Istria. as a wine and a culinary destination Denis Ivosevic

Istria as a wine and a culinary destination Denis Ivosevic NECSTouR REGIONAL CONFERENCE Smart Use of the EU Funds 2014-2012 for sustainable and competitive Tourism Poreč; 27 Sept. 2013 County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr

Tourism figures 2010 2011 2012 Arrivals 2.737.779 2.012.204 3.159.985 Overnights 19.041.644 20.646.728 21.992.869 Main markets: Raising markets: Istria generates: Germany, Austria, Itlay, Slovenia Russia, Netherlands, UK 1/3 of Croatian arrivals and overnights 1/3 of Croatian revenue and earnings County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 2

Tourism figures: Main Markets 2010 (Overnights) % 2011 (Overnights) % 2012 (Overnights) % Germany 28,17 28,68 30,14 Austria 10,67 11,04 10,85 Italy 10,99 10,56 9,28 Slovenia 13,69 14,20 13,60 County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 3

Accommodation Capacities Campsites 116.000 45,3% Private acc. 55.370 21,5% App & villages 30.600 11,9% Hotels 30.760 11,9% Nautical ports 13.981 5,4% Other 10.550 4,1% TOTAL: 257.661 100% County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 4

Main aspects of development model untill 1990 County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 5

I. Main aspects of development model until 1990 1. Mass tourism destination 2. Overloaded seaside, abandoned hinterland 3. Concentration in 3 summer months 4. Offer cheap packages 5. Quality of service irrelevant 6. Measurement arrivals/overnight 7. ROI not important 8. Minimal possibilitie of reinvestment 9. Full employment County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 6

Tourism in Istria untill 1990 Results of development model Istrian seaside: Overloaded infrastructure/ in summer (water/electricity supply, roads/ highwaysparking; ) Izgrađenost i uređenost (near seaside, poor urban aestetcs) Big hotels and campings (2 & 3 stars) Uncompetitive touristic product Uncertain position on tourist market County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 7

Main aspects of development model until1990 Results of development model Istrian hinterland: Hibernated land 50 years Complete lack of population Complete lack of infrastructure (water, electricity, roads, telephone) no employment (demographic tsunami) Agricultural land; (uncultivated), Value assets; (unatractive) Total decay of: rural part, traditional and heritage peculiarities Faith in the future; (uncertain) County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 8

I Main aspects of development until 1990. 1. Mass tourism model was not a land destroyer in terms of overbuiding and pollution 2. With campings near seaside we have protected our main resource: unspoiled and unbuilded green area 3. Today this is presenting our main competitive advantage 4. We started to create a complete new philosophy of tourism County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 9

Conceptual redisgn starting from 1995 County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 10

II. Conceptual redesign starting from 1995 1. Regional Ministry of tourism (creation of new development projects) 2. Tourism board of Istria + Local tourist boards (brochures online/offline, promotion, study trips, journalists) 3. Region of Istria + Local municipalities (regional and local development, ruban aestetics.) 4. Privat sector big hotel companies County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 11

The tourism development projects in Istria 1. Gourmet tourism (Gault Millau, Espresso, Gallimard, JRE) 2. Olive oil tourism (Flos Olei, Slow food,) 3. Wine tourism (Johnson & Johnson, Touring club) 4. Truffles tourism (The Golden truffle, The Authentic truffle, Hommage to the Istrian tru) The Guinness world record) 5. Bike and trekking tourism (Parenzana truffle tour, Valamar Terra Magica) County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 12

Gourmet Tourism 700 food facilities in Istria (500 restaurants and 200 typical taverns), 40% operates all year, 20% 7 months a year and 40% 5 months a year, Gourmetl guides (30 restaurants in Gault Millau, 12 in Espresso, Gallimard), Gourmet packages, cooking classes; www.istria-gourmet.com County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 13

Gourmet Tourism Once: And today: County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 14

Rural Tourism Once: And today: County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 15

Wine Tourism 7 Wine Roads 120 Producers (average 4 hectares) 50 high quality (average 9 hectares) 500 Wine Sommeliers 155.000 Wine visitors per year County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 16

Wine Tourism Once: And today: County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 17

Wine Tourism Wine guides: Michelin, Veronelli, Johnson & Johnson County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 18

Olive Oil Tourism 7 Olive Oil routes 145 Producers 85 High Quality 520 Olive Oil Sommeliers 60.000 Wine visitors County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 19

Olive Oil Tourism Once: And today: County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 20

Olive Oil Tourism 2nd best extra vergin olive oil region in the world Every year one Istrian producer winner in one of 10 category County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 21

Truffle Tourism 2.500 truffle hunters 160 truffle sommeliers Golden Truffle event Genuine Truffle/Tartufo vero Production of 10 tones per year The only region both white and black truffles grows Guinness World record: 1,31 kg white truffle found in Istria in 1999. County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 22

Achieved results in conceptual redesign. 1. Experience in creating developing projects 2. Conjunction of hinterland part of Istria with seaside 3. Development of selective forms of tourism 4. Enlargement of touristic season County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr

Istrian Prosciutto 200 producers 46 Istrian prosciutto sommeliers County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 24

25 THE END County of Istria, Department for tourism www.istra-istria.hr www.istra.hr 25

NECSTouR 2013 REGIONAL CONERENCE Smart Use o the Funds 2014-2020 For Sustainable and Competitive Tourism European Regions or a competitive and sustainable Tourism committed use o EU Funds: The TESEO initiative Tourism for European Sustainable and Occupability Paolo Bongini 27 September 2013, Poreč 1

