Project code: | BGRS0200071 |
Project call: | Call under Priority 2 - Enhancing regional competitiveness, incl. in the area of tourism |
Priority axis / Specific objective: | Priority 2 - Integrated development of border region 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 |
Type of project: | Investment and soft measures |
Project duration in months: | 18 months |
Project final contract amount: | 790 347 € |
Project EU co-financing rate: | 85% |
Project start date: | 06/18/2025 |
Project end date: | 12/17/2026 |
Partners: | Lead partner: Georgi Damyanovo Municipality; Partner 2: Association for Tourism Promotion – Vidin; Partner 3: Institute for Cross Border Areas |
Project summary: | The project aims to create a sustainable and authentic tourist experience that promotes traditional crafts, supports local communities, and helps preserve cultural heritage. At the heart of the initiative is the establishment of a Cross-Border Craft Center, made up of two complementary elements – a physical center (in both Bulgaria and Serbia) and a virtual platform that connects them. Local crafts are a vital part of the region’s cultural identity, yet they often remain underrepresented in the tourism offering. This project seeks to unlock their hidden potential and turn them into a strong tourism asset through digital promotion, joint marketing, and the creation of a modern platform for visibility and growth. By combining efforts across the border, the project introduces a new model for the tourist valorization of traditional crafts. The physical element of the Center will be an Innovative Cross-Border Craft Space, where artisans from Bulgaria and Serbia will demonstrate their work, showcase their products, and offer hands-on experiences to visitors. In parallel, the virtual platform will serve as a digital stage, where craftspeople can present themselves to a global audience through profiles, videos, and links to their websites and social media. A key innovation of the project will be the development of a Digital Directory of Local and Traditional Crafts – a one-stop destination where tourists and stakeholders can find information about who the artisans are, what they create, where they are located, and how to connect with them. The directory will also include craft chambers, cultural heritage organizations, museums, and other institutions involved in the field of crafts. To improve visibility and competitiveness, the project will deliver specialized capacity-building trainings for artisans, focused on digital marketing, tourism communication, and effective online presence. A broad digital promotional campaign will support the visibility of the Center, the platform, and all participants in the initiative. The goal is not only to preserve cultural heritage, but to offer visitors a rich and immersive experience, where traditional crafts come to life through hands-on demonstrations, digital storytelling, and opportunities for engagement. Whether visiting the physical Center or exploring virtual reality presentations, tourists will enjoy a deeper and more meaningful connection with the region’s traditions. The cross-border nature of the project is essential to its success. By pooling resources and sharing expertise, the project enables the creation of a more diverse and attractive tourism offer. It also supports cooperation and innovation in both regions. The main beneficiaries include not only artisans, but also tourists, tour operators, museums, cultural institutions, local authorities, media, and the wider public involved in crafts and tourism development. The key innovative solution introduced by the project is the creation of the Innovative Cross-Border Craft Center Bulgaria–Serbia – a new tool for the tourist valorization of local and traditional crafts through effective use of regional resources, improved marketing, and modern branding practices. |