Why is it relevant to tourism?
As a part of the NextGenerationEU, REACT-EU provides an additional €50.6 billion (in current prices) to foster development in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences. It also aims to prepare a green, digital and resilient recovery of Europe’s economy. Special attention is paid to regions that were hardest hit by the crisis due to their dependence on the most affected sectors, such as tourism and culture.
Since REACT-EU is distributed through the 2014-2020 cohesion policy, the support options for the tourism sector under the ERDF and the ESF in the current programming period apply to these additional resources.
The support options for the tourism sector under the current programming term of the ERDF and ESF apply to REACT-EU, because it is distributed under the 2014–2020 cohesion strategy. For example, working capitals and investments in SMEs and the green and digital transition/training of workers are covered.
REACT-EU resources are implemented through regional and national cohesion policy programmes under the 2014-2020 programming period. The tourism components of these programmes should be consulted to find out about the scope of support in each EU country or region (look for managing authorities per programme in the ‘Additional Information’ sections).
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiatives provided an emergency response. The Commission built on this intervention to propose a series of measures under the ‘Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe initiative’ (REACT-EU). It contributes by adding a fresh additional €50.6 billion in resources to existing cohesion policy programmes. It also offerssome additional simplifications and flexibilities. In order to provide swift support to regions, expenditure incurred from 1 February 2020 onwards is eligible. The final date of eligibility for this expenditure is 31 December 2023.
It aims to bridge the gap between the emergency response and long-term recovery by
- strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems
- preserving and creating employment, particularly for young people
- supporting the poorest in society,
- providing working capital and investment support for SMEs
Laying down future-proof foundations for the digital and green transitions, and sustainable socio-economic development will remain of the highest importance. Another aspect is the recommendation for the REACT-EU resources to contribute to the objective of using 25% of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for climate action at EU level.
When REACT-EU resources are allocated to the ERDF, they should be used primarily to support
- investments in products, health services or social infrastructure
- working capital or investment support for SMEs in sectors with a high job creation potential.This includes advisory support
- the sectors most affected by COVID-19, such as tourism and culture
REACT-EU resources should also be used for investments in
- The transition towards a digital and green economy
- Infrastructure that provides basic services to citizens
- economic support measures for regions that depend on the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 crisis
When REACT-EU resources are allocated to the ESF, EU countries should use them primarily to support access to the labour market. This is by maintaining jobs for the employed and self-employed, including through short-time work schemes. This applies even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless those measures are imposed by national law.
REACT-EU assistance shall support job creation and quality employment, particularlyfor people in vulnerable situations. It can also be used to extend youth employment measures by being allocated to the Youth Employment Initiative. Investments in education, training and skills development shall be directed to address the twin green and digital transitions.
Project title:VISITUS: Helping blind and visually impaired tourists enjoy the Croatia-Serbia border region
Description: The VISITUS project focused on welcoming blind and visually impaired visitors has improved the attractiveness of the area for all tourists. In collaboration with local associations for the visually impaired, a wide range of activities and technology-enabled tools were developed, including: new cultural and gastronomic tourism routes spanning the region; information stands with tactile maps and multilingual interactive boards; and braille tourist guides.
EU investment: €300,090
Level of EU funding: 85%
Not yet available