Project code: | BGRS0200053 |
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: | 24 months |
Project final contract amount: | 813.645,99 € |
Project EU co-financing rate: | 85% |
Project start date: | 07/11/2025 |
Project end date: | 07/10/2027 |
Partners: | Lead partner: Association Regional Partnerships for Sustainable Development - Vidin; Partner 2: Public library of Merosina; Partner 3: NGO "Inventors of Porec" Partner 4: Tourism Organisation of Municipality Merosina |
Project summary: | The project aims to establish a new cross-border tourism product based on hot-air balloon tourism in order to support tourism development in the Bulgaria–Serbia cross-border region. Building on the existing experience of the Bulgarian partner and transferring this experience to the Serbian partners, the project will create the necessary capacity to provide regular hot-air balloon tourism services in the districts of Vidin (Bulgaria), Bor and Niš (Serbia). The project will purchase hot-air balloons and the necessary support equipment, organise the training and licensing of balloon pilots, organise three cross-border balloon festivals, establish a Tourism Information Point with a souvenir shop in the Municipality of Merošina, and implement promotional activities, including participation in tourism fairs in Sofia and Belgrade. The project will also develop two Virtual Reality balloon simulators, allowing visitors to experience a virtual hot-air balloon flight over the Belogradchik Rocks and the Merošina area. The simulators will be used to promote the new tourism product at tourism fairs, festivals and other promotional events. By combining capacity building, innovative promotional activities and joint cross-border events, the project will diversify the tourism offer in the programme area, strengthen cooperation between the project partners and increase the visibility and attractiveness of the cross-border region as a destination for hot-air balloon tourism. |