19 July 2021 - Opening conference of the "Thematic routes of castles" project has been organised

Opening conference of the project "SMAR.T.OURISM – THE THEMATIC ROUTE OF CASTLES", HUSKROUA/1901/3.1/0020 took place on July 15th and 16th, 2021. Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association is the lead beneficiary of the project, and two partner organizations from Ukraine are: Communal Enterprise “Agency of Regional Development and Cross-Border Cooperation “Transcarpathia” of Zakarpattya Oblast Council”, and Onokivska Village Council. Project duration is 24 months, starting with June 1, 2021.

The first day was dedicated to a meeting of the project team as well as to a visit to Carei Castle. During the second day an opening conference took place which included presentations on the following topics: the project itself, partners, castles in Satu Mare County and in Zakarpattya region included in the thematic route, perspectives on tourism development in Satu Mare and Zakarpattya regions and AR technology which will be developed within the project. Delegation from Ukraine was led by Mr. Andriy Sheketa - First Deputy Head of Zakarpattya Oblast Council, Mr. Mykhailo Dankanych - Director of ARD Transcarpathia and Mrs. Moskalyuk L. D. - Head of the Department of Territorial Development, Investments and Tourism, Onokivska Commune Council. The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Pataki Csaba, President of Satu Mare County Council, and Mrs. Nicoleta Lașan, Executive Director of Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association.

The main aim of the project ”SMAR.T.OURISM–THE THEMATIC ROUTE OF CASTLES” is to raise cross-border touristic potential of the border areas of Satu Mare and Zakarpattya by developing a cross-border thematic route of castles that promotes culture and historical heritage. The main activities of the projects are: creation of a thematic route of castles by developing 10 AR scripts for castles from two regions, procurement of 2 playgrounds and 4 info kiosks, promotion of the thematic route through the elaboration and distribution of thematic maps and brochures, promotional movies, and creation of a social media page of the route, organization of two exchanges of experiences for organizations active in the field of culture and tourism, construction of an entrance arch at Nevitskiy Castle. 

The project is financed by the European Union through the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENI CBC Programme 2014-2020, thematic objective 3. TO – local culture and preservation of historical heritage, priority 3.1 promoting local culture and history along with tourism functions. Total value is 380.389,80 EUR out of which 336.474,42 EUR represents financing from the European Union. Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association has a project budget of 179.489,40 EUR out of which 161.540,46 EUR represents financing from the European Union through the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENI CBC Programme 2014-2020, 8.974,47 EUR represents national co-financing from the state budget and 8.974,47 EUR own co-financing.