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What are the possibilities for financing investments aimed at the digital transition of entrepreneurs in tourism and hospitality with the aim of increasing productivity and better positioning in the tourism market? - a question that many entrepreneurs in tourism are asking themselves this year.
Namely, the EU Recovery and Resilience Mechanism brings to the Republic of Croatia 2,2 billion of which 60% of the funds will be earmarked for investments in the private sector, and the rest will be earmarked for public tourism infrastructure.
Aware of the rush to these tenders, from Aestus Consulting advise entrepreneurs to seriously prepare and accept all suggestions on project proposals if they want to get the best chance.
Announcement of public calls for entrepreneurs in tourism 2022: What can entrepreneurs in tourism expect?
A total of three calls are planned:
1. Call for grants for the development of environmentally friendly tourism products, resource efficiency and green and digital transition.
• The estimated call allocation is HRK 1.020.000.000.
2. Calls for grants for the development of environmentally friendly tourism products, resource efficiency and the green and digital transition.
• The estimated call allocation is HRK 1.020.000.000.
3. Encouraging clustering activities and research and development in companies in the entire value chain of tourism and hospitality
• The estimated call allocation is HRK 180.000.000.
Investments will need to be focused on the digital and green transition of entrepreneurs in tourism and hospitality, and below we present the information known so far.
What is the time frame of public calls in tourism?
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The publication of the draft call to the public is expected in the first quarter of 2022.
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In the third quarter of 2022. a public call is planned
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At the latest by the end of 2025 all projects must be completed
Which projects will be able to apply and how will they be scored?
- It will be possible to apply for projects in the field of culture, natural and cultural heritage and health if the project is in the function of tourism and if the entity is registered in tourism no later than the day of application.
- Investments will be focused on projects with green and digital aspect, that is, to those who will raise the quality of the tourist offer, while reducing the negative impact on the environment
- It is necessary to focus on the development of a tourism product or service while supporting the circular economy, sustainable mobility and digital solutions.
- At least 50% investment it will need to be focused on climate change mitigation or adaptation. For example, if an entrepreneur submits a project for the construction of a new facility, the entire cost list of works should include segments for mitigation of negative climate effects according to the model of "almost zero emission buildings". nearly zero-energy building).
How will the tourism development index affect the application?
- Investments in less developed tourist areas will be encouraged, ie in areas located in III., IV. And 0. category according to Tourism Development Index.
- A new infrastructure investment will not be eligible for applicants from Category I areas. The European Commission does not allow additional construction, even if it only leads to capacity expansion at the service level (restaurant, wellness, ...). In that case, investments are possible only in the existing capacities - it is important not to go beyond the existing dimensions and to raise the quality with the new investment.
- It is important to note that the Ministry of Tourism is planning next year to publish tenders that will enable the mentioned investments in the most developed units of local self-government.
How will projects be applied for and evaluated?
- Projects will be scored according to contribution to sustainable tourism, ie they will be obliged to include the principles of sustainable development.
- We can say with certainty how future projects will apply along the way eNPOO system and that the criterion will not be the fastest finger, but the quality of the project which is determined on the basis of the total number of points.
- It will be extremely important to review the points tables at the time of publication in order to collect all the points that an entrepreneur can earn. It is important to do everything in our power to achieve the maximum.
What will be the obligations and conditions for applicants?
- Although significant investments are expected, conditions for entrepreneurs will be favorable. The Ministry will not ask for bank guarantees or contracted loans to prove its own share of financing. Instructed by experience, we advise you to satisfy the above with a letter of intent from the bank, which in some banks can be obtained without additional costs within 7-10 days.
- Regarding the conditions of business capacity, it will be necessary to present the business history which before COVID-19 should have been a positive trend while it is reasonable that during the COVID-19 period it is potentially negative.
- On the positive side, it is expected that applicants will not have to meet the requirement of a certain minimum number of employees in the year preceding the year of submission of the project proposal, as well as the amount of income in the total investment.
Our team is available to work with you, according to the methodology of the design thinking process of project design, to create a diverse tourism product that extends the season supported by green and digital features.
Project design is complete besplatno and we invite you to contact us at the email address aestus@aestus.hr or by way of contact forms to create a project proposal that will have a strong chance of receiving a grant.
Author: Sandra Anić, Aestus Consulting
Photos: Proxyclick Visitor Management System on Unsplash
