"Sustainable tourism for local development"

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Date of latest update: 2025-12-15

Description

Description (EN):

The "SUSTOUR" project addresses several challenges in the program area that impact sustainable tourism and economic development. One of the key issues is the uneven development of tourism, where certain urban areas receive high visitor numbers while rural regions remain largely untapped in terms of tourism potential. For instance, in Šibenik-Knin County, the popularity of Šibenik and coastal settlements leads to issues like overcrowding and road congestion, affecting the overall quality and sustainability of tourism in the county. Similarly, in Herceg Novi Municipality, the impressive urban core attracts tourists, but the hinterland remains underdeveloped, resulting in missed opportunities for a more diverse tourism experience. Another critical challenge is the insufficiently developed cultural and tourism infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Visitor attractions and facilities in these regions lag behind those in urban areas, hindering their ability to attract more tourists and generate economic opportunities. Furthermore, the cultural heritage in the program area is not adequately protected and valorized, which can lead to its degradation and loss over time. Moreover, the pronounced seasonality of tourism is a significant concern. The majority of tourists visit the region during the summer months, leading to a seasonal pattern in destination visitation. By focusing on creating conditions for extending the tourism season through thematic events, the project aims to reduce the negative impacts of seasonality on local economies and communities. Additionally, the lack of awareness within the local community about tourism opportunities and ways to develop their capacities poses a challenge. Engaging local stakeholders and communities in tourism development is crucial for promoting authentic local experiences and ensuring long-term sustainable practices. The overall objective of the "SUSTOUR" project is to promote sustainable economic development, social inclusion, and innovation through the improvement of cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable tourism activities. By addressing the identified challenges, the project aims to create a more diversified and sustainable tourism offer in the Adriatic hinterland. The main outputs of the project include the development of visitor infrastructure , agrotourism events, educational programs, and the establishment of a Heritage Register. These outputs will benefit various stakeholders, including local communities, tourism entrepreneurs, and visitors seeking authentic and enriching experiences. To achieve its objectives, the project adopts a cross-border approach, bringing together partners from different regions and countries to collectively address shared challenges and leverage common tourism potentials. By collaborating across borders, the project partners can pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise, resulting in a more comprehensive and attractive tourism offering that transcends political boundaries. What sets the "SUSTOUR" project apart is its innovative approach to combine visitor infrastructure development with the preservation and valorization of cultural heritage. The project's emphasis on creating a digital platform for customizable tourist routes and promoting social innovation through the Competence Development Center in Rural Tourism distinguishes it as forward-thinking and responsive to modern tourism trends. Overall, the "SUSTOUR" project seeks to make a positive impact on the region by fostering sustainable tourism practices, promoting social inclusion, and preserving cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. Through cross-border cooperation and innovative strategies, the project aims to create a lasting and positive change in the Adriatic hinterland's tourism landscape.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The SUSTOUR project has made significant progress in its mission to enhance sustainable tourism through cultural and rural development, achieving noteworthy milestones across all partners. The City of Drniš, as the Lead Partner (LP), successfully launched the project with a well-received Kick-off Conference, attended by over 45 participants, including tourism stakeholders and cultural organizations. This event laid the groundwork for collaboration and showcased planned initiatives, such as the revitalization of the Old Mill, Gradina and the Tourist Information Center in Pakovo Selo. The LP also advanced promotional efforts, creating a distinct project identity through professionally designed materials like banners and logo, while ensuring visibility through media engagement and a dedicated project subpage. Key procurement processes for reconstruction and equipment further underline their proactive approach. Šibenik - Knin County (PP2) has contributed by preparing a procurement package for modernizing the Agrotourism Fair in Skradin, emphasizing the integration of sustainable practices into local tourism. Their participation in project meetings and effective promotion via websites and media portals has amplified project visibility and fostered regional engagement. The Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi (PP3) has focused on enhancing local cultural tourism by preparing for works on Forte Mare and acquiring essential IT equipment. Their active participation in workshops, meetings and local media engagements highlights their dedication to project goals. Despite a leadership transition, PP3 ensures continuity by integrating the new director seamlessly into project activities. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the West Herzegovina Canton (PP4) initiated efforts to preserve cultural heritage, with a special focus on documenting stećak tombstones and necropolises. This aligns with the broader objectives of cultural preservation and capacity building. Collaborative research with the City of Drniš has enriched understanding and underscored the project's cooperative spirit. Collectively, SUSTOUR project partners have demonstrated the value of cross-border collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism. By combining cultural preservation with strategic rural development, they have not only achieved their initial objectives but also laid a strong foundation for long-term impact in their respective regions.