Background NECSTouR aims to develop and strengthen a coherent framework for the coordination of regional development programmes and research on sustainable and competitive tourism following the communication published by the European Commission, entitled "Agenda for European sustainable and competitive tourism COM (2007-0621 - 19-10-2007) COMMISSION COMMUNICATION (COM 2010 352/3) A new political framework for European tourism Promotion of sustainable and high-quality tourism, implemented by means of the indicators models produced by the NECSTouRnetwork, for the sustainable management of tourist destinations, with the final objective to crete en European label for the promotion of the tourist destinations 27 September 2013, Poreč 2

NECSTouR Ex Com on 12 December 2012, on the base of National Position Papers of EU Commission, decided to settle a program of initiatives in order to use Structural Funds for actions on Sustainable development of Tourism TESEO Tourism for European Soustainable Economy and Occupability. Turismo Europeo Sostenibile per l Economia e l Occupazione. Tourisme europen durable pour l economie et l Occupation 27 September 2013, Poreč

TESEO A system of actions to focus attention on the opportunities that Tourism can offer to get out of the crisis in Europe The epochal nature of the economic crisis that Europe has been going through, affecting with a different impact all Member States, requires a careful review of the current characteristics and conditions regulating the instruments of support and development of economy and employment All Member States have been facing a financial emergency and they all need to implement strong growth strategies with concrete measures within the shortest delay. Tourism is a field that can have an important role to boost Growth stimulating economic recovery and employment in all EU countries (more and less affected by economic and financial crisis). With TESEO NECSTouR intends to create a red thread that allows to systemize all financial instruments useful for Tourism implementation through models of sustainable management. 4 27 September 2013, Poreč

TESEO A system of actions to focus attention on the opportunities that Tourism can offer to get out of the crisis in Europe NESCTouR intends to set up a system of actions aiming at offering the European Regions, Member States, European institutions, the tools to use the Structural Funds 2014-2020 to assure a great relaunch of European touristic offer starting from the Regions and the Regional Development. It s necessary to: Intervene before the final approval of national agreements by including specific observations in Member States Position Papers (ERDF, ESF, EAFRD, CF). Intervene to orient the ERDF regulation on Urban and Regional Integrated Projects aimed at attracting new international tourist flows. These projects that should be closely linked to Models of Sustainable Management of Destinations (Action 11 of the Communication 352/2010 (role of NECSTouR). Activate a Specific Program aimed at disseminating good practices of the Regions with regard to the different phases of negotiation and implementation of Regional Programmes. 5

Social Dialogue Levels of Application Member States Measurement Sustainable Management Regions of tourist Destinations Town Councils (local level) 6 6

Interpreting social dialogue at two different levels: regional & destination level Regional level: Participatory sessions The regional observatory on sustainable tourism has a support function in defining the competitivity objectives, monitoring & measuring Support of the Universities 27 September 2013, Poreč 7

ERDF EARDF ESF An important Step of planning 2014-2020 A comparison about issues Procedure of analysis for tourism development Public Sustainable infrastructure Management for tourism Investment aid of of tourism SME Aid for tourist intangible Destinations investments Aid to promote Tourism SME aggregation Marketing of destination 27 September 2013, Poreč 8

Programme COSME Competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises A dedicated budget line for the tourism sector Important achievement However, it should not be the only instrument supporting Tourism 27 September 2013, Poreč 9

Tourism & the 10 Topics NECSTouR Issues: Impact of transport Quality of life of residents and tourists Quality of work Widening the relation between demand/offer (geographical and seasonal concentration of tourism) Active conservation of cultural heritage related to tourism Active conservation of environmental heritage related to tourism Active conservation of distinctive identities of destinations Reduction and optimisation of use of natural resources with particular reference to water Reduction and optimisation of energy consumption Reduction of waste and better waste management 27 September 2013, Poreč 10

ERDF EARDF ESF An important Step of planning 2014-2020 The Trans-sectoral Issues COMPETITIVENESS & SUSTAINABILITY Reduction and optimisation of use of natural resources with particular reference to water Reduction and optimisation of energyconsumption Reduction of waste and better waste management 27 September 2013, Poreč 11

ERDF EARDF ESF An important Step of planning 2014-2020 Mobility and transport(infrastructure and services) Infrastructure and Social services Mitigating conflicts between resident population and tourists Quality of work Infrastructure and Social services (Seasonal work female employment) Intervention on protection an valuation of cultural and environmental heritage Intervention on protection and valuation of IDENTITIES 27 September 2013, Poreč 12

Research & Development Technology transfer Innovation and entrepreneurship Sustainable Management Environmental sustainability of Competitiveness& Sustainability of energy system tourist Destinations Accessibility to transport and telecommunications services 27 September 2013, Poreč 13

Program dedicated to Cross Boarder Areas (Interregional) Examples: MARITIME Italy France Toscana PACA Corse Sardegna Liguria Special Projects of Cooperation (Interregional) Examples: Via Francigena UK France Italia Council of Europe 14

Euromeeting 2013 Regional Policies for Sustainable and Competitive European Tourism Tourism 2014-2020 or a soustainable growth. The role of the Regions in the programming of the European Funds Bruxelles 13 th December 2013 27 September 2013, Poreč 15

A continuos effort that will continue on line: www.necstour.eu Thank you for your attention 27 September 2013, Poreč 16

NECSTOUR 2013 Regional Conference Poreč, 27 September 2013 EU Tourism Policy and Funding Opportunities 2014-2020 Iuliana ALUAS European Commission, DG Enterprise & Industry Tourism Policy Unit

