About the project
Identity of the project
The cross-border cooperation programme Greece – Bulgaria 2014-2020 was approved by the European Commission on 09.09.2015 (Decision C(2015)6983). The total budget of the programme amounts to 784.152,36 € (EUR), of which 666.529,51 € (EUR) from the ERDF (85%) and 117.622,85 € (EUR) from the national participation of Greece and Bulgaria (15%) and aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation between the two countries in various thematic areas which are “translated” in the following priority thematic axes:
Priority axis 1: A competitive and entrepreneurial promotion of the cross-border region
Priority axis 2: Sustainable and climate-adapted cross-border region
Priority axis 3: Better connected cross-border region
Priority axis 4: Transnational and socially inclusive area
Priority axis 5: Technical assistance
The project “Crossing the paths of History and Culture” / “Crossing the paths of History and Culture with the acronym “CHIC” was selected for funding in the framework of the implementation of priority axis 2 and in particular investment priority 6C – Conservation, protection, promotion and development of natural and cultural heritage and specific objective 4 – Exploitation of cultural and natural heritage of the cross-border area for tourism purposes of the cross-border cooperation programme Greece – Bulgaria 2014-2020.
Purpose
The main purpose of the project is the cooperation between the two target regions (Komotini (Greece) – Haskovo (Bulgaria)) in cultural level in order to further their tourism development and the permanent and multi-level cooperation in these fields.
The project also aims to promote the common cultural background of the two regions and its expression through theatre, folk events and the strengthening of the link between cultural associations and entrepreneurs of the two regions as well as the development of a common cross-border tourism identity through cultural events that will in turn create a model that encourages faster and more effective socio-economic integration.
The creation of a common tourism identity for the two regions is also expected to contribute to the competitiveness and greater diversification of the tourism product of the regions. In order to achieve the above, the project will be based on the promotion – exploitation of important cultural infrastructure (building of the old public library in Komotini – Theatre – Community Centre in Haskovo).
Actions
The actions of the project concern:
– The recording and promotion of the historical and cultural monuments of the two regions for the purpose of tourism development
– The improvement of signage in the two areas
– The promotion of theatre and folk performances as a tool to highlight the common cultural heritage
– The reconstruction of cultural sites
– The production of tourist promotion material
Activities
The project is divided into six (6) groups of activities – work packages that include:
1. Project Management & Coordination
2. Contact & Dissemination
3. Renovation and equipment of cultural units
4. Connecting the common cultural tradition.
5. Creating common tools.
6. Linking culture and tourism.
