Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

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

Date of latest update: 2025-10-01

Description

Description (EN):

Tourism is the sector with the greatest economic impact on the cross-border region. The implementation of focused support for its development in the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo will contribute to the overall development of cross-border tourism, will strengthen business relations in the region and opportunities to attract foreign investments. Improving the business environment in the three municipalities will lead to sustainable economic growth, new jobs and prospects for the local population. This will have a positive impact on the demographic processes in rural areas, creating conditions for the young generation and the population of working age for professional realization and development in their native places. The current project idea aims and is focused specifically on the use of the potential of the local population, the cultural-historical and natural resources of the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo in order to create and develop attractive and all-season tourist products and services that distinguish them and give them a competitive advantage in the tourist market and have the potential for development and expansion of the territorial scope to neighboring cross-border territories and at the international level. Integrated solutions will be implemented to deploy and develop the local potential of the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo, through focused actions in the following directions: 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.Implementation of digital and green solutions to improve the business environment and employment opportunities in tourism 4.Positioning of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo as an attractive all-season tourist destination in the cross-border region The House of Culture in the Vasilevo municipality, and a tourist base converted into the Sinanitsa Eco Center in the Kresna municipality will be rehabilitated. These investments will contribute to strengthening the links between culture-nature-environment and tourism. Two integrated tourist routes will be developed with the potential for their development on a cross-border and international level, which will be pilot tested by tourists attracted through large-scale advertising campaigns and participants from both sides of the border. – Tourist route "In the footsteps of Miss Stone" covering the municipality of Vasilevo, but with potential for development at the cross-border level given the common history covering the territory of many municipalities on both sides of the border in the cross-border region. - Tourist route "In the Lands of the Keratsuda", covering the municipalities of Kresna and Strumyani - the lands of the wine grape variety "Keratsuda", which grows only on part of the territory of the two municipalities, but with potential for development at a cross-border level as part of the created opportunities for wine tourism in the region. The local population will participate in the processes from the actual creation of the tourist packages to their actual offering on the tourist market. By including them as suppliers of products and services for the needs of the routes, we will contribute to creating a short supply chain and create added value to the destinations. A partnership forum and a cross-border youth eco-camp "Friends of Pirin" will be held at the Sinanitsa Eco Center, and a 360° virtual tour will present it online. Creation of a digital database for the sights of Vasilevo municipality and published on the e-TourGuide app. Training for Creating Digital Stories for Local Tourism is a key activity and pilot for the cross-border territory. Representatives of the local communities will be trained for the so-called STORYDOERS (good practice of "Erasmus+" program), the aim of which is to promote the skills of responsible tourism and digitization of people of local communities - aspiring local entrepreneurs, artisans, creators, storytellers, tour guides who lack the necessary skills to create digital stories that present history in an appropriate way online. The created partnerships and networking will contribute to the development of the destinations and their inclusion in regional, national routes offered in the international tourist markets. Pilot training of STORYDOERS is a new approach which, if successful, will be implemented in other territories. Another original solution is the involvement of the local community in the entire process of creating the two tourist routes, thereby creating a practically short supply chain of goods, products and services for the tourist route.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first quarter of the project, an administrative unit was established, responsible for the overall organization and administrative management of the project, in accordance with the signed subsidy contract and the Project Implementation Manual. The established joint cross-border PMT consists of 11 experts with the necessary expertise and experience, which will ensure the implementation of the project in accordance with the requirements of the Program. Within the reporting period, the experts involved in the PMT of the partner organizations, in cooperation and full coordination with each other, prepared their Project Procurement Plans, which were approved by the Joint Secretariat and started the preparation of the planned procedures. During the period, the first initial meeting was held, organized by the Joint Secretariat, at which issues related to project management and coordination between project partners, the time schedule and progress of activities, progress in conducting public procurement, compliance with information and publicity requirements and other organizational issues were discussed. The LP has prepared and submitted a request for an advance payment for the project, which was received on the Lead Partner's project account on 22.05.2025. The transfer of the advance payment amount from the partners was carried out after the partners submitted their bank accounts. The PP2 actively contributed to the progress of information and communication activities aimed at raising public awareness, promoting transparency and engaging local stakeholders. PP2 organized and held a first press conference for the media, stakeholders and the general public on 18.06.2025 in the municipality of Vasilevo, where the project objectives, planned activities and expected benefits for the community were presented. PP2 also provided information leaflets and banners necessary for the public events of the project on both sides of the border. All communication activities and visual materials have been prepared in accordance with the EU guidelines for publicity and visibility, ensuring the use of correct logos, slogans and references to the funding under the program. In addition to the planned public events and activities, the partners promote the project through the communication channels they have created, such as direct meetings and contacts, informal meetings with partner organizations, publications on social networks, the Internet and other information channels. The Lead Partner successfully led the entire preparatory process and the full engagement of the partners. Preparatory actions during the reporting period under review contributed to ensuring the conditions for the implementation of the planned activities in full accordance with the project schedule. The PMT created the necessary mechanisms and communication channels for coordination and cooperation between the partners, which will guarantee the effective, high-quality and timely implementation of the activities in the subsequent reporting phases.

