Through joint procurement, co-developed marketing materials, and coordinated trainings, the partnership strengthens the region’s visibility and competitiveness as a winter tourism destination. The project continues to move forward with strong collaboration and commitment from both partners, ensuring impactful and sustainable results for the region.

Project outputs: Two local public authorities cooperating across borders(EN)
Website: http://www.visitdaugavpils.lv

Thematic information

Tourism

Priority: (VI-A_Lv-Lt_4) Priority 4 Economic potential of tourism and heritage

Priority specific objective: RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 165 Protection, development and promotion of public tourism assets and tourism services

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Daugavpils valstspilsētas pašvaldība

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90000077325

Address: Krišjāņa Valdemāra street, LV-5401 Daugavpils, Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.daugavpils.lv

Total budget: EUR 513 187.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 410 550.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 102 637.50

Contractors:

Name: HolgerSigmundManagment&Project
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: SIA "Tower Lords"
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: SIA "Svente Mng"
VAT registration or tax identification number: LV41503070208
Name: SIA "CBF & LANDSCAPE”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41502012170
Name: SIA „KD SHOP”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40203256674
Name: SIA „Ekolat”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41503009958
Name: SIA „INRI”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41503010158
Name: SIA „ORGLAB”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41503067123

Visagino savivaldybės administracija

Name: Visagino savivaldybės administracija

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 188711925

Address: Parko g., LT31140 Visaginas, Lithuania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://visaginas.lt/

Total budget: EUR 227 226.93

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 181 781.54

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 445.39

Contractors:

Name: UAB 'Audit&Accounting'
VAT registration or tax identification number: LT100005081410
Name: UAB "MELINGOS KELIAI"
VAT registration or tax identification number: LT676009716
Name: UAB "MOTORIDER"
VAT registration or tax identification number: LT100001201716
Name: VRPC
VAT registration or tax identification number: not subject to VAT
Name: UAB "SPAUDOS DEPARTAMENTAS"
VAT registration or tax identification number: LT100874716

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Visaginas municipality

Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development

Partners and Projects info

Daugavpils local municipality

Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development

Project acronym: SnowPower

Project ID: LL-00123

Project start date: 2024-02-01

Project end date: 2026-01-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

LLI-326, Cross-border Increase in Regional Cultural Heritage Tourism (CIRCUIT) (EN) | The project implemented activities in Daugavpils (LV) and Kaunas (LT) in order to increase number of visitors and overnight stays in Daugavpils and Kaunas regions, as well as in the whole programme area. Project SnowPower continues working towards this objective, concentrating more on winter tourism season, as the low tourist season. Cross-border cooperation was essential part in CIRCUIT project, SnowPower project builds on this experience and enhances cross-border cooperation in tourism area. (EN), The Interreg MED WINTER MED project (EN) | The project worked on "Shared vision and commitment to year-round sustainable tourism in Mediterranean island destinations and beyond". SnowPower project has a synergy with this project - having a similar purpose and wanting to enhance low tourism season in Daugavpils (LV) and Visaginas (LT) cross-border region thus contributing to year-round sustainable tourism. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 740 414.43

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 592 331.54

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 592 331.54. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Development of Winter Tourism Infrastructure, LV - EUR 417 629.87 - country: Latvija (LV), town: Daugavpils, street: State city of Daugavpils, Stropi forest, Latvija (LV00), Latgale (LV005)
I1.2 - Development of Winter Tourism Infrastructure, LT - EUR 158 972.00 - country: Lietuva (LT), town: Visaginas, street: Visaginas municipality, Visaginas city, Vidurio ir vakarų Lietuvos regionas (LT02), Utenos apskritis (LT029)

Deliverables:

Ski track improvement in Daugavpils, LV
Ski track improvement in Visaginas, LT
Opening event for new tourism offer - ski track in Daugavpils, LV
Opening event for new tourism offer - ski track in Visaginas, LT
Purchase of 3 sleds for people with special needs (Daugavpils, LV)
Purchase of skis and roller skates (Visaginas, LT)
Purchase of ski track maintaining equipment (Visaginas, LT)
Purchase of a multifunctional compact tractor for snow track maintenance and related attachments
Media trip to Daugavpils (LV) organized
Media trip to Visaginas (LT) organized
Video clips created
Project profile on www.latlit.eu
Project information on official websites of LP and PP2
Informative posters at premises of each LP and PP2
Durable plaque or billboard installed to mark physical investments in Visaginas (LT)
Durable plaque or billboard installed to mark physical investments in Daugavpils (LV)
At least 10 social media posts with information about the project
Training «Green and digital skills in tourism supporting winter tourism season» organised
Study visit of tourism sector professionals to Daugavpils organised
Study visit of tourism sector professionals to Visaginas organised
Brainstorming session organised online

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion Project SnowPower contributes to the EUSBSR objective: ‘Increase prosperity - Improved global
competitiveness of the Baltic Sea region’. Both Daugavpils and Visginas are part of the Baltic Sea region. New tourism offers developed within SnowPower project will motivate overnight stays and returning tourists in local areas, therefore strengthening the local economy. Increase of overall welfare in the cities will make both Daugavpils and Visaginas more attractive for living, studying, working and visiting which means increasing prosperity.
Project also contributes to actions of EUSBSR Policy Area "Culture" - Action 2: Promoting Baltic Sea region culture, cultural diversity and European values, promoting culture as a driver for sustainable development. Activities that will promote Daugavpils and Visaginas cross-border region as a sustainable tourism destination, as well as project communication activities that will popularize the Interreg program and EU investments in the cities, will contribute to promotion of European values, promoting local culture.
SnowPower also contributes to actions of EUSBSR Policy Area "Tourism" Action 2: Investing in people, skills and technology in the tourism industry. Training that will be organized for tourism professionals and municipality employees that work towards the development of the cities Daugavpils and Visaginas, will increase their capacity - it will be investments both in people and in the tourism industry.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders (MANDATORY): 2.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR84) Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion (MANDATORY): 2.0

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-05

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

67 / 67 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

230 / 235 (97.87%)

Notes on the data

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Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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