Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria North Macedonia

Date of latest update: 2025-10-01

Description

Description (EN):

Many common challenges of the programme area are jointly tackling by the project and partners itself. Some are: Ensuring connectivity between natural and cultural sites is affected by the project through investments and creating a network of traced, categorized, marked and digitalized routes for year-round tourism. Strengthening joint actions in the field of heritage exchange we strive to overcome by supplementing and expanding the developed site and mobile app under previously developed project. Taking steps in overcoming the differences in the administrative systems and approaches to the protection of our heritage and increase product competitiveness by research activities and development of joint strategies of CB region under the project. Increasing the knowledge, skills and competitiveness and reduce disparities between covered municipalities. Developing an all-year tourism product, which raises the level and combines opportunities for development and diversification of the forms of tourist services with emphasis on ecotourism development, raising the level of development of ecological tourism, diversifying strong seasonal nature of tourist services in the CB region and it is resistant to the vulnerability of services in the tourism sector due to pandemic situations. Developing modern digital solutions for Increasing the demand for eco-friendly tourism and bioproducts and improving technological competitiveness at the global level. Investments in new tourist and cultural assets with ecological approach, and etc. The overall project objective is to create a competitive all-season alternative mobility tourism product BankanVelo which offers routes network for safe, diverse, pandemic-resistant tourism in CB project area. Developed with multi-sector integrated approach, BankanVelo offers opportunities for sport&recreation outside the cities for residents & visitors needs using horizontal approach; connects natural, tourist and cultural sites; creates new assets; follows an ecosystem-based approach; offer smart solutions and brings marketing on new level. The main project outputs will produce are investments in tourist and cultural infrastructure in Gevgelija, Bogdanci and Razlog; an all-season, integrated and resilient regional and CB effective tourist product with strong regional brand; multi-sectoral network and advisory board (cluster); pilot activities “Marketing on e-wheels” and social tourism; new smart apps and technologies. Developed new and reconstructed tourist & cultural infrastructure are as follows: Reconstruction and adaptation of an existing building in Gjavoto, Bogdanci into a space for tourists and cyclists; Reconstruction for Multifunctional tourist friendly center and construction of a bike path in Sermenin, Gevgelija; New Attraction park for tourism and recreation in the area of Golak, Razlog. The stakeholders, who will benefit from the project are the whole population, tourist and visitors of more than the four partner municipalities. Tourist business and tour operators and Tourist Service Providers outside the CB region. Local, regional and national authorities will also benefit from developed research and analysis, but also by achieving objectives from strategy plans. The approach in the implementation of this project we plan to take is holistic, multi-sectoral, more results-oriented, ecosystem-based. To achieve our objectives of a large-scale flagship project contributing to a wider impact on the entire cross-border (CB) area, we need to activate a broad multi-sectoral partnership at supranational level. In addition, this way of cooperation achieves a balanced territorial CB development, i.e. unifying the standards of offered services, the equal start of employees in supported sectors and access to equal digital, green and sustainable general solutions. CB cooperation is also a key element of the European neighbourhood policy, for which BalkanVelo project carefully and in detail directs actions to the needs through a comprehensive and effective approach. Joint cross-border activities develop integrated CB labor markets, improve employment prospects, contribute to openness to the world and strengthen European citizenship. The development of new, attractive infrastructure strengthens socio-economic cooperation and enhances cultural exchange, while at the same time enabling creation of common services that will benefit the citizens and visitors of our CB space. And etc. The new and original about the project is mainly the pilot activity. It is combination of social tourism along the completed and newly designed routes for alternative mobility for disadvantaged people incl. of disabled and marketing on e-wheels, for improvement the area attractiveness. It leads to underpin the branding and marketing strategy and disseminate project ideas, activities and results over a long horizon and after the project end.