Presentation Outline 2010 new consolidated policy framework for EU tourism Achievements up to date Main lines of action short and long term Tourism under the COSME Programme EEN Enterprise Europe Network Other funding opportunities under the MFF 2014-2020 2

2010 Communication New Policy Framework & Action Plan for EU Tourism ensure favourable conditions for tourism to grow in a competitive, sustainable and responsible manner INSERT allow Europe to keep its position as the world s no. 1 tourist destination 3

Achievements up to date Highlights Support to 27 transnational thematic tourism projects focusing on promoting sustainability as well as cultural and industrial heritage Visibility and support to European Cultural Routes and EDEN Destinations European System of Indicators for the Sustainable Management of Destinations Consolidation of Europe's visibility as a unique destination with the international communication campaign Europe, whenever you re ready + support and cooperation programme with the European Travel Commission (ETC) for the Destination Europe 2020 imitative 4 etc. 4

Main lines of action short and long term (1) Improve EU tourism supply & diversify tourism offer by Better exploiting Europe s main competitive advantages Better promoting transnational thematic tourism products, cultural itineraries and routes Prioritising sustainable development, professional skills and service quality 5

Main lines of action short and long term (2) Improve the EU tourism demand and increase desire for Europe by Promoting Europe as a "unique tourism destination Facilitating targeted customised initiatives to attract tourists from emerging third countries, as well as to increase intra-eu tourism flows 6

Main lines of action short and long term (3) Promoting sustainable/responsible practices and attitudes by tourism stakeholders and by tourists Improving the socio-economic knowledge base for tourism Mainstreaming tourism throughout other EU policies and financial instruments Missions for Growth with participation of high-level industry representatives 7

Tourism under COSME - Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs

Tourism under COSME Budget & Context Budget foreseen for 7 years: 109.9 million EUR (2014: 8.7 million EUR) Co-funding, but no investments in infrastructure Trans-national dimension / European added-value Implementation in close cooperation with national and regional public authorities, private stakeholders and European networks involved in tourism activities 9

Tourism under COSME Main Objectives Five main objectives: 1)Increase demand for EU tourism services, in particular during the low season 2)Diversify EU tourism offer and products 3)Enhance tourism quality, sustainability, accessibility, skills and innovation 4)Improve socio-economic knowledge of the sector 5)Promote Europe as a set of unique, sustainable and high-quality destinations within Europe and in third markets 10

1. Increasing demand for EU tourism services both within the EU and from third countries Facilitate intra-eu tourist exchanges for specific target groups, in particular seniors Increase intra-eu travels of tourists from third countries in the medium and low season Support to projects for public-private partnerships, will aim at increasing the number of international tourism arrivals from third countries, in particular by promoting dedicated tourism offers 11

2. Diversifying the EU tourism offer and products Projects enhancing and promoting transnational thematic tourism products Actions focusing on sustainable tourism and tourism based on EU cultural and industrial heritage Actions maximising the synergies between highend/creative industries and the tourism sector Actions increasing the diversification of the tourism offer Cooperation with the Council of Europe EDEN 12

3. Enhancing tourism quality, sustainability, accessibility, skills, information and innovation Monitoring the implementation of the European Tourism Indicators System for the sustainable management at destination level Measures to facilitate the mobility of tourism workers Actions for the provision of accessible services across the tourism supply chain Specific actions for maintenance and functioning of, and content development for the one-stop, webbased "ICT and Tourism" Portal for SMEs 13

4. Improving socio-economic knowledge of the sector Regular Eurobarometer surveys on tourism demand prospects Market and trends analysis studies Virtual Tourism Observatory (the EU web-based aggregated tourism knowledge data base and platform) Cooperation with OECD, UNWTO etc. 14

5. Increasing Europe's visibility as a tourist destination as well as of its diverse destinations Communication activities about the diversity of Europe as well as its wealth of heritage and transnational thematic tourism products Organisation of high-level events and conferences Participation in major European and international tourism fairs Cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC) and National Tourism Offices of the MS 15

Other Funding Opportunities under the MFF 2014-2020 ESI Funds EARFD EMFF Horizon 2020

ESI Funds 2014-2020 - Overview Cohesion Fund (CF) European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) European Social Fund (ESF) European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) 17

ESI Funds 2014-2020 - Objectives ESIF funds 2014-2020 to focus on Europe 2020 priorities: 11 thematic objectives + concentration of funds on major European priorities Focus on priority development needs of MS + regions, incl. follow-up to country-specific recommendations Tourism investments are not directly mentioned among the investment priorities, as they constitute means rather than objectives However, they can be supported as long as they contribute to a number of relevant investment priorities and as long as they are grounded in development strategies with a sound economic rationale 18

Billion EUR Less developed regions 164.3 Transition regions 31.7 More developed regions 49.5 Cohesion Fund 66.4 European territorial cooperation 8.9 Of which Cross border cooperation 6.6 Transnational cooperation 1.8 Interregional cooperation 0.5 Outermost regions and northern sparsely populated regions 1.4 Youth Employment initiative 3.0 TOTAL 325.1 19

Thematic Objectives: possible relevance for tourism (1) (1) Research and innovation Service innovation, open innovation, clusters, incubators, etc (but: focus on knowledge-based investments/link to RIS3!) (2) ICT investments E-content relevant to tourism development (not ERDF but EAFRD!) (3) SME competitiveness New business models, service innovation, clusters, etc. (broader scope) Productive investments in SMEs contributing to the investment priorities, possibly also small-scale business support infrastructure 20

Thematic Objectives: possible relevance for tourism (2) (4) Shift to low-carbon economy Energy efficiency measures in SMEs (8) Employment and labour mobility Development of business incubators and investment support for self-employment and business creation, in particular in areas offering new sources of growth, such as sustainable tourism (including the silver economy) (9) Education, skills and lifelong learning Vocational training, skills upgrading, etc. 21

