Croats Urged to Bid for 'Innovate' Tourism Grants

Two weeks before the deadline for submitting projects expires, the Croatian government has invited citizens to use Twitter to send in their ideas on touristic innovations, and so obtain significant grants.

The open call for submitting projects was announced on July 4 in order to distribute 6 million kunas (about 850,000 euro) to encourage innovations in the field.

The Ministry of Tourism will finance up to 50 per cent of the costs of the chosen projects, to a maximum of 200,000 kuna (26,000 euro) per project.

Tourism minister Veljko Ostojic said that the government intends to improve the overall touristic offer and so boost the development of popular destinations. "We want this programme to bring our offer to a higher level of quality," Ostojic said.

He added that global tourism trends show that innovative products are the key to making tourism sustainable in the long term.

In order to obtain financing, projects have to introduce new technologies to tourist sites, affirm touristic attractions and domestic products, or implement higher ecological standards.

Submitted projects will be assessed for their originality, sustainability and market interests.  Among those eligible to compete are companies, cooperatives, individuals registered in hospitality or travel services, travel agencies, public institutions, clubs, sports and arts organisations and local governments.