Project outputs: Project partners cooperating acrosss borders(EN)
Improved tourist infrastructure(EN)
Improved agrotourism manifestations(EN)
Equipped Tourist Info Center in Pakovo Selo(EN)

Thematic information

Cultural heritage and arts Tourism Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_HR-B-ME_4) Sustainable and inclusive tourism and culture

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 (4)

Lead Partner: Grad Drniš

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 38309740312

Address: Trg kralja Tomislava , 22320 Drniš, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.drnis.hr/

Total budget: EUR 731 236.82

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 621 551.29

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 109 685.53

Contractors:

Name: HOOPLA KOMUNIKACIJE d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 44860066445
Name: INFO TURIST MEDIA j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 44860066445

Ministarstvo obrazovanja, znanosti, kulture i športa Županije Zapadnohercegovačke

Name: Ministarstvo obrazovanja, znanosti, kulture i športa Županije Zapadnohercegovačke

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4272107240009

Address: Stjepana Radića , 88220 Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://mozks-zzh.com/

Total budget: EUR 467 255.88

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 397 167.49

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 088.39

Turistička organizacija Herceg Novi

Name: Turistička organizacija Herceg Novi

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90/31-00990-9

Address: Jova Dabovica , 85340 Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.hercegnovi.travel/me/

Total budget: EUR 314 697.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 267 492.96

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 47 204.64

Contractors:

Name: Vezilac ZM predu Nikola Moskov
VAT registration or tax identification number: -
Name: D.O.O.Role inženjering
VAT registration or tax identification number: 90/31-01024-9
Name: Reklame "Svijet"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 90/31-00586-5
Name: D.O.O. Stanovčić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 90-31-005-9
Name: PC Planet DOO - PC Gamer
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-12404-1.

Šibensko-kninska županija

Name: Šibensko-kninska županija

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 99395814920

Address: Trg Pavla Šubića I, 22000 Šibenik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.sibensko-kninska-zupanija.hr/

Total budget: EUR 395 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 336 294.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 59 346.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of West Herzegovina Canton

"Sustainable tourism for local development"

Partners and Projects info

Tourism organization of Herceg Novi

"Sustainable tourism for local development"

Partners and Projects info

Šibenik-Knin County

"Sustainable tourism for local development"

Partners and Projects info

The City of Drniš

"Sustainable tourism for local development"

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): "Sustainable tourism for local development"