EEN Enterprise Europe Network

EEN Enterprise Europe Network One-stop shop for the European SMEs Practical support provided by local organisations Listening to SMEs to involve them in the European policy making (SME Feedback) 54 Countries 600 Organisations (Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Technology Centres, Universities, Regional Development Agencies) 3000 Experts 23

EEN Enterprise Europe Network Countries 28 EU Member States (co-funded) Countries under CIP Art. 4 (co-funded): candidates Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey EFTA/SEE (Island and Norway)and third countries 'when Agreements and procedures so allow' (Israel) Countries under CIP Art. 21.5 (not co-funded): Albania, Armenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Moldavia, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, USA 24

EEN Sector Group Tourism and Cultural Heritage Mission: Supporting the EU s policy on tourism; Enhancing business cooperation and sustainable partnerships among European tourism s SMEs, private sector associations and public institutions. Promoting innovation and technology transfer in order to safeguard heritage and thereby guaranteeing its use for future generations. Number of members: 31 Countries covered: 14 (BG, CL, CY, DE, ES, FR, GR, HR, HU, IT, PL, PT, RS, TR) Chair: Matina TZIMOURi Chamber of Arkadia (GR) - info@arcadianet.gr EACI Contact: Giovanna D ADDAMIO - giovanna.daddamio@ec.europa.eu http://een.ec.europa.eu/about/sector-groups/tourism-cultural-heritage 25

EEN How to find the closest Network partner? Enterprise Europe Network Homepage http://een.ec.europa.eu/ Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry Homepage http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/index_en.htm 26

General information http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/tajani/index_en.htm Communication from the European Commission, "Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination a new political framework for tourism in Europe" (COM(2010) 352) http://eurlex.europa.eu/lexuriserv/lexuriserv.do?uri=celex:52010dc035 2:EN:NOT 27

Contact details ENTR-TOURISM-POLICY@ec.europa.eu iuliana-gabriela.aluas@ec.europa.eu Thank you for your attention 28

HGK EU CENTER EU Funds in Croatian Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities Saša Bukovac Assistant Director sbukovac@hgk.hr Poreč, September27 th 2013

Content Cohesion Policy-Funds available Possibilities for financing in 2013 - activities - beneficiaries - announcement of calls Plans for 2014-2020

Cohesion (Regional) Policy of EU COHESION POLICY Strukturni fondovi 1. COHESION FUND (CF) 2. EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (ERDF) 3. EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND (ESF) EUROPEAN MARITIME AND FISHERIES FUND (EMFF) EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (EAFRD)

European Regional Development Fund ERDF supports regional and local development, where the focus is directed to the following: R & D and innovation; improved access to information and communication technologies and a higher quality of these technologies; climate change and the transition towards a low-carbon economy; business support to SMEs; telecommunications, energy and transport infrastructure; Health, education and social infrastructure and; sustainable urban development. Financing rate ERDF: up to 75% in less developed regions of the EU

European Social Fund, ESF PURPOSE: promotion of employment Investments in education, skills & Lifelong Learning Promoting social inclusion & fighting poverty Strengthening institutional capacity & efficiency of public administration Financing rate ESF: up to 75% in less developed regions of the EU.

What is available for Croatia? From July 1st until December 31st of 2013 (IPA priorities with significantly increased amounts-more than 449 mil. /six months). 4 Operational programs (Transport, Environment, Regional Competitiveness, Human Resources) From 2014: Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund from new financial perspective (more than 1 billion EUR/year). 3 Operational programs (Competitiveness and Cohesion, Efficient Human Resources, Technical Assistance)

Allocations from EU funds 1.400 Hrvatska 1.200 1.113 1.138 1.161 1.185 1.211 1.235 1.000 987 800 600 400 450 545 200 126 126 141 146 151 154 157 156 95 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013H1 2013H2 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 PHARE,ISPA,SAPARD IPA Structural funds and Cohesion Fund* * estimation

Tourism in Croatia-Facts and Figures

OP for Regional Competitiveness H2 2013 RCOP Regional competitiveness operational programme RCOP priority axes: 1. Development and improvement of regional infrastructure and strengthening of attractiveness of regions. 2. Enhancing of competitiveness of Croatian Economy

OP Regional competitiveness Financial Plan

Eligible activities for PA1 (Development of Infrastructure) Construction, modernization and improvement of tourist information centers and the purchase of equipment in major tourist destinations Construction or renovation of public areas for tourism purposes, such as walkways, public parking lots, parks, beaches, etc. Construction, renovation and improvement of thematic or tourist routes / trails (including setting designation, development of rest areas), such as bike trails, marked tourist trails for trekking and climbing, wine roads, educational paths related to historical and architectural heritage, etc., basic facilities in ski centers and facilities in mountain resorts Other facilities that increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of tourist destinations and do not generate revenue, or generate only a small income (profit facilities)

Final beneficiaries for PA 1 local and regional governments, as well as development agencies national / regional / local public institutions or associations other regional business organizations and institutions that represent the business community, such as professional associations, Chamber of Commerce, cooperatives public company owned by the regional / local government national / regional / local tourist boards and associations

Announcement of Call for PA1: Grant Scheme for Business Infrastructure EU Funds available: 26.950.000 EUR Grants for users: 26.500.000 EUR maximum contribution per project from EU funds - 85% amount of EU contribution per project: 1.000.000 9.000.000 EUR Implementation support - Service contract: 450.000 EUR

Eligible activities for SMEs for PA2 (Enhancing of competitiveness) In the context of strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs: - Additional support will be granted to SMEs in the tourism industry for investments that contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in Croatia. - Grants will aim to finance SMEs engaged in tourism by supporting the construction, reconstruction and improve the quality of accommodation in small and medium-sized hotels, as well as the development of additional tourism and increase the commercial value of natural and cultural resources. - Priority will be given to projects aimed at extending the tourist season and focused on less developed tourist areas, especially in rural areas and hinterland.

