Description (EN): The implementation of the project concept "Cross-border attractiveness-intelligent tourism in the region Kyustendil-Kriva Palanka-Nevestino " will contribute to achieve sustainable economic growth by creating conditions and prerequisites of increasing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Kyustendil-Kriva Palanka-Nevestino cross-border region by diversifying tourist mobility and attractive sustainable tourist products capable of attracting a significant number of visitors.The construction of appropriate infrastructure for the needs of tourism will stimulate the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and will contribute to the transformation of the region into an attractive destination for Bulgarian, Macedonian and foreign tourists and businesses. Through measures improving the transformation of tourism into an industry with year-round employment, sustainable economic growth, opening of new jobs, increasing people's well-being, getting to know the cross-border cultural and historical heritage and maintaining warm and friendly relations between the cross-border population will be supported.
The implementation of the project will contribute to the transformation of the cross-border region Kyustendil-Kriva Palanka-Nevestino into an attractive place for life, work and recreation, with a developed economy, modern and diverse forms of tourism, with environmentally friendly mobility of international importance.
The newly created competitive tourist product on both sides of the border will be aimed at the Bulgarian, Macedonian and last but not least the international market with the aim of getting to know and preserving the natural and cultural-historical heritage and will be an effective springboard for entering international markets.The growth of tourism sector in the economy and of tourism business in general will be higher, the number of tourism companies will grow and the share of people employed in the tourism business will increase, the supply of tourist products within the cross-border region will increase, the share of overnight visits by Bulgarians and foreign citizens will increase, which will lead to an increase in income from the development of the tourism industry.The implementation of construction activities and the attraction of investments in the sector for the construction of new and modernization of the existing tourist infrastructure will be of crucial importance for its development in the next years. The measures will be focused on the tourist product, marketing and advertising, with a view of securing financial assistance from EU programs, as well as attracting private capital.
Increasing the interest of potential tourists and increasing the tourist flow will become an engine for development of cross-border tourism business and revitalization of other branches of service and production sphere in the short and medium term.
The joint integrated pilot solution will enable the project partners from both sides of the border to adopt, develop and test new approaches, products and techniques to promote tourism in the Kyustendil-Kriva Palanka-Nevestino cross-border region, taking advantage of its territorial potential.
The main goal of the project and the achievement of the set indicators could not be realized through national or local and regional mrograms, because only through the development and implementation of common new competitive tourism products could the policy of cohesion, which aims to solve cross-border problems and jointly develop the potential of the different territories, be developed and multiplied. While most internal EU programs (programmes covering territories of EU Member States only) provide support for solutions to global challenges, TGS-IPA territories still face the need to catch up in their socio-economic development. Therefore, the main joint challenge of the target region of the cross-border cooperation between Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of North Macedonia is to leave the group of lagging regions and take a more advanced course of development, while at the same time it still faces persistent problems related to risk of poverty and income inequality, which is due to negative demographic changes, underdeveloped regional chains of value creation and entrepreneurship development, low technological specialization, unattractive and uncompetitive economic environment.
Read more Actual Achievements (EN): After the start of the project and with the aim of the qualitative and effective implementation of the project activities, achieving the set results and indicators of the project PP1 appointed a manager, coordinator and financial officer, to fulfill their duties according to the application form. After appointment of the project management team LP1 MK prepared all documents according to the PIM.
The project team developed an Annex 14 Communication Strategy, the aim of which is to raise awareness of the social significance of the project, highlighting the financial support from EU funds attached to the present report. The project team also elaborated an Project Management System Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan. In addition, the team developed a procurement plan (approved by the Joint Secretariat). According to the approved project procurement plan No1, in this reporting period the Municipality of Kyustendil - LP1 organized and conducted the following tender procedures:
- Implementation of construction and renovation works on the site: "Ecopath for Health", located in PI41112.58.8 and renovation of a park area located in PI41112.58.65.
- Implementation of construction and civil engineering works on the site: "Adventure Park, alleys and recreational areas, environmentally friendly transfer for cars and bicycles" under the regulation and development plan for the "Hisarlaka" area, land of the town of Kyustendil - STAGE I. Construction contracts have been signed and construction has currently begun. A construction supervision contracts has been signed also.
On 30.04.2025 the Joint Secretariat conducted an Initial online Monitoring of the project, where the financial and technical implementation of the project was discussed with the project team.
PP2 - During the first reporting period, the Municipality of Kriva Palanka (PP2) successfully initiated and completed a set of preparatory activities essential for the timely and efficient implementation of the infrastructure intervention foreseen under the project. The appointment of the local team which includes Project assistant and project accountant and their active involvement in inter-partner coordination meetings ensured continuous communication with the Lead Partner (Municipality of Kyustendil) and other project partners. This collaboration has supported the alignment of milestones and contributed to the overall coherence of activities. The successful launch press conference on 29 April 2025 in Municipality of Kriva Palanka with all project partners representative, also media, also contributed to the visibility and outreach activities, generating public interest and reinforcing the joint promotional narrative of the cross-border tourism strategy. This activity complemented similar actions implemented by other partners and supported the harmonized public presentation of the project.
PP3 - in line with the timeframe planned in the AF. The following administrative activities have been completed:
A team has been formed, which includes a methodological expert, to coordinate, lead and coordinate the partner's activities, as well as communicate with other project partners. Construction contract have been signed and construction has currently begun. A construction supervision contracts and author's contract has been signed also.
PP4 - The project team has been appointed which includes Project coordinator. The project has been registered with the Ministry of European Affairs and a sub-account has been opened for the project. The tender dossier for Services has been prepared and published on 22nd of May 2025 on local website.
PP5 - in line with the timeframe planned in the AF. The following administrative activities have been completed: composing and mobilization of the project management team which includes Technical expert. Issued Administrative order for nomination of the project team member by PP5; prepared and approved Project Procurement Plan; Communication with JS experts; Active contacts and exchange of ideas between the partners in the project, as well as active consultations with the lead partner regarding the development and coordination of the following project documents: Project management system plan and Quality assurance project plan for effective implementation of the activities and Communication strategy for implementation of communication measures under the project. During the reporting period one project meeting was carried out in Kriva Palanka on 29/04/2025. The meeting was held in the frame of Open press conference organized by PP2. During the meeting project implementation was discussed. Project partners have also discussed the progress with the procurements.
PP6 - The National Institution Museum Kumanovo, as PP6, carried out several preparatory and administrative activities in accordance with the responsibilities specified in the approved application form. A project management team has been assigned (Project Technical coordinator).
PP1 (LP) - During the second reporting period, Kyustendil Municipality, as the lead partner in the project, achieved significant progress in the implementation of construction and installation works (C&I) of both objects.
Regarding the site: "Adventure Park, alleys and recreational areas, environmentally friendly transfer for cars and bicycles" under the regulation and development plan for the "Hisarlaka" area, land of the city of Kyustendil, construction is on schedule. The site is 80% complete and must be completed within the period specified in the Contract. At the moment, there are no problems with the implementation. To the builder so far for the advance payment and interim payment paid. Another interim payment and final payment are planned.
Regarding the site: "Ecopath of Health", located in PI 41112.58.8 and repair of park space located in PI 41112.58.65 under the CCCR of the city of Kyustendil. The facility was completed without any problems or complaints. A Permit for Use has been issued. All obligations to the contractor have been paid.
PP2 - During the second reporting period, significant progress was made in implementing project activities. The Municipality of Kriva Palanka completed two procurement procedures and signed the contracts.
1. The procurement for Construction of adrenalin park under the ref.no. Adventure Park 01-02, contract signed on 20.08.2025
2. The procurement for Supervision of works for construction of adventure park on Kalin Kamen, ref. no. Adventure Park 01-03 was finalised and the contract was signed on 20.06.2025 with DPITU MG PROEKT DOOEL.
PP3 - During the second period of the PP3 project, the Municipality of Nevestino started construction on the location: Improvement and landscaping of a yard in the village of Smolichano, Nevestino municipality, in the PI with identifier 67619.28.92 under the CCCR of the village of Smolichano, Nevestino municipality, Kyustendil region., construction began with the preparation of Protocol 2 for opening the construction site and determining the line and leveling of the building. Currently, construction is proceeding smoothly in accordance with the approved construction documents.
PP4 - Simplified service tender procedure - TD 01 Tourism consultancy, Marketing, Development of digital products and Visibility (LOT 1, LOT 2, LOT 3 and LOT4) has been completed. By the deadline for submission of bids (23.06.2025) 15h, only one bid was received for all four lots. After completing the entire procedure for evaluating the submitted bids on 15.08.2025, contracts were concluded for all four lots.
The implementation of several activities has begun. Several meetings have been held with the experts who will work on the Formulation of the tourism infrastructure strategy North East region and municipality of Kustendil and Nevestino, as well as with the persons responsible for the design and printing of the info and promotional materials . A design for the promotional materials and banners has been made, which has been approved by the JTS. Three banners have been printed.
PP5 - Till the end of the 2nd reporting period, the project progress is in line with the timeframe planned in the AF. All activities are implemented in accordance with the work plan, without delay and with the achievement of good communication and coordination between the partners. Under WP1, Activity 1.1 and WP3, Activity 3.1, steps were taken and synchronized for the assignment and preparation of the strategic analyses, and under Activities 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2, a contract was concluded for the organization and logistical support of the planned events.
Given that the activities under the “soft measures” are implemented jointly by PP4 and PP5, the main challenge for the period is coordination of the procurement procedures, so that the implementation runs in parallel with the partners.
PP5 guarantees timely and high-quality implementation of its commitments, which will ensure successful implementation of the activity within the planned deadline without delay.
PP6 - During the second reporting period, the Museum, as project partner, continued with the implementation of activities in line with the approved project work plan and timeline. The focus in this quarter was on strengthening project management capacities and initiating key steps towards the realization of the investment component.
In particular, the partner ensured proper administrative and procurement procedures, securing expert support for transparent tendering processes and launching the tender procedure for works at the Kokino locality. These activities represent important preparatory milestones for the upcoming implementation phase, contributing to the timely achievement of project objectives and ensuring compliance with programme and EU regulations.
During the reporting period, the Museum, as project partner, has undertaken preparatory and implementation steps related to the project activities.
In this reporting period the Municipality of Kyustendil - LP finished the implementation of one of the sites:
- Construction and renovation works on the site: "Ecopath for Health", located in PI 41112.58.8 and renovation of a park area located in PI 41112.58.65 under the CCCR of the town of Kyustendil.
The PP2 - Municipality of Kriva palanka - Contract signed for Construction of Adrenaline Park in Kalin Kamen, Kriva Palanka. Ref. no. Adventure Park 01-02
Contract signed for Supervision of construction of Adrenaline Park. Ref. no. Adrenaline park 01-02
During the third reporting period, all project partners achieved significant progress and carried out the following activities:
PP1: During the third reporting period, Kyustendil Municipality, as the lead partner in the project, achieved significant progress in the implementation of construction and installation works (C&I).
Regarding the site: "Adventure Park, alleys and recreation areas, environmentally friendly transfer for cars and bicycles" under the regulation and development plan for the "Hisarlaka" area, a land plot of the city of Kyustendil. The site is 95% complete, and the construction and installation works should be completed within a few weeks.
On 04.12.2025, an online meeting was held with all project partners, at which the project activities, deadlines, problems that have arisen and others were discussed.
A Safety Report for ropeway facilities has also been prepared, which is a mandatory part of the commissioning documentation.
PP2: During the third period, infrastructure works continued at the adrenaline park in Kalin Kamen, Kriva Palanka. The road was cleared and construction of the adrenaline park continued.
PP3: During the third period of project implementation, Nevestino Municipality completed the construction of the site:
Landscaping and landscaping of a yard space in the village of Smolichano, municipality of Nevestino, in PI with identifier 67619.28.92 under the KKKR of the village of Smolichano, municipality. Nevestino, reg. Kyustendil. There were no problems with the implementation of the project.
PP4: The implementation of several activities continued. Initial analyses were carried out regarding the available data necessary for the formulation of the tourism infrastructure strategy for the North-Eastern region and the municipalities of Kyustendil and Nevestino, as well as data on existing hotel and other types of accommodation capacities in the region. Also, the consultant initiated an analysis of the existing tourism offer in the region covered by the project, with the aim of creating integrated tourism offers and analyzing statistical data regarding tourism, from the perspective of defining the existing segment of the tourism market.
PP5: Till the end of the 3rd reporting period, the project implementation continues in full compliance with the time frame. Under WP1, Activity 1.1 and WP3, Activity 3.1, the preparatory and contracting processes related to the preparation of the strategic and analytical documents were finalized during the reporting period. The actions were fully synchronized with those of PP4, which ensures parallel and coordinated implementation of the activities under the “soft measures” on both sides of the border.
Under WP3, Activities 3.2, as well as WP4, Activities 4.1 and 4.2, all necessary prerequisites have been provided for their timely implementation in the following reporting periods in the approved schedule.
PP5 fulfills the commitments undertaken in a timely manner and with the required quality, thus contributing to the sustainable and effective implementation of the project. At the end of the reporting period, there were no deviations from the planned activities, and the implementation of the main contraction and event activities is expected to continue in the following reporting periods, in accordance with the approved schedule.
PP6: During the third reporting period, Partner 6 – Museum of Kumanovo carried out activities related to tender procedure for works at the Kokino locality.
The deadline for submission of offers for the tender procedure with reference number 05-470 was set for 29 September.
Following the expiration of the deadline for submission of offers for the tender procedure (WORKS) Ref. No. 05-470, titled “Procurement, transport and installation of a wire fence around the Kokino in the municipality of Staro Nagoricane/TD 02 /PP6/works activities from the Project ,,Cross-border attractiveness - smart tourism in the Kyustendil-Kriva Palanka-Nevestino region" No. BGMK0200028". The Contracting Authority, Museum Kumanovo confirms that no tenders were received within the prescribed deadline.
Since no suitable, qualitatively acceptable, or financially acceptable tender was submitted – in fact, no offers were submitted at all – the tender procedure is considered unsuccessful and the contract cannot be awarded. This was published on the following sites: https://ipa-bgmk.mrrb.bg, https://kumanovomuseum.com .
Following the unsuccessful outcome of the previous tender procedure, the Contracting Authority initiated a new tender procedure with reference number 05-614.
The contract notice was published on 11 November, with a submission deadline set for 11 December. The tender was publicly announced on the official website of the Museum of Kumanovo as well as on the JEMS BG–MK platform, in accordance with EU and national procurement requirements. https://ipa-bgmk.mrrb.bg , https://kumanovomuseum.com .
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