Actual Achievements (EN):

For all PPs: The project team was formed, PPPs were prepared and approved from JS. The initial meeting with JS took place on 09.05.25 For PP2: The following project activities were implemented in the covered period: - Opening of a special purpose transaction account intended exclusively for financial management of the project funds; - Submission of an official Request to the Ministry of European Affairs for registration of the project in the National Database of IPA Projects, which applies to all partners from the Republic of North Macedonia involved in the project; - Preparation of a Public Procurement Plan (Project Procurement Plan – PPP), in accordance with the prescribed procedures and its further official verification and approval; - Organization and participation in a working and coordination meeting with all project partners, which was held in the Municipality of Razlog, for the purpose of information exchange, coordination and promotion of mutual cooperation; - Conducting market research and preparing full tender documentation in accordance with the simplified procurement procedure (Single Tender Procedure), in accordance with the PRAG procedures, for the needs of the activity "Preparation of tender documentation"; - Conducted evaluation of the received offer in accordance with the envisaged technical and administrative criteria; - Concluding an agreement with an external expert for the preparation of tender documentation in accordance with the PRAG procedures, within the framework of the aforementioned project. For PP3: The procedure for engagement of external expert for preparation of the tender dossiers was done successfully. We announced T1: ”Reconstruction of building in Gjavoto”. The tender documentation is available on web pages of the programme and on the web page of the Municipality of Bogdanci from 11.06.2025. Representatives from the Municipality of Bogdanci participated on the First project meeting in Razlog on 10.06.2025. For PP4: Economic development agency Bansko has contracted all tender procedures during the first reporting period and has closed two of them. According to the approved PPP, four are direct and one is open public tender, as follows: 1. The tender “Research, advertising and training services” for the activities 1.2, 1.3, 2.2 for the amount of EUR 11 040,00 has been awarded direct to subcontractor and 50% advance payment has been made on 15.05.2025 2. The tender “Upgrade and update of created website and mobile app” for the activity 2.1 for the amount of EUR 12 000,00 has been awarded direct to subcontractor and 50% advance payment has been made on 15.05.2025 3. The tender “Supply of equipment for content creating” for the activity 1.2 for the amount of EUR 6 065,55 has been awarded direct to subcontractor and 50% advance payment has been made on 15.05.2025. All investment deliverables have been delivered and accepted by the CA. Investment 1.1 Supply of equipment for content creating has been delivered. Final payment has been made on 30.05.2025 4. The tender “Supply of sets for summer and winter tourism offer” for the activity 1.1 for the amount of EUR 15 334,40 has been awarded direct to subcontractor and 50% advance payment has been made on 21.05.2025. All investment deliverables have been delivered and accepted by the CA. Deliverable: D.1.1.2 Supply of sets for routes and trails exploration, tests and free marketing popularization (and Investment 1.2. Supply of sets for summer and winter tourism offer) have been delivered for PB4. Final payment has been made on 19.06.2025 5. An open tender “Supply of clean and energy-efficient vehicle” for the activity 1.1 for the amount of EUR 65 000,00 has been awarded to subcontractor and 70% advance payment has been made on 17.05.2025 PB4 have also attend the first two-day project team meeting, conducted in Razlog Municipality on 9-10 of June 2025. For PP6: In this reporting period we started with two tender documentation; T1: "Supplying of equipment for summer tourism offer" and T2: "External expertise for research and development of all-seasonal new tourist products and development of system of alternative mobility". We opened project account and we expect the first advance payment. For PP8: High Standart Ltd. has contracted all two tender procedures during the first reporting period. According to the approved PPP, one is direct and one is open public tender, as follows: 1. The tender “Research, advertising and training services” for the activities 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2 for the amount of EUR 17 040,00 has been awarded via open tender procedure to subcontractor and 50% advance payment has been made on 17.06.2025 2. The tender “Input to mobile app and web page development” for the activity 2.1 for the amount of EUR 3 000,00 has been awarded direct to subcontractor and 50% advance payment has been made on 18.06.2025 The first project meeting was held in Razlog on the 9-10 of June 2025. All PPs except PP8 were attended.