Final beneficiaries for SMEs for PA2 (Enhancing of competitiveness) - business privately owned entities (both legal and natural persons) who meet the criteria for SMEs, registered in Croatia and operate in sectors eligible for participation in the program Clusters; Public authorities at the national level (ministries and agencies) regional / local public institutions or associations; other organizations and institutions that provide business support and represent the interests of the business community, professional associations (Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Crafts, etc.) providers of business advisory services Counties and their partners

Announcement of Call PA2: Enhancement of Competitiveness of SMEs Grant Scheme "GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES" (strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs and SMEs in tourism) Total value: 60.0 million EC contribution: EUR 30.0 million National contribution: 30 million EUR with co-applicant

Announcement of Call PA2: Enhancement of Competitiveness of SMEs PURPOSE: Measure 1: Competitiveness of SMEs: Improving the efficiency and productivity of SMEs by supporting investments related to the application of best practices, new technologies and innovations in production processes. Measure 2: SMEs in Tourism: Development of SMEs in tourism investments in the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of quality of accommodation of small and medium-sized hotels, as well as the development of additional tourism and increase the commercial value of natural and cultural resources.

Plans and expectations for 2014-2020 Acceptable" tourism projects listed in the public call for the identification of tourism projects that intend to apply for the use of EU Structural Funds: 1 st Public tourism infrastructure Project holders: municipalities, cities, counties and states, or their companies, institutions and organizations. 2nd Business tourism infrastructure Project holders: companies and sole traders registered for hospitality and / or tourism activities in the category of small and medium enterprises. 3rd Human resources in tourism Project holders: educational and scientific institutions and organizations, tourist boards - local and regional tourist boards, municipalities, cities, counties (and their companies), companies and crafts, public institutions, NGOs with programs in tourism.

Plans and expectations for 2014-2020 Touristic projects will be mostly financed through Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion, by ERDF funds; Planned financial allocation for this Operational Program is 80% of total allocation (6,4 billion for 7 years period) Majority of projects will be probably fall under PA Business Competitiveness. The rest of projects will be financed through other PAs of the same OP: (Usage of ICT Technologies, Adjustment to Climate Changes, Environment Protection). Projects related to employment, lifelong learning and social inclusion will be financed by ESF and will be covered by OP Efficient Human Resources. All Operational programs are in the process of preparation and expected to be ready in the first half of 2014. First calls could take place at the end of 2014/beginning of 2015.

Thank you for your attention!

ESIF priorities 2014-2020 - What and how tourism investments will be possible? NECSTouR 2013 Regional Conference Porec, 27 September 2013 Luisa Sanches Ex- policy analyst DG Regional and Urban Policy Luisasaldanhasanches@gmail.com

Cohesion Policy and opportunities for Tourism ESIF funds 2014-2020 to focus on Europe 2020 priorities: smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Tourism investments are not directly mentioned among the investment priorities, as they constitute means rather than objectives. However, they can be supported when they contribute to several investment priorities and as long as they are conceived to create smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. IPs are set out in Article 5 of the draft ERDF regulation: COM(2011) 614 final: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/regulation/pdf/201 4/proposals/regulation/erdf/erdf_proposal_en.pdf

Billion EUR Less developed regions 164.3 Transition regions 31.7 More developed regions 49.5 Cohesion Fund 66.4 European territorial cooperation 8.9 Of which Cross border cooperation 6.6 Transnational cooperation 1.8 Interregional cooperation 0.5 Outermost regions and northern sparsely populated regions 1.4 Youth Employment initiative 3.0 TOTAL 325.1

Thematic objectives/investment priorities Europe 2020 inclusive sustainable smart 1. Research and innovation 2. Information and Communication Technologies 3. Competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) 4. Shift to a low-carbon economy 5. Climate change adaptation and risk management and prevention 6. Environmental protection and resource efficiency 7. Sustainable transport and disposal of congestion on major network infrastructure 8. Employment and support for labour mobility 9. Social inclusion and poverty reduction 10. Education, skills and lifelong learning 11. Increased institutional capacity and effectiveness of public administration Cohesion Policy

Which TOs can be used for tourism? (1) Research and innovation Service innovation, open innovation, clusters, incubators, etc (but: focus on knowledge-based investments - RIS3!) (2) ICT investments E-content relevant to tourism development (not ERDF but EAFRD!) (3) SME competitiveness New business models, service innovation, clusters, etc. (all these are means to develop competitive tourism) Productive investments in SMEs contributing to the investment priorities, possibly also small-scale business support infrastructure Cohesion Policy

Which TOs can be used for tourism? (4) Shift to low-carbon economy Sustainable and eco friendly measures related to tourism activities (8) Employment and labour mobility Development of business incubators and investment support for self-employment and business creation, in particular in areas offering new sources of growth, such as sustainable tourism (including the silver economy) (9) Education, skills and lifelong learning Vocational training, skills upgrading, etc. Cohesion Policy

