Specific objectives of the scheme are:

• support of destinations with significant tourism potential promoting natural, cultural and historical heritage;
• economic diversification of the relevant territory or region and reducing territorial concentration of tourism;
• encouragement of supply out of season, reducing seasonality and increasing bed places occupancy;
• attracting new market segments for specific regional products and using potential demand of the internal market;
• using effective contemporary means and techniques for reaching tourism markets.

The grant scheme is implemented with the EU financial support provided through the European Regional Development Fund.

Projects will be implemented on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and the European Union in cases of participation of international tourism stock exchange markets, exhibitions and fairs.

Eligible activities in support of the proposed tourism product:

• Development of tourism packages or diversification of the existing ones;
• Promotional activities – preparation and dissemination of information and promotional/advertising materials for the tourism region and proposals for development of the tourism product;  
• Participation in regional, national and international tourism stock exchange markets, exhibitions and fairs;
• Impact assessments of implemented marketing and promotional/advertising activities;
• Organization of expedition tours, visits of travel agents, tour operators, authors of  travel guides; journalists;
• Support of activities for public awareness and information services – communication campaigns for improving the awareness on natural, cultural and historical heritage and the contribution of tourism to development, dissemination of an adequate information in the tourism business sector, organization of tourism forums to encourage efficient bilateral communication, participation and commitment of local businesses in the identification and resolution of common issues.

Project proposals are to be submitted electronically by using the Electronic Services Module of the Management and Monitoring Information System of EU Structural Instruments in Bulgaria (MMIS).

Deadline for submission of project proposals: 15 March, 2012, 16 PM local time.

The full package of documents and Guidelines for Applicants are published on web sites http://www.mrrb.government.bg/, http://www.bgregio.eu/ Actual scheme, and http://www.eufunds.bg