Project outputs: BalkanVelo' pilot actions(EN)
Smart applications for jointly developed solutions(EN)
Construction of new cycling paths and trails (EN)
Construction of new and reconstruction of existing cultural and tourism sites (EN)
Population covered by the project (EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Tourism Social inclusion and equal opportunities

Priority: (VI-A_BG-NM_3) Priority 3: Integrated development of the cross-border region

Priority 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

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO5 A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives

Type of intervention: 083 Cycling infrastructure

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Община Разлог

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000024948 | 000024948 | ЕИК - National identification code (EN)

Address: Stefan Stambolov str., 2760 Razlog, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.razlog.bg

Total budget: EUR 244 206.64

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 207 575.64

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 631.00

Френдс Травел 2018 ЕООД

Name: Френдс Травел 2018 ЕООД

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 205078275 | 205078275 | ЕИК - National identification code (EN)

Address: Cherna Reka street, 2760 Razlog, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Total budget: EUR 19 857.52

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 16 878.89

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 2 978.63

Хай Стандарт ЕООД

Name: Хай Стандарт ЕООД

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG160064343 | 160064343 | ЕИК - National identification code (EN)

Address: Pirin str., 2770 Bansko, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Total budget: EUR 24 368.64

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 20 713.34

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 3 655.30

Contractors:

Name: Association Serendipity
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206783772
Name: Association Fidelity
VAT registration or tax identification number: 177068506

Сдружение с нестопанска цел „Ски клуб Разлог“

Name: Сдружение с нестопанска цел „Ски клуб Разлог“

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 176041770 | ЕИК - National identification code (EN)

Address: Exarch Joseph Str., 2760 Razlog, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Total budget: EUR 37 272.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 31 681.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 5 590.81

Фондација за локален развој и развој на информатички технологии - Гевгелија

Name: Фондација за локален развој и развој на информатички технологии - Гевгелија

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4006001112891 | 5539641 | National registration code (EN)

Address: Marshal Tito str., 1480 Gevgelija, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://florit-gevgelija.eu/

Total budget: EUR 78 244.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 66 507.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 11 736.60

Сдружение с нестопанска цел „Дестинация Разлог“

Name: Сдружение с нестопанска цел „Дестинация Разлог“

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 176406524 | ЕИК - National identification code (EN)

Address: Sheinovo Str., 2760 Razlog, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.destinationrazlog.com

Total budget: EUR 24 883.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 21 151.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 3 732.57

Сдружение "Агенция за икономическо развитие Банско"

Name: Сдружение "Агенция за икономическо развитие Банско"

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 101800899 | ЕИК - National identification code (EN)

Address: Todorin vrah str., 2770 Bansko, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://airbansko.org/

Total budget: EUR 115 842.16

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 98 465.83

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 376.33

Contractors:

Name: Association Serendipity
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206783772
Name: Association Fidelity
VAT registration or tax identification number: 177068506
Name: SVI DESIGN GD Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 205749094
Name: Dev. and education Agency
VAT registration or tax identification number: 176670901
Name: High Pro Green Solutions Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 208109295

Општина Богданци

Name: Општина Богданци

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4006005118460 | 6022600 | National registration code (EN)

Address: Marshal Tito str., 1484 Bogdanci, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://bogdanci.gov.mk/

Total budget: EUR 96 900.55

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 82 365.46

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 535.09

Општина Гевгелија

Name: Општина Гевгелија

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4006005115482 | 5993261 | National registration code (EN)

Address: Dimitar Vlahov str., 1480 Gevgelija, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.gevgelija.gov.mk

Total budget: EUR 308 767.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 262 451.98

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 46 315.06

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Friends Travel 2018 Ltd.

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

High Standart Ltd.

