Enhancing tourism through the development of the Bee route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania

Date of latest update: 2025-12-16

Description

Description (LV):

Šiaulių rajonas Lietuvoje ir Ventspilis Latvijoje susiduria su bendrais turizmo plėtros iššūkiais. Abiejuose regionuose trūksta atvirų erdvių ir ekologinio turizmo objektų, todėl lankytojai ir vietos bendruomenės neturi plataus turizmo pasiūlymų pasirinkimo. Finansiniai apribojimai trukdo plėsti Ventspilio muziejaus bitininkystės ekspoziciją, o Lietuvos bitininkystės paveldas nepakankamai pristatomas muziejuose. Nepaisant turtingų tradicijų, ribota bitininkystės produktų įvairovė riboja vietos bitininkų ekonomines galimybes. Projektu siekiama stiprinti turizmo pasiūlą ir kultūros paveldą Šiaulių rajone ir Ventspilyje, populiarinant bitininkystę kaip bendrą tradiciją. Bus sukurta naujų lankytinų vietų, sutvarkytos viešosios erdvės ir skatinamos tvarios ekonominės galimybės vietos bitininkams ir verslui. Pagrindinės projekto veiklos apima Bičių parko įkūrimą Kuršėnuose, Lietuvoje, bitininkystės ekspozicijos išplėtimą Ventspilio muziejuje Latvijoje ir tarpvalstybinio teminio su bitininkyste susijusio turistinio maršruto sukūrimą. Vietos bitininkai ir įmonės populiarins savo produktus ir tradicijas, o bendruomenės ir turistai bus kviečiami į mokomuosius renginius ir seminarus, pristatančius tvarią bitininkystę ir kultūros paveldo išsaugojimą. Projekte bus naudojama novatoriška komunikacijos strategija, įskaitant bendradarbiavimą su nuomonės formuotojais socialinėje žiniasklaidoje ir skaitmeninėse platformose, kad būtų pasiekta platesnė auditorija. Skatinant tvarų turizmą ir tarpvalstybinį bendradarbiavimą, projektas prisidės prie ekonomikos augimo, skatins inovacijas, praturtins vietos bendruomenes ir pritrauks įvairių lankytojų, besidominčių ekologiniu turizmu ir kultūros paveldu.

Description (LT):

Šauļu rajons Lietuvā un Ventspils Latvijā saskaras ar kopīgiem tūrisma attīstības izaicinājumiem. Abos reģionos trūkst atvērtu teritoriju un ekotūrisma objektu, tādējādi apmeklētājiem un vietējām kopienām trūkst plaša tūrisma piedāvājuma. Finansiāli ierobežojumi kavē Ventspils muzeja biškopības ekspozīcijas paplašināšanu, savukārt Lietuvas biškopības mantojums muzejos nav pietiekami pārstāvēts. Neraugoties uz bagātīgajām tradīcijām, ierobežotais biškopības produktu klāsts ierobežo vietējo biškopju ekonomiskās iespējas. Projekta mērķis ir stiprināt tūrisma piedāvājumu un kultūras mantojumu Šauļu rajonā un Ventspilī, popularizējot biškopību kā kopīgu tradīciju. Tas radīs jaunus apskates objektus, uzlabos publiskās telpas un veicinās ilgtspējīgas ekonomiskās iespējas vietējiem biškopjiem un uzņēmumiem. Projekta galvenās aktivitātes ietver Biškopības parka izveidi Kuršėnai, Lietuvā, biškopības ekspozīcijas paplašināšanu Ventspils muzejā Latvijā un ar biškopību saistīta pārrobežu tematiskā tūrisma maršruta izveidi. Vietējie biškopji un uzņēmumi popularizēs savus produktus, tradīcijas un kopienas, tūristi tiks aicinātasi uz izglītojošiem pasākumiem un semināriem par ilgtspējīgu biškopību un kultūras mantojuma saglabāšanu. Lai sasniegtu plašāku auditoriju, projektā tiks izmantota inovatīva komunikācijas stratēģija, tostarp iesaistot sabiedriskās domas veidotājus sociālajos plašsaziņas līdzekļos un digitālajās platformās. Veicinot ilgtspējīgu tūrismu un pārrobežu sadarbību, projekts veicinās ekonomisko izaugsmi, sekmēs inovācijas, bagātinās vietējās kopienas un piesaistīs plašu apmeklētāju loku, kurus interesē ekotūrisms un kultūras mantojums.