Project acronym: SUSTOUR

Project ID: HR-BA-ME00341

Project start date: 2024-09-15

Project end date: 2027-03-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

ADRIATIC CANYONING – Adriatic canyons adventure tours (EN) | The general objective of the AC was to strengthen and diversify the tourism offer in the Adriatic hinterland through a cross-border approach. The AC identified the Adriatic hinterland as a region rich in natural and cultural heritage, with a strong regional identity. The City of Drniš was, among others, project partner. The SUSTOUR project utilizes the expertise and knowledge of the lead partner from the "Adriatic Canyoning" project in the preparation and implementation of activities related to the development of visitor experiences in tourism. However, instead of focusing on adventure tourism, the emphasis is now on cultural and sustainable tourism with a focus on rural areas. Similar to the "Adriatic Canyoning" project, it is expected that the development of visitor experiences in the cultural and rural/agro tourism niche will result in the involvement of the local community in starting their own businesses or improving existing ones through participation in tourism.
The SUSTOUR project aims to:
1. Utilize the knowledge gained from the AC project to ensure advanced project management and implementation
2. Encourage the improvement of the tourism offer created in the AC project by developing cultural and rural/agro aspects of the cross-border tourism offer.
3. Utilize the existing network of local stakeholders who have recognized the opportunities in active tourism and support them in further developing their competencies
4. Expand cooperation with local stakeholders by providing them with a new platform to participate and showcase their offerings at events (including adventure tourism) and develop tourism competencies.
5. Provide a platform for co-creating an authentic visitor experience in the cross-border area for entrepreneurs who participated in the AC project.
6. Further promote the Adriatic hinterland destination as a unique tourism region with a similar cultural, natural, and gastronomic identity.
(EN), Cycling routes for the improvement of natural and cultural heritage of Herzegovina and Montenegro – Cycling Rural (EN) | The goal of the CR project was to strengthen and diversify the quality of the tourism offer, as well as to develop and promote outdoor cycling and tourism in rural areas of the cross-border regions of MNE and BiH. The project holder is the Office of the Government of the West Herzegovina County for European Integration, and the partners are the cities of Široki Brijeg and Ljubuški, the municipalities of Posušje and Grude, and the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi from Montenegro.
SUSTOUR also plans to organize a cycling tour that passes by the preserved stećci (medieval tombstones) in the West Herzegovina County. This contributes to the sustainability of the Cycling Rural project by incorporating the cultural heritage of stećci into the cycling offer. Furthermore, bicycles have been procured in Herceg Novi, and attractive rural routes have been mapped, creating an audience. By organizing new events, the tourism offer is expanded, and the tourism potential of the rural part of Herceg Novi is developed. Based on the Cycling Rural project, SUSTOUR:
1. Utilizes the know-how of project partners developed during CR for the development of rural tourism and advanced project management.
2. Utilizes the existing tourism platform for rural tourism and cycling trails, enriching it with the dimension of cultural heritage (stećci), natural heritage (interactive didactic trail in Orjen), and agro-gastronomic heritage of the Adriatic hinterland (organization of agro-tourism and gastronomic events).
3. Further promotes the destination of the Adriatic hinterland as a unique tourism region with a similar cultural, natural, and gastronomic identity.
4. Deepens collaboration with local stakeholders who were part of the CR project, as it provides them with a new platform for participation and presentation of their offerings and further development of competencies in tourism.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 908 830.30

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 622 505.74

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 622 505.74. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I2.1 - Renovation of the Old Mill, Drniš - EUR 190 000.00 - country: Hrvatska (HR), town: Drniš, Jadranska Hrvatska (HR03), Šibensko-kninska županija (HR034)
I2.2 - Renovation of the Južna kula (South Tower) - EUR 122 000.00 - country: Crna Gora (ME), town: Herceg Novi, Crna Gora (ME00), Crna Gora (ME000)

Deliverables:

Technical equipment
Report
Software with web page
Report
Lecture on the Heritage of Stećak Tombstones
Project-Technical Documentation for Zapadna kula (West Tower)
Project technical documentation for replicating the charter
Heritage List
Interactive tables
Action Plan for Modernization of Agrotourism Fair in Skradin
Equipment
Organisation of manifestations
Exibition in Old Mill
Exibition in Južna kula (South Tower)
Didactic-interactive trail in the Orjen Nature Park
Visitor installation Gradina
Kick off meeting
Visibility items
Publications
Cultural Heritage Guide
Promotional campaigns
Cycling routes "Stećak by Stećak"
Internal meetings
Outdoor signage
Final conference
Outdoor children’s playground
Equipment
Report
Education sessions held at the Center for Competency Development in Tourism
Education sessions held in Blidinje
Promotion campaign_CCDRT
Promotion campaign_Blidinje
Promotion campaign_ŠKŽ