Tourism infrastructure: Audit A recent Court of Auditors report found that many public infrastructure investments were capital intensive with low job creation effects. Such infrastructures are more likely to be successful where they are conceived from the outset as part of an integrated, place-based development effort adapted to specific local conditions and aiming at achieving financial self-sustainability. Each investment should be assessed on its merits for local/regional development and contribution to the specific objectives of the concerned OPs priority axes and the selected indicators. Cohesion Policy

Learning from mistakes it is clear from past experience and evaluations that some investments in these fields have failed to achieve any significant economic impact they have often shed a negative light on our policy construction of over-scaled facilities, equipping folkdance groups or support to one off events setting up local museums and renovating historic buildings without an economic objective behind Investments in culture, tourism and sport operations should therefore only be considered for financing where they have spill-over effects in local growth Cohesion Policy

Future OPs: Stronger Result Focus New Focus on Results: What does the OP want to change (specific objective)? What indicator should capture this change? What is the baseline (the situation before the programme)? How will the outputs of the programme contribute to change? Results relate to change in the region/sector not just for supported entities Regional Policy 9

European Territorial Cooperation: also available Supports transfer & take-up of good practice on regional development Currently more than 80 programmes (cross-border, transnational, interregional, IPA CBC programmes (Instruments for Pre-Accession Assistance) Tourism: transnational networking & clustering, joint strategies for sustainable tourism, joint branding & packages, quality label schemes, transnational offers & mobility, joint monitoring, training of operators, waste management, etc. Tourism also in Macro-regional strategies(e.g. Baltic Sea, Danube, Adriatic-Ionian) ETC regulation: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/regulation/pdf/2014/proposals/re gulation/etc/etc_proposal_en.pdf

2000-2006/2007-2013: >800 relevant projects http://www.territorialcooperation.eu/keep/

RIS3 as conditionality for SF 2014-2020 What is a RIS3? - An agenda that focus on economic transformation for smart growth and identifies priorities - Aiming at aligning efforts and leveraging private investment decisions and public actors - Evidence-based: builds on analysis of each region's strengths and potential for excellence and an 'entrepreneurial discovery' process for knowledge-based development opportunities (including consensus of stakeholders) - Aims differentiation through regional profiling as well as diversification towards higher value-added activities, crosssectoral links, exploiting new forms of innovation, cross-sectoral opportunities, etc.

See: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/eyeris3;jsessionid=87skr80jmqxzllwhxl8zvyh9xykgrtg62j 2k1YVkctXQR0tRyWgQ!1058177620!1362916436845 Emerging fields of Smart Specialisation Mapping of regions' and MS intentions in terms of smart specialisation fields has started: Cohesion Policy

http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/eye-ris3

RIS3 is a process of «entrepreneurial discovery» Money Research Knowledge Technologies Clients Markets Enterprises Enterprises Enterprises Creativity Talents Cooperation (value chains) Services What do enterprises need? With whom to cooperate? Who are your customers / competitors? Is there critical mass / excellence?

Information Proposals for the Structural Funds 2014-2020: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/what/future/proposals_2014_2020_en.cfm Amended proposal for the Common Provisions Reglation (11/9/2012): http://eurlex.europa.eu/lexuriserv/lexuriserv.do?uri=celex:52012pc0496:en:not RIS3 factsheet: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/smart_specialisatio n_en.pdf S3 Platform: http://ipts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/activities/research-andinnovation/s3platform.cfm 132 EU regions, 11 EU countries and 2 non-eu regions are now registered in the S3 Platform RIS3 guide: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/s3pguide Thematic guides: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/guides

Useful contacts in DG REGIO Competence Centre Smart&Sustainable Growth and Sustainable Growth Mikel Landabaso, mikel.landabaso@ec.europa.eu Katja Reppel, katja.reppel@ec.europa.eu Claus Schultze, claus.schultz@ec.europa.eu

Smart Specialisation (RIS3) and Tourism. Outcomes of the S3 peer review Tourism as A RIS3 priority, organized by the European Commission S3 Platform and the Algarve Region in Faro on July 4th - 5th. Željko Trezner Director of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies Poreč, 27th ofseptember2013

RIS3 - What is the issue? The European Commission wants national and regional authorities across Europe to drawup research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation, so that the EU s StructuralFunds can be used more efficiently and synergies between different EU, national andregional policies, as well as public and private investments, can be increased.

RIS3 - What is the issue? Smart specialisationis not new. Rather, it is a refinement and upgrading of the existing methodology for Structural Funds programming. What is new is that the Commission proposes to make such strategies a pre-condition for ERDF funding in 2014-2020. Thus EU Members States and regions must have RIS3 strategies in place before their Operational Programmessupporting these investments are approved.

What is the S3 peer review? An important tool currently offered by the S3 Platform (European Commission) to the EU regions and Member States is its RIS3 peer review workshops. These workshops bring together regions for mutual learning and exploration of ways in which RIS3 strategies can be developed.

What is the S3 peer review? The RIS3 peer review workshops aim to fulfiltwo main objectives: The first objective is to allow regions meet their peers (as well as the European Commission staff and experts) to discuss common issues related to Smart Specialisation. The second objective is to allow regions to peer-review each other s work on RIS3.

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro The workshop in Faro was organisedaround four individual peer review sessions focusing on four regions: Algarve (Portugal), Sicily (Italy), Kujawsko-Pomorskie(Poland) and Rhone-Alpes (France).

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro The workshop in Faro was focused on tourism because the Algarve through RIS3 identifies four clear objectives based on stakeholder needs and societal challenges: Reduce the dependence of the tourism sector on the seasonal sun and sand variety with complementary products;

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro Develop niches of excellence in advanced areas that benefit from related variety with tourism; Realisethe potential of the maritime cluster; Diversify the economic base of the region to create value added and jobs.