Project outputs: Rehabilitated existent infrastructure of tourism and cultural significance for the programme area - in the Municipality of Kresna, Bulgaria and in the Municipality of Vasilevo, North Macedonia(EN)
Pilot Training STORYDOERS for Creating Digital Stories for Local Tourism(EN)
Creating 2 integrated tourist destinations (EN)
Impact of the project implementation on the population(EN)

Thematic information

Tourism

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

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Община Кресна

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 917560540

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000024720 | 000024720 | Bulstat (EN)

Department: Municipal administration - local government body

Address: Macedonia street, 2840 Kresna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.kresna-bg.com

Total budget: EUR 530 711.06

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 451 104.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 79 606.66

Сдружение "Туристическо дружество Синаница 2000"

Name: Сдружение "Туристическо дружество Синаница 2000"

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 101522486 | UIC (EN)

Address: Novo selo street, 2840 Kresna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Total budget: EUR 20 273.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 17 232.05

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 3 040.95

ЛОЗАРО-ВИНАРСКО СДРУЖЕНИЕ "КЕРАЦУДА" ОБЩИНА КРЕСНА

Name: ЛОЗАРО-ВИНАРСКО СДРУЖЕНИЕ "КЕРАЦУДА" ОБЩИНА КРЕСНА

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 177003106 | UIC (EN)

Address: Otec Paisii street, 2840 Kresna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Total budget: EUR 16 295.37

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 13 851.06

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 2 444.31

ДТПУ Саси-Трејд Дооел

Name: ДТПУ Саси-Трејд Дооел

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4027005145465 | 6014518 | Subiect Reqistration Number (EN)

Address: Mladinska street, 2400 Strumica, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.facebook.com/HotelMissStone

Total budget: EUR 43 736.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 37 175.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 560.40

НА ФОКУС Сдружение

Name: НА ФОКУС Сдружение

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 930764568

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 175600825 | UIC (EN)

Address: Dyado Ilio Maleshevski street, 2825 Strumyani village, Bulgaria

Department address: Vasil Levski street, 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.nafocus.eu

Total budget: EUR 54 006.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 45 905.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 100.96

Општина Василево

Name: Општина Василево

Department: Municipal administration - local government body

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4027005146097 | 6025277 | Subiect Reqistration Number (EN)

Address: 2411 Vasilevo village, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://opstinavasilevo.gov.mk/

Total budget: EUR 302 357.25

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 257 003.66

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 353.59

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

TD Sinanitsa 2000 Association

Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Partners and Projects info

Vine-wine association "Keratsuda" Kresna municipality

Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Partners and Projects info

DTPU Sasi-Trade Dooel

Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Partners and Projects info

In Focus Association

Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Vasilevo

Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Partners and Projects info

Община Кресна

Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Project acronym: Creative DG EcoTour