Description (EN):

Šiauliai district in Lithuania and Ventspils in Latvia face common challenges in tourism development. Both regions lack open spaces and facilities for eco-tourism, limiting opportunities for visitors and local communities. Financial constraints hinder the expansion of Ventspils Museum’s beekeeping exhibition, while Lithuania’s beekeeping heritage is underrepresented in museums. Despite rich traditions, limited diversification of beekeeping products restricts economic opportunities for local beekeepers. The project aims to enhance tourism and cultural heritage in Šiauliai district and Ventspils by promoting beekeeping as shared tradition. It will create new attractions, improve public spaces and promote sustainable economic opportunities for local beekeepers and businesses. The project’s key activities include establishing a Bee Park in Kuršėnai, Lithuania, expanding the beekeeping exhibition at Ventspils Museum in Latvia, and developing a cross-border thematic bee-related tourist route. Local beekeepers and businesses will help promote their products and traditions. Public events and workshops will educate and engage communities and tourists in sustainable beekeeping and cultural heritage preservation. The project will use innovative communication strategy, including collaborations with influencers on social media and digital platforms to reach wider audiences. By promoting sustainable tourism and cross-border cooperation, the project will stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, enrich local communities and attract diverse visitors interested in eco-tourism and cultural heritage.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The objective is to establish and enhance bee-related tourism sites in the Šiauliai district and Ventspils, incorporating educational trails, interactive exhibits, and recreational facilities. Additionally, the project aims to create a seamless and engaging tourism route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils, promoting local bee heritage, sustainable tourism practices, and cross-border collaboration. The objective is to develop and deliver tailored bee-related travel experiences that engage tourists and involve local tourism service providers. This will enhance visitor engagement and satisfaction by offering unique, immersive experiences centered around the cultural and ecological significance of beekeeping. By involving local tourism service providers and entrepreneurs, the project will support the local economy and foster a sense of community involvement.

Project outputs: Bee-related tourism sites(EN)
Bee Tourism Route partners(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Tourism Community integration and common identity

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

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

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

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

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Šiaulių rajono savivaldybės administracija

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 188726051

Address: Vilniaus g., 76337 Šiauliai, Lithuania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website (not verified): https://siauliuraj.lt/

Total budget: EUR 527 437.33

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 421 949.86

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 105 487.47

Ventspils valstspilsētas pašvaldības iestāde “Ventspils muzejs”

Name: Ventspils valstspilsētas pašvaldības iestāde “Ventspils muzejs”

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90001156887

Address: Jana iela, LV-3601 Ventspils, Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://muzejs.ventspils.lv/

Total budget: EUR 165 798.75

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 132 639.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 159.75

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Ventspils Municipal Institution "Ventspils Museum"

Enhancing tourism through the development of the Bee route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils

Partners and Projects info

Siauliai District Municipality Administration

Enhancing tourism through the development of the Bee route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhancing tourism through the development of the Bee route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils

Project acronym: Busy Bee

Project ID: LL-00198

Project start date: 2025-04-01

Project end date: 2027-03-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

The museum, attracting the support of the State Cultural Capital Fund, has implemented several projects related to the creation of the beekeeping exposition: "Creation of the beekeeping exposition at the Ventspils Seaside Open-Air Museum. Part I" – installation of the beehive tree and restoration of the beehive wagon (in 2022, EUR 7400); "Creation of woodworking exposition in the Ventspils Seaside Open Air Museum. Part II" – creation of a sheds for beehives (in 2023, EUR 7640). (EN) | Although part of the beekeeping exposition was created during the mentioned projects, implemented at the Ventspils Museum's structural unit the Seaside Open-Air Museum, but only part of the exhibits are displayed. Therefore, in the current project it is planned to repair beekeeper's house and use additional part of exhibits to create a unique and engaging exhibition for different age groups of visitors. The created exposition will allow to preserve the cultural heritage of the beekeeper's craft. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 693 236.08

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 554 588.86

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

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 554 588.86. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Bee Park arrangement in Šiauliai district - EUR 290 944.33 - country: Lietuva (LT), town: Kuršėnai, Šiaulių raj., street: -, -, postal_code: -, Vidurio ir vakarų Lietuvos regionas (LT02), Šiaulių apskritis (LT026)
I1.2 - Beekeeper's House repair and exhibition - EUR 40 000.00 - country: Latvija (LV), town: Ventspils, street: Rinka street, 2, postal_code: LV3601, Latvija (LV00), Kurzeme (LV003)

