10 million EUR for DMOs and the promotion of Bucovina in Paris
The Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism has announced the launch of a project call worth 10 million EUR, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), intended for the operationalization of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). In parallel with this effort to consolidate administrative infrastructure, local authorities are intensifying their external promotion efforts, with Suceava County being present at the World Tourism Fair in Paris to attract international visitors to the Bucovina region.
The funding program, which opens on Monday, March 16, is addressed to local public authorities that are members of DMOs and supports small-scale investments to improve the accessibility and sustainability of destinations. The Minister of Economy, Irineu Darău, emphasized that these organizations must function as engines of local tourism, being responsible for development strategies, defining the destination brand, and coordinating information centers. The maximum value of non-reimbursable grants (excluding VAT) is 300,000 EUR for communes, 125,000 EUR for towns and cities (except for county seats), and 100,000 EUR for county seats and county administrative-territorial units.
To access the funds, authorities must enter into a partnership agreement with the relevant DMO, a document that requires the approval of the Local or County Council. A mandatory condition is the allocation of at least 20% of the funding for the organization’s operationalization actions. Projects must be aligned with Romania’s National Strategy for the Development of Tourism 2023–2035 and will be submitted online by April 15. The selection will be carried out on a “first-come, first-served” basis, with the evaluation scheduled until April 30.
In this context of promoting tourism potential, a delegation from Suceava County, led by the Vice President of the County Council, Nicolae Robu, is participating in the World Tourism Fair in Paris from March 12–15, 2026. The presence at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, where over 500 destinations are promoted, aims to present the UNESCO heritage, traditions, and rural tourism offer of Bucovina. The Suceava delegation has scheduled meetings with industry operators and travel agencies to develop new partnerships and increase the county’s visibility on foreign markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total budget for the DMO funding call?
The total budget is 10 million EUR, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Who is eligible to apply for these grants?
The funding is available to local public authorities that are members of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs).
What aspects of Bucovina are being highlighted at the Paris fair?
The Suceava delegation is promoting Bucovina’s UNESCO heritage sites, local traditions, and rural tourism opportunities.