Project ID: BGMK0200030

Project start date: 2025-03-20

Project end date: 2027-03-19

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

STORYDOERS - Erasmus+ project
Reinforcing rural business competitiveness by digital Storydoing in Local Tourism (EN) | Training STORYDOERS we consider it a good practice, therefore it will be adapted to the needs of the activity and will be conducted in two modules. (EN), Project “VIRTUAL AND MOBILE MUSEUM OF BIODIVERSITY” (Mobile Biodiversity), financed by Cooperation Programme “INTERREG V-A Greece – Bulgaria” 2014 – 2020 (EN) | An innovative digital mobile biodiversity that will be provided to the camps in the "Sinanitsa" Eco Center, an additional opportunity for training (EN), INNOBUS project, financed under the INTERREG VA Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Cooperation Programme. (EN) | The developed White Book for VR will be presented, as well as VR technology and opportunities to increase the competitiveness of tourism businesses. Upgrade of eTourGuide with new information about tourism, as a result of the implemented activities of the project.
Distribution of a handbook for New Generation Entrepreneurs created under the project (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 967 379.08

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 822 272.21

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 822 272.21. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Investments in tourist Eco Center Sinanitsa - LP - EUR 440 753.96 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: Varbite locality, Kresna municipality, ID 11569.147.965.1, postal_code: , Yugozapaden (BG41), Blagoevgrad (BG413)
I1.3 - Investments in the House of Culture - PP2 - EUR 234 454.49 - country: Severna Makedonija (MK), town: Gradoshortsi village, Vasilevo municipality, postal_code: 2411, Severna Makedonija (MK00), Jugoistočen (MK004)

Deliverables:

Reconstruction of a tourist base in Kresna Municipality
Author’s control
Construction Supervision
Purchase of equipment and furniture
Purchase of equipment for TIC
Renovation of a culture base in Vasilevo Municipality
Author’s control
Construction Supervision
Purchase of equipment
Purchase of furniture
Purchase of bicycles
Information and comunication activities in BG
Information and communication activities in MK
Creation of a tourist route, branding and marketing of the new destination in MK
Creation of a tourist route, branding and marketing of the new destination in BG
Pilot testing of the destination named "In the footsteps of Miss Stone"
Pilot testing of a destination named "In the Lands of the Keratsuda"
Purchase of demonstrative equipment and bicycles
Holding a Forum for Partnerships in the "Sinanitsa" Eco Center
Holding a Tourist Forum with an exhibition at the House of Culture
Holding a cross-border adventure Еco camp "Friends of Pirin"
Purchase of equipment for youth Eco camp
Training STORYDOERS
Creation of a 360° virtual tour and a promotional video

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other Updated National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Tourism in the Republic of Bulgaria 2014-2030
The implementation of the project will contribute to achieving:
Main goal: Sustainable development of tourism in Bulgaria
Strategic goal 1. Creation of a favorable environmental and business environment for the development of sustainable tourism
Strategic goal 2. Development of a competitive tourism sector
Strategic goal 3. Successful positioning of Bulgaria on the world tourist market
Strategic goal 4. Balanced development of tourist areas
Other INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE SOUTH-WEST REGION 2021-2027
The implementation of the project will contribute to achieving:
Objective 1.1.2. Broadening the scope and diffusion of innovation
Objective 1.1.3. Encouraging entrepreneurship
Objective 1.1.4. Transition to a climate-neutral economy
Objective 1.3.1. Utilization of the regional tourist potential
Specific objective 3.4 - Territorial development and cohesion
The implementation of the project will contribute to achieving:
Specific objective 3.5 Strengthen cross-border perspectives
Other DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NORTH-EAST PLANNING REGION 2021— 2026
The implementation of the project will contribute to achieving:
Priority 1.1: Developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem and encouraging entrepreneurship with a special focus on women and youth;
Priority 1.2: Improving the competitiveness and innovation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs);
Priority 1.3: Development and promotion of the region as an attractive tourist destination;
Priority 1.4: Creating a favorable investment climate and encouraging investments in certain industries with potential;

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Bulgaria (BG), Varbite locality, Kresna municipality, ID 11569.147.965.1,
Severna Makedonija (MK), Gradoshortsi village, Vasilevo municipality, 2411
Bulgaria (BG), Kresna, 96, Macedonia street, 2840
Bulgaria (BG), Varbite locality, Kresna municipality, ID 11569.147.965.1

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, 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:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO74) Population covered by projects in the framework of strategies for integrated territorial development: 520.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 077 - Visitors of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:

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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Integration of Creative, Digit, Green and Eco Tourism for sustainable development of territories and communities in Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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