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The project “SUSTOUR” aims to promote sustainable economic development, social inclusion and innovation in the Adriatic hinterland through the improvement of cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable tourism activities. Regarding the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, project “SUSTOUR” correlates with Pillar 4: Sustainable tourism, specific objective 1. Diversification of the macro – region’s tourism products and services along with tackling seasonality of inland, coastal, and maritime tourism demands. Project “SUSTOUR” directly aligns with this objective by promoting the diversification of tourism products and services in the Adriatic hinterland- Through the development of visitor infrastructure, agrotourism events, and educational programs, the project aims to create a more varied and attractive tourism offering beyond the traditional sun and sea destinations. Additionally, by establishing a digital platform for customizable tourist routes, the project addresses seasonality challenges by attracting visitors throughout the year with tailored experiences. It also corresponds with Pillar 4: Sustainable tourism, specific objective 2. Improving the quality and innovation of tourism offer and enhancing the sustainable and responsible tourism capacities of the tourism actors across the macro-region. Project “SUSTOUR” is highly aligned with this objective as it places significant emphasis on enhancing the quality and innovation of the tourism offer in the Adriatic hinterland. By protecting and valorizing cultural heritage through the Heritage Register, the project contributes to the sustainable development of tourism assets. The establishment of the Competence Development Center in Rural Tourism fosters social innovation by providing educational and advisory support to tourism professionals, improving their skills and capacities for offering responsible and sustainable tourism experiences.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion SUSTOUR correlates with Priority 1. A more competitive and smarter Danube Region, specific objective RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation, especially with Focus 1: Valorisation of local cultural and natural heritage for the development of sustainable tourism products and tourism services in order to increase and Focus 3: Promoting community led natural and cultural heritage management and associated nature based and cultural tourism in rural areas and small cities.
SUSTOUR preserves cultural heritage, diversifies the tourism offer, and promotes year-round sustainable tourism in the Danube region. Additionally, the project actively involves local communities in planning and managing tourism assets, fostering social and economic development.
Other SUSTOUR is aligned with the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia 2030 in terms of Development Direction 1 - 'Sustainable Economy and Society,' Strategic Goal 1 - 'Competitive and Innovative Economy,' and Priority Area 4 - 'Development of Sustainable, Innovative, and Resilient Tourism.' It is aligned by aiming to enhance and promote sustainable tourism as a driver of economic development and social inclusion. The project focuses on promoting sustainable practices in tourism and preserving cultural heritage to ensure the long-term well-being of local communities and protect natural resources. Additionally, the project adopts an innovative approach, including the development of a digital platform for customizable tourist routes, targeting a younger audience and individuals with disabilities by providing information on the accessibility of tourist facilities within the project area. The project is directed at addressing the challenges of sustainable and innovative tourism in rural and less-developed regions. It aims to improve tourism infrastructure in rural areas, promote sustainable practices and cultural heritage conservation, and support the development of agrotourism and year-round events to attract visitors."
EuropeanGreenDeal The SUSTOUR project is closely linked to the goals of the European Green Deal, particularly through promoting circular economy by sharing equipment to reduce waste and optimize resources. By organizing agrotourism and gastro-festivals, it encourages sustainable rural agriculture for local entrepreneurs and participants in fairs and festivals, with a focus on cultural heritage, gastronomy and tradition. The Centre for Competency Development in Rural Tourism, as part of the lead partners activity and responsibilities, plays a crucial role in supporting tourism professionals from the region and newcomers in this sector, enabling knowledge exchange and successful projects in sustainable tourism, which directly corelates with promotion of sustainable tourism industry.
Other The project directly contributes to the following:
- Development strategy of the West Herzegovina County for the period 2021 - 2027 within the Measure: 3.5.1. – 3.5.4. The management of cultural, natural and intangible heritage.
- All municipalities’ spatial plans within Protection of the environment, natural and cultural heritage and Protection of cultural and historical heritage.
- Strategy of cultural policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2008.
- The development strategies of Posusje 2021-2027
- The development strategy of Ljubuški 2021-2027
-Integrated development strategy of Široki Brijeg Široki Brijeg
- Strategy of rural development of West Herzegovina Canton 2020-2030.
- Tourism Development Strategy of West Herzegovina Canton 2020-2027.
- EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR)
Other SUSTOUR is aligned with the Tourism Development Strategy of Montenegro 2022-2025, strategic goal 1: 'Through investment and formalization of tourist traffic, Montenegro is affirmed as a globally recognized tourist destination, with reduced seasonality of operations, moderate regional imbalances, and prioritization of tourism in development policies.' It also supports operational goal 4: 'Improved quality of diversified tourist product.' This goal recognizes cultural and rural tourism as niches for diversifying Montenegro's tourist offerings. SUSTOUR implements activities related to the development of project-technical documentation for the West Tower, the renovation of the South Tower (culture heritage) and the enhancement of the Rural Food Fair in the Herceg Novi rural area.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 120 - Projects supporting cooperation across borders to develop urban-rural linkages, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 077 - Visitors of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:

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

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

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-15

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

37 / 37 (100%)

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

167 / 167 (100%)

Notes on the data

The end dates of project: - RACE 2 - APOLLO - CODES - SMART STEP are an approximation based on the programme's List of Operations available on the programme's website on 2024 -09-18. There the end date is marked in quarters. Combined total of all projects partnerships (11764705.89) in field total_budget is larger than projects total (1499618.4) of total_budget.

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"Sustainable tourism for local development"

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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