PROJECT SUMMARY
Programme name CBC Programme Serbia–North Macedonia 2021-2027 (IPA III)
Call for proposals 1st Call for Proposals, EuropeAid/182708/IH/ACT/Multi
Contract No. and date of signature 001920833 2024 10520 028 004 000 001-2  signed on 26.06.2026
Title of the project “Pathways to Prosperity” (P2P)
Programme priority axis TP 2: Encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage
Programme specific objective 2.1: Enhancement of cultural and natural heritage for sustainable tourism development
Project budget Total project value in EUR € 663,268.60 EU contribution in EUR incl. percentage € 497,053.49 (74.94%)
Grant beneficiaries Lead applicant

Municipality of Kumanovo (North Macedonia)

 Co-applicants

Tourist Organization of Leskovac (Serbia)
Project territory North Macedonia

North-East Region, Municipality of Kumanovo

 Serbia

Jablanica district, City of Leskovac
Project target groups 6 public tourism actors (4 institutions in tourism, culture and nature protection; 2 LSGs); 19 private tourism actors (5 tour operators; 10 SMEs and entrepreneurs – accommodation, food, wineries, crafts, transport; 4 business associations – crafts, agriculture, food); Visitors/tourists: 2,040 (60% men and 40% women); Final beneficiaries: 4,524 domestic tourists, 5,636 international tourists and 199,001 inhabitants in Kumanovo and Leskovac
Project duration Signed 26.06.2026 | Duration: 24 months (start/end dates to be confirmed upon prefinancing)
Project intervention logic Overall objective (impact): To enhance the quality and diversity of tourism offers in Kumanovo and Leskovac through smart and sustainable modernization of cross-border tourism products, leveraging innovative technologies and introducing sustainable practices.  Specific objective (outcome): To introduce innovative technologies and sustainable practices to create new and enhance existing tourism offers based on the cultural and historical complex “Pelince” in Kumanovo and cultural events in Leskovac through strengthening capacity and fostering collaboration among key public and private tourism actors.  Expected results: 1.1 Improved cross-border collaboration and enhanced knowledge and practical skills of