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro The priorities are related to a combination of strong economic sectors (tourism and maritime) with emerging niche sectors related to agro-food, ICT and creative activities, renewable energies, and Health and Life Sciences.

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro Questions posed by Algarve for peer discussion related to tourism: QUESTION 1: How to smart specialise in a region already specialised in tourism? QUESTION 2: What advanced areas can benefit from tourism specialisationin the perspective of related variety? From these areas, what are the niches of excellence where the Algarve may be smart?

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro ORIGINAL QUESTION 1: How to smartly specialise in a region already specialisedin tourism? RETHINKING QUESTION 1: (1)In overspecialisedtourism regions, smart specialisationis in fact more about diversification. (2)How can Algarve add value to resources and assets by recognisingthe economic structure and using tourism as a lever?

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro RECOMMENDATIONS: (a)foster emerging sectors levered by tourism demand, based on mutual interests and cooperation. (b)foster creative industries that can develop new tourism experiences. (c)reposition the region in the eyes of national government and the outside world to show the diversity Algarve has to offer beyond tourism (e.g. apply to be a European capital of culture. (d)concentrate efforts on SMEs and local firms because foreign hotel chains do not procure locally so cross fertilization of sectors is made more difficult.

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro LESSONS LEARNT BY CRITICAL FRIENDS: The importance of connecting different activities The need to create diversity based on current specialisationrather than substituting the current dominant sectors work with what is there already

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro ORIGINAL QUESTION 2: What advanced areas can benefit from tourism specialisationin the perspective of related variety? From these areas, what are the niches of excellence where the Algarve may be smart?

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro RETHINKING QUESTION 2: (1)How do I explore my related variety domains taking into account a prospective vision? (2)How can you think about future areas of specialisationwhen there has been prospective study undertaken? (3)How can you concentrate more on the natural asset of the sea and link this with R&D, especially the local university? (4)How do I start from economic potential for each sector and build a strategy with the main actors?

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro RECOMMENDATIONS: (a)undertake an analysis of existing sectors and their real potential (related to the themes of sea, heritage and food) (b)analysethe potential partnerships between sectors (c)build a model to explore what is unique in Algarve starting with small anchors to identify what resources are available.

Outcomes of the S3 peer review in Faro LESSONS LEARNT BY CRITICAL FRIENDS: When different people are gathered together and time is set aside for thinking new ideas will be forthcoming The need to think of thematic rather than sectoral priorities

Thank you very much for your attention! Zahvaljujem na pažnji!

NECSTOUR 2013 REGIONAL CONFERENCE 27 th of September 2013, Poreč, Region of Istria, Croatia Smart Use of the EU Funds 2014-2020 for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism TESEO peer review cycle conclusions: Good practices on the use of EARDF, ERDF and ESF for tourism in the period 2007-2013 Cristina Núñez NECSTouR Permanent Secretariat

The Next Tourism! Launch 2007 Creation: 2009 -A network of European Regions, associatedwithrepresentativesof the tourismentreprises, tourismassociations and universities/ research institutes aiming at: - Develop a strong framework for regional cooperation at European level; - Develop research& development model of Sustainable tourism management; - Strenghening the Role of Regions in the European Tourism Policy - A network launched during Euromeeting 2007 in Florence -A self financednetwork NECSTouR

Why Regions? Regions crucial role: Sustainable tourism policy designing, implementing and fund rising LeadingTourism Destinations Regional Competence Regions strategic position: Gather the key local tourism stakeholders Support tourism destinations and monitor their performance Make the bridge between supranational and local level Lead to public private partnerships International benchmark and cooperate with other regions Manage EU Structural Funds EUROSTAT DATA 2010 Overnight stays in accommodation structures for tourist for NUTS2 Regions NECSTouR = <600 million of overnight stays per year

NECSTouR Work Programme A policy building network Collect, Exchange and evaluate good practices on Sustainable and CompetitiveTourism Make regions participate to EU Tourism Policy Monitor EU funding opportunities for tourism NECSTouR 2013 work programme: TESEO Tourism European Sustainable Economy and Occubality

Whynow? Momentum: Ongoing Negotiations Structural Funds Regional Operational Programmes Draft by June 2013 Approval by October 2013 PartnershipAgreement MFF 2014 2020 (Other) EU Programmes Cooperation with EC Tourism Unit to strengthen tourism within the thematic programmes

TESEO Programme Aim? Provide NECSTouR members with an overview of the EU Funding Opportunities for regional initiatives leading to competitiveness and sustainable tourism; What actions? TESEO Peer review cycle of the current utilization of the Structural Funds for tourism; Analysing complementarity with thematic programmes(cosme,horizon2020); Public events involving tourism stakeholders where experiences are capitalized. This is a collective learning exercise useful for the regions, which are submitingtheir Operational Programmes and could include some of the recommendations learnt. How the European Commission can support this initiative? The European Commission delegates can contribute to the debate and perspectives within 2014-2020 to fund the presented actions while providing recommendations for tourism within each fund.