Deliverables:

Construction of modular houses
Park arrangement
Playground arrangement
Installation of info stand about the implementation of Interreg Latvia - Lithuania programme project
Marking equipment with stickers
Purchase of Equipment for the modular houses
Development of Exposition
Repair of the Beekeeper's House
Exhibition arrangement
Purchase of educational equipment
Installation of info stand about the implementation of Interreg Latvia - Lithuania programme project
Marking equipment with stickers
Project opening event
Forum-discussion with LV and LT beekeepers to develop Bee Route from Kuršėnai to Venspils
Workshops and seminars for the beekeepers and entrepreneurs in Lithuania and Latvia
Developed joint concept for both expositions in LV and LT and joint tourism route (word doc. in ENG)
Developed Bee-related tourism route
Joint Bee Tourism Route branding
Printed promotional materials
Information on the project partners' websites
Profile of the project on latlit.eu website
Plug-in and update of websites of Tourism Information Centers
Distribution of printed promotional materials to Tourism information centers
Information on social media pages of PPs
Pollinator-friendly landscaping events in Lithuania and Latvia
Educational activities for tourist of different age
World's Bee Day festival - May 20th
Bee Park opening event in Kuršėnai, Lithuania
Short video promotion campaign in Lithuania and Latvia
Bee Route promotion in the media in Lithuania and Latvia
Collaboration with tourism influencers in Lithuania

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The project is in line with the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), that is a framework for cooperation and policy coordination among EU member states in the Baltic Sea region. The strategy aims to promote sustainable development in the region by addressing common challenges, thus the project serves as a valuable contribution towards these EUSBSR objectives:
1) Cross-border cooperation. The EUSBSR encourages cross-border cooperation and coordination among member states in the Baltic Sea region. The project may involve collaboration with stakeholders from different countries in the region, promoting cross-border cooperation towards sustainable development.
2) Sustainable Tourism. Bee-related tourism promotes sustainable tourism practices in the Baltic Sea Region by encouraging visitors to explore natural attractions while minimizing their environmental impact.
3) Climate resilience. Bees play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem resilience and adapting to climate change in the Baltic Sea Region. Therefore, by promoting bee-related activities that enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity, the project contributes to building climate resilience and reducing vulnerability to environmental threats in the region.
4) Environmental sustainability. Bee-related tourism promotes environmental sustainability by raising awareness about the importance of bees and their habitats in the Baltic Sea Region. By highlighting the role of bees in pollinating plants and maintaining ecosystem health, the project supports the EUSBSR's objectives for protecting and preserving the Baltic Sea's fragile ecosystem.
Other The project focusing on bee-related - apiary tourism aligns closely with the objectives of the EU Green Deal.
Bee-related tourism promotes the conservation of biodiversity by raising awareness about the importance of bees and their habitats. By highlighting the interdependence between bees, pollination, and ecosystem health, the project supports the EU Green Deal's biodiversity strategy, which aims to protect and restore biodiversity across Europe.
Beekeeping generates various products besides honey, therefore, promoting the sustainable use of bee products and supporting circular economy practices, the project contributes to the EU Green Deal's objectives for waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable consumption.
Also, by promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and reducing pesticide use, the project supports the EU Green Deal's Farm to Fork Strategy, which seeks to make European food systems more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU Green Deal prioritizes green recovery measures to build back better and create a more sustainable and resilient economy. Bee-related tourism offers an opportunity for green investment and job creation in rural areas, contributing to the EU's efforts to stimulate economic recovery while advancing environmental and social sustainability goals.
Other The project also aligns with the Strategic development plan 2024-2030 of Šiauliai district. By developing a new tourism site related to bees and family entertainment or education, the project aligns with the goal 1.3. "Development of sustainable natural, cultural and religious tourism, image enhancement, promotion of cooperation and digitization" and its task to increase the competitiveness of the Šiauliai district, tourist flows, awareness, promote cooperation and the application of digitization processes. By implementing tourism attraction activities and providing leisure spending offerings, the Bee Park can become a tourism site for the tourist from various regions.
In addition, the project aligns with the Strategic activity plan 2024-2026 of Šiauliai district, responding to the goal on promotion of tourism and increasing the competitiveness of the Šiauliai district, tourist flows, awareness, promote cooperation and the application of digitization processes.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, 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: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania

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

2025-12-16

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

67 / 67 (100%)

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

235 / 235 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Enhancing tourism through the development of the Bee route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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