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Ski Club Razlog Association

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Foundation for Local and IT Development - Gevgelija

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Nonprofit Association "Destination Razlog"

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Economic development agency Bansko

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Bogdanci

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Gevgelija

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Partners and Projects info

Община Разлог

Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Project acronym: BalkanVelo

Project ID: BGMK0200019

Project start date: 2025-03-20

Project end date: 2027-03-19

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project CB006.1.21.183 "Affirmation of the natural and cultural values in the border region for better visibility and access" under Interreg-IPA CBC Programme Bulgaria – the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, CCI No. 2014TC16I5CB006 (EN) | The synergy with the previous implemented project is based on our work with a larger team from two more new municipalities (Razlog and Bogdanci), giving us the opportunity to build on the achievements of the successfully implemented previous project.
Economic development agency Bansko and Municipality of Gevgelija aim to build on the knowledge and results of a previous project, with developed mobile app, website and large-scale survey of natural and cultural heritage and others, with new activities such as creating a tourism smart app based on alternative mobility. At the same time, we will cooperate and build on the results of this previous project with the inclusion of natural and cultural heritage of other partners’ municipalities, Bogdanci and Razlog. Аll stakeholders capitalize on their knowledge of CB region.
The results achieved will be captured and integrated into the smart app. In order for the digital solutions to be functional, they will be developed in such a way as to allow the upgrade of additional intelligent modules depending on the scope of required information arrays. (EN), Projects "Best Water Use (acronym BestU)" and "Empowering businesses Seeking Growth (acronym SeeG)" under Cooperation Programme INTERREG V-A ‘GREECE – BULGARIA 2014-2020’ (EN) | Continuing education helps strengthen society and avoid as far as this distinction is possible. EDA Bansko (not only) during the last few years has conducted successful trainings for over 200 attendees on environmental protection and business under BestU and SeeG projects (INTERREG V-A GR-BG) and will use this synergy for the implementation of upgrading trainings, in which it will include additional modern and digital modules in the technical requirements.
Eligibility for MSMEs participation will build on already established practices and strengthen the capacity to continue interventions even in subsequent projects and continuous collaboration, interaction and shared learning.
The final effect will be more significant from the joint actions of the partners in the BalkanVelo project, using the synergy from previously implemented projects. (EN), Projects "Creating new value chain based upon a holistic enterprise support mechanism (acronym EnterValue)" and "Strengthening the Competitiveness and Extraversion of cross-border BUSiness by implementing INNovative and Specialized Actions (acronym INNOBUS)" under Cooperation Programme INTERREG V-A ‘GREECE – BULGARIA 2014-2020’ (EN) | High Standart Ltd. (MSME from Bansko) use synergy on its experience from done contracts under the EnterValue and Innobus projects (INTERREG V-A GR-BG) in connection with the implementation of research services in field of value chains in the tourism, creative economy and retail sectors, as well as regarding thermal tourism possibilities, mapping of tourist clusters, etc. in Blagoevgrad region.
The final effect will be more significant from the joint actions of the partners in the BalkanVelo project, using the synergy from previously implemented projects. (EN), Project: Sustainable Tourism and Ecology Promotion Under Partnership, "STEP UP" under IPA Cross Border Cooperation Programme Bulgaria – the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2007-2013
Partnership between Municipality of Razlog (Bulgaria) and Municipality of Gevgelija (Republic of North Macedonia). (EN) | The project created preconditions for development of alternative forms of tourism in the target regions taking advantage of the rich natural heritage.
The specific objectives that the project achieved are: Construction of small-scale infrastructure for ecological tourism (eco itineraries) and places for leisure and recreation in the Municipalities of Razlog and Gevgelija contributing towards the development of alternative tourism; Created new tourist attraction allowing innovative and interactive representation of the local natural heritage and its further integration into a common tourist service/package; Increased ecological awareness of the local population in both partner municipalities; Increased number of alternative tourist services offered to the visitors of both municipalities; establishment of a fruitful long term partnership between the two Municipalities;
The "Balkan Velo" project is consistent and contributes to the development and upgrading of the successfully implemented and sustainable "STEP UP" project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 950 342.39