EAFRD Peer review: Lessons Learnt 1/2 Mesure 313 : Promotion of the tourist activities in Aquitaine Region Beneficiaries Local authorities Public Institutions NGOs SME s (Hotels) Eligible Operations Accommodation & restaurants Tourist sites Improvement Tourism services development EARDF allows smaller measures (in terms of budget) + easily adaptable to tourism sector (SME s). The agriculture department of Aquitaine Region was the managing authority for the tourism measure, which allows tourism to take more importance in the regional strategy for growth and employment. 2014 2020: Regional Dialogue currently being conducted for Operational Programmes: Working Group FEADER Sub Group Territorial includes tourism tourism will be debated and integrated in the reigonal partnership

EAFRD Peer review: Lessons Learnt 2/2 Whatrolefor Regions? Intervene before the national agreements approval of by including specific observations in MS Position Papers (ERDF, ESF, EAFRD, CF): Lobby at three levels Regional tourism unit Europe/SF Management Unit to make tourism a priority in Operational Programmes (competitiveness, jobs, growth) National level Regions to central government European level National Position Paper to EC and Partnership agreement European Tourism Networks workinggroup NECStouR: Sharing experiences and learning from other networks

ERDF Peer Review: Regionalcase 2007 2013 1/2 Emilia Romagna Axis 4: Enhance environmental and cultural heritage, in order to create wealth, in line with a strategy of sustainable territorial developement (QSN) Beneficiaries 69 millions euros dedicated to tourism and commerces (40 public organisations, 25 private sector, 4 promotion Actions Interventions to enhance cultural & environmental heritage Integrated promotion Upgrading services supporting cultural and environmental heritage

ERDF Peer Review: Regionalcase 2007 2013 2/2 TOSCANA PIUSS -Integrated Plans for Sustainable Urban Development Integrated approach AXIS V : Valorization of endogenous resources for sustainable development It was not done to finance tourism, but it 1/3 of the projects are tourism related Sectors covered Tourism & commerce Culture Economic develoment Social infrastructure Children daycare Actions Infrastructures for tourism & commerce Infrastructures for culture

Reflexions and lessons learnt 1/2 What Obstacles ERDF? Crisis lots of difficulties while co-financing municipalities and also private sector Tourism is not visible in terms of funding! Not easy extractable (any of the AXES include tourism although it was implicitly used to reach the objectives) Big dimension of Tourism projects (how to solve that to better manage/fund?)

Reflexions and lessons learnt 2/2 Interesting eg. of Italy: Regions reaction towards national position paper programming period 2014-2020 Debate is now focussed on: What good practices can still be eligible in next MFF (competitive and convergent regions) How to integrate tourism in thematic objectives? Regions concern: tourism is not a priority what is the weight of tourism for the EU? How to define INNOVATION on Tourism? (CSF TO 1)

CSF 2014 2020: Perspectives for Tourism? e-content relevant to the development of rural tourism (EAFRD) Thematic Objective 2: Enhancing access to and use and quality of ICTs development of SMEs in emerging areas such as new forms of tourism Thematic Objective 3: Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs sustainable tourism (including the silver economy) Thematic Objective 8: Promoting employment and supporting Labour Mobility R&I infrastructures, promotion of R&I business advisory services, also in the field of services Thematic Objective 1: Strengthening research, technological development and innovation Protecting, promoting and developing cultural and natural heritage Thematic Objective 6: Protecting the environment & promoting resource efficiency +

Complementarity: Thematic Programmes 2/2 Cohesion Agriculture & Environment Indirect Funding Opportunities MFF 2007-2013 MFF 2014-2020 Structural funds: European Cohesion Fund European Social Fund European Regional Development Fund - Territorial Co-operation (INTERREG) European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) LIFE+ Structural funds: European Cohesion Fund European Social Fund European Regional Development Fund European Globalisation Adjustment Fund European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development LIFE+ Research, Innovation and Competitiveness Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme Information Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme Intelligent Energy Europe Programme Seventh Framework Programme for Research Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs (COSME) 2014-2020 Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Connecting Europe Facility Galileo and EGNOS programmes European Earth Monitoring Programme Culture and Education Employment European Culture Programme Lifelong Learning Programme Youth in Action Programme PROGRESS European PROGRESS Microfinance Facility Creative Europe Programme Erasmus for All Programme Programme for Social Change and Innovation: PROGRESS Programme, PROGRESS Microfinance,EURES Marine and Fisheries Policy European Fisheries Fund Programmeto Support the Further Development of an Integrated Marine Policy European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

ESF Peer Review: Regionalcase 2007 2013 1/2 Umbria Ideas! New enterprises! Addressing Youth and woman unemployment Developping self-employment Beneficiaries 1.500,00 per month during 6 months in 9 countries 28projects financed out of 53 applications 80% of eligible costs max 25000 Actions Mobility granttraineeship abroad to develop business idea hosted by entreprises Financial incentive to support business creation

ESF Peer Review: Regionalcase 2007 2013 2/2 Cornwall Food, Tourism and Human Development: Fifteen Cornwall a destination and an experience Beneficiaries 850 applications/programme 6 years 86/129 apprenticeships completed 90% graduates still employed Served almost 500,000 meals Over 30 local producers engaged Lost contact with only 7 Graduates Actions Human Development Inspiring people through amazing food experiences training great chefs, tackling unemployment, transforming local food economy

TESEO Lessons Learnt Competitive Tourism SMEs New formsof tourism Tourism creates jobs Tourism research& innovation REGIONAL OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES Tourism resource efficiency Tourism supports entrepre neurhsip PROJECT EVALUATION & MONITORING CRITERIA ONLY JUSTIFIED TOURISM APPLICATIONS WILL BE FUNDED

NECST steps Good practices catalogue More visibility for funding opportunties 2014-2020 Concrete models/examples of actions for tourism investment Complementarity with EU Thematic Programmes Smart Use of the EU Funds 2014-2020 for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism, Porec September 27th Analyse of Partnership Agreements Euromeeting2013, Brussels December 13 th Thematic workshops: Tourism Innovation and Tourism Entrepreneurship

Thankyou! More info: info@necstour.eu @NECSTouR