The Action “Strengthening the Establishment and Operation of New Tourism SMEs”, has been pre-published; it concerns support for tourism entrepreneurship through the establishment of new micro-, small and medium enterprises in specific Activity Code Numbers of the tourism sector.
Budget: €160,000,000
The Action is co-funded by the EU European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national funds.
Eligible Enterprises
Enterprises eligible to submit a proposal for the Action include Under-establishment and newly established micro-, small and medium enterprises projected to develop activities in the tourism sector, as these are defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC.
The term ‘newly established’ signifies enterprises that have not exceeded a 12-month period of continuous operation as of the date of announcement of the action.
The eligible Activity Code Numbers (ACN) shall be determined in the Detailed Invitation of the Action.
If the investment concerns tourist accommodations, these must have the following specific capacity and meet the following conditions:
Main hotel accommodations
Hotels
- Ranked 4**** (four star) and above
- Capacity of twelve (12) beds or more
Tourist hotel accommodations within traditional settlements as per P.D. 33/1979
Organised tourist camping sites
- At least 3*** (three stars) and above
Non-main hotel accommodations
Self-service accommodation – furnished tourist accommodations
Minimum number of residences: Three (3)
Please note: The total self-service accommodations – furnished tourist accommodations must belong to the same Electronic Register of Tourism Enterprises Mark.
Furnished rooms – apartments for rent
- Ranking of 4 or more keys
- Minimum capacity of twelve (12) beds
All requirements for participation shall be defined in the Detailed Invitation of the Action.
Investment Plans and Funding Rates
Each investment plan may receive from €80,000 to €400,000 in funding.
The overall funding will amount to 45% of submitted expenses.
The percentage of the funding may be increased by (a) 10% if the investment is made in a remote or fire-prone or earthquake-prone or flood-prone area or small islands; or (b) an additional 5% with the achievement of employment of at least 0.2 ALU (Annual Labour Unit), in the first year after the completion of the investment.
The maximum duration of completion of the physical and financial object of the investment plan cannot under any circumstances exceed 24 months.
Submission and Evaluation of Applications for Funding
Applications for funding are submitted through the Integrated State Aid Management Information System (iSAMIS). No printed supporting documents shall be submitted. The deadline and submission process, required supporting documents, obligations of the beneficiaries as well as the other terms of implementation will be described in detail in the Detailed Invitation of the Action.
The Action will be evaluated through Benchmarking.
The minimum passable score for approval of an investment plan is 60.
To see the pre-publication of the Action, click here
