About the support programme for the development of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises

The aim of the Support Programme for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Tourism is to stimulate economic growth in the territory.

This Programme has the following specific objectives:

1. to promote tourism as an attractive destination, both nationally and internationally. Development of marketing and promotion campaigns, as well as collaboration with business, development partners and other stakeholders;
2. stimulating the development of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. This includes facilitating access to finance, providing technical assistance and advice (including on maintaining cultural authenticity) and promoting entrepreneurship;
3. improving the quality of tourism services;
4. developing the necessary infrastructure, building or upgrading accommodation, leisure facilities or transport infrastructure, including in rural areas.

Financial resources granted in the form of non-reimbursable financial support shall be used:

1. For the reconstruction/modernisation/equipment of accommodation and/or food establishments and leisure establishments intended for tourism, the cost of which must not exceed 50% of the value of the grant. (e.g. purchase of building materials needed for the fitting out of bed and breakfast establishments/ guesthouses/family hotels/ farmhouses/ taverns; restaurant/ bars/ tasting rooms, leisure activities, etc.);
2. For the provision of access for people with special needs, the cost of which must not exceed 70% of the value of the grant;
3. For the restoration and refurbishment of rooms, furniture and equipment in accordance with the principles of respect for cultural authenticity, including the preservation of the spirit of rural settlements in the Republic of Moldova, the cost of which must not exceed 50% of the value of the grant;
4. For the arrangement of spaces / purchase of equipment for leisure and sports activities (barbecue areas, children's playgrounds, beach areas, bird-watching spots, etc.) purchase and placement (installation and related services) of tourist signs, the costs of which must not exceed 20% of the grant amount;
5. Design, architectural and consultancy services to maintain a certain style of tourist accommodation and the equipment, instruments used, the cost of which must not exceed 20% of the value of the grant;
6. Purchase of themed items for the provision of tourist services, the cost of which must not exceed 50% of the value of the grant (purchase of cars, bicycles, boats, kayaks, rods, tents, binoculars, etc.);
7. For the improvement of the digital infrastructure, the costs of which must not exceed 30% of the value of the grant, expenditure for the creation of the website, upgrading of the website, development of mobile applications, integration of the customer relationship management function, wireless internet access, etc. are financed;
8. Promotional activities and products, such as online campaigns, printed materials, tourist signage, marketing and destination promotion actions and materials, organisation of info-tours, the costs of which must not exceed 20% of the grant amount;
9. Specialised training, certifications relevant to tourism, memberships in organisations specialised in the field, the cost of which must not exceed 20% of the value of the grant.

Ineligible costs on account of non-reimbursable financial support as well as own contribution under the Programme are:

1. costs of goods and services or their share covered by other assistance programmes/projects and/or state grants, including own contribution;
2. advances granted in excess of 50% of the purchase value and made more than 6 (six) months prior to submission of the form;
3. expenditure arising from currency exchange;
4. purchase of goods/works/services before submission of the form to Component II of the Programme;
5. transport services;
6. staff remuneration costs;
7. fees and taxes;
8. financing of leasing and credit costs, including interest and commissions;
9. payments made in cash;
10. costs of renting or hiring premises/offices/land necessary for the activity;
11. agricultural machinery;
12. consumables and administrative expenses.