The Ministry of Development has defined the conditions for grants that start from 80,000 euros and can even reach 500,000 euros and which can be secured by hotels, accommodations, rooms for rent and other businesses in the tourism industry:
In the context of the “Green Transformation of SMEs” action of the “Competitiveness 2021-’27” program, it is further stipulated that commercial boat companies can only be subsidized for the purchase of boats that exceed 7 meters!
With the amendment of the Call for this Action, the section “5.3 ELIGIBLE AREAS OF ACTIVITY FOR TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS (in accordance with Law 4276/2014, as applicable)” is added, according to which the investment projects with the “Accommodation” investment KAD (Accommodation 55) of the Tourism Sector should follow the following conditions, according to enikonomia.gr:
Main hotel accommodations:
- Hotels (Classification in category 4**** (four stars) and above, Capacity Twelve (12) beds and above)
- Hotel tourist accommodation within traditional buildings provided for in the p.d. 33/1979
- Organized tourist camps “camping” (Classification in category 3*** (three stars) and above)
- Youth hostels
Non-primary hotel accommodation
- Self-catering accommodation – tourist furnished houses (Minimum number of houses: Three –3)
It is noted that all self-catering accommodations – tourist furnished houses must be incorporated in the same MHTE Mark.
- Furnished rooms for rent – apartments (Classification in category 4 keys and above, Minimum capacity Twelve (12) beds).
Grants for purchases of boats and vehicles
The modification of the Call also includes variations in the Eligible Expenditure Categories. Specifically, it is specified that the purchase of a new ship or vessel of any kind (recreational, wooden, motorized, sailboat, etc.) that is less than 7 meters is not eligible. Until the completion of the investment, the vessel is required to be registered in the electronic Register of pleasure boats and tourist day boats, entitled “e – Register of Ships”.
In addition, specifically and only for investment projects in car/bus rental activity, the supply of purely electric motor vehicles is eligible under the following conditions:
- The vehicle must be new, unused and owned by the business
- The vehicle should be used exclusively by the customers of the business
- The minimum eligible percentage (20%) of category 2.1 of the subsidized budget of the Investment Plan should be observed. (Refers to funding applications under the aid regime of Article 14 of Reg. 651/2014).”
Beneficiaries should not relocate the enhanced investment outside the Region of installation. For the Region of Attica for investment projects implemented in accordance with article 14 of the EU Regulation. 651/2014 should also not affect the approved aid intensity.
The modification of the Invitation also includes changes regarding the Submission Documents, the long-term obligations of the beneficiaries, etc.
Action 1 “Green Transformation of SMEs” encourages investment projects, which aim to utilize and develop modern technologies, to upgrade the products produced and/or services provided and their activities in general, rewarding actions that utilize modern technologies, infrastructures and best practices in issues of energy upgrading and circular economy.
Submission of funding applications
The submission of funding applications has already started and the relevant application must be submitted by potential beneficiaries electronically through the Integrated Information System for State Aid Management (OPSKE), using the Funding Application Submission Form standardized at OPSKE (APPENDIX II INDICATIVE ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM).
The Call for Action will remain open for submission of applications until the exhaustion of the available budget per Region category, as long as the relevant state aid granting regulations (651/2014, 1407/2013) remain in force, increased by 20% per Region Category.
Each funding application submitted is evaluated in order of priority, according to the date and time of electronic submission (finalization) to OPSKE.
Source: enikos.gr
#Grants #euros
**Interview: Understanding the New Grants for the Tourism Sector**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Maria Alexopoulou, a policy analyst specializing in tourism and business development, to shed light on the recent announcements from the Ministry of Development regarding grants for the tourism sector. Thank you for joining us, Maria.
**Maria Alexopoulou:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** To start off, can you explain the main highlights of these new grant conditions that businesses in the tourism industry should be aware of?
**Maria Alexopoulou:** Absolutely! The Ministry has set up grants ranging from 80,000 to 500,000 euros, specifically targeting hotels, accommodations, and other tourism-related businesses. This funding aims to support what is known as the “Green Transformation of SMEs” as part of the Competitiveness 2021-’27 program.
**Interviewer:** That’s significant. Are there particular types of accommodations or businesses that are eligible for these grants?
**Maria Alexopoulou:** Yes, there are specific conditions outlined for different categories. Main hotel accommodations, such as four-star hotels with a minimum of twelve beds, as well as tourist camps and youth hostels, are eligible. Non-primary accommodations like self-catering houses—at least three of them—and furnished rooms or apartments with a minimum of twelve beds also qualify. It’s essential for self-catering accommodations to share the same MHTE Mark.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! How do the grants extend to commercial boat companies?
**Maria Alexopoulou:** That’s a great question. The new guidelines specify that commercial boat companies can only be subsidized for boats exceeding seven meters in length. This means any purchase of smaller vessels will not meet the eligibility requirements.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on any eligibility conditions for vehicle purchases related to tourism businesses?
**Maria Alexopoulou:** Certainly! For businesses engaged in car or bus rentals, grants can cover the purchase of purely electric vehicles, but there are strict requirements. The vehicle must be brand new, owned by the business, and used exclusively for customers. Additionally, there’s a minimum eligible percentage that must be adhered to in the investment plan.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there are precise qualifications that businesses must meet. What’s your take on how this initiative might impact the tourism sector moving forward?
**Maria Alexopoulou:** I believe these grants have the potential to significantly enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry. By encouraging the transformation towards greener practices and supporting various types of accommodations, we can expect a boost in quality and services offered to tourists, which is ultimately beneficial to the entire sector.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on these important developments in the tourism industry. It seems like a valuable opportunity for many businesses out there.
**Maria Alexopoulou:** Thank you for having me. I encourage all eligible businesses to explore these grants thoroughly as they could play a crucial role in their growth and transformation.
**Interviewer:** We appreciate your time and expertise!