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 807 791.00

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 807 791.00. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I3.3 - Outdoor recreation park with bicycle zones - EUR 199 937.17 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: area of Golak, Razlog, postal_code: 2760, Yugozapaden (BG41), Blagoevgrad (BG413)
I3.2 - Reconstruction of building in the village Gyavato - EUR 70 003.29 - country: Severna Makedonija (MK), town: Village of Gjavato, Bogdanci, Severna Makedonija (MK00), Jugoistočen (MK004)
I3.1 - Tourist center and bike path in Sermenin - EUR 264 745.38 - country: Severna Makedonija (MK), town: village of Sermenin, Gevgelija, The old school, Severna Makedonija (MK00), Jugoistočen (MK004)

Deliverables:

Methodology for activity 1.1 implementation
Supply of sets for routes and trails exploration, tests and free marketing popularization
Supply of a vehicle for marketing on e-wheels
Mapping the existing trails, services and value chain in CB area and report
Identifying and assessing the latest trends in alternative mobility tourism
Development of new alternative mobility network
Set-up of a multi-sectoral network and advisory board
Stakeholder field research and report
Regional and cross-border strategy
Branding and marketing strategy
Upgrade and update of created website and mobile app
Virtual products for natural and cultural locations
BalkanVelo' mobile app and web page
QR codes
Info points
Trainings for improving the knowledge and skills capacity
Construction of multifunctional tourist friendly center in Sermenin
Construction of bike path from new multifunctional tourist friendly center to St.Ilija Monastery
Reconstruction of the existing facility in the village Gyavato
Construction of an amusement park for tourism and recreation in the Golak area, Razlog
Construction of a building for information and technical service

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Republic of Bulgaria, 2014-2030
The contribution of BalkanVelo project to the strategy is regarding creating a specialized tourism infrastructure for development of new and alternative tourism products; reduction of strong seasonality; reducing regional differences and creating strong regional brands; increasing the quality of offered services; using ski tourism to attract new visitors to new forms of tourism; implementation of joint initiatives between municipal and non-governmental structures to promote tourism.
Other National strategy for sustainable development of Republic of Macedonia 2009-2030
Balkan Velo project contributes to this strategy in terms of development of the tourism sector, i.e. improved infrastructure, greater involvement, cooperation and coordination of all interested parties in tourism. As indicators of sustainable development, in addition to the others, the following are listed: Level of investments in tourism by region and Coordinated activities among the stakeholders interested in tourism.
Other Program for the Development of the Southeast Planning Region for the period 2021-2026
The activities included in the project are in accordance with Priority 1.3 "Development and promotion of the region as an attractive tourist destination of the industry"; which is part of "Strategic objective 1 - Developing entrepreneurship and industry, encouraging the competitiveness and innovation of enterprises and creating a favorable investment climate."
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion EUSAIR is a tool to foster social, economic and territorial cohesion to reduce disparities in the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region through cooperation. It also contributes to the European Green Deal, European digital strategy and a stronger Europe in the world.
BalkanVelo project outputs and results contribute to Pillar 4 Sustainable tourism on both topics - Diversified tourism offer (products and services) and Sustainable and responsible tourism management (innovation and quality) with the development of sustainable and thematic tourist routes for cycling, sailing and winter activities.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Bulgaria (BG), Bansko, 2770
Bulgaria (BG), Bansko, 2770
Bulgaria (BG), Razlog, 2760
Bulgaria (BG), Bansko, Todorin vrah str., 24 A, 2770
Severna Makedonija (MK), Gevgelija, 1480

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 058 - Dedicated cycling infrastructure supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 074 - Population covered by projects in the framework of strategies for integrated territorial development, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 064 - Annual users of dedicated cycling infrastructure, Measurement unit:
RCR 077 - Visitors of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:

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 Bulgaria North Macedonia

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

2025-10-01

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

15 / 15 (100%)

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

66 / 66 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Balkan alternative mobility routes for sustainable all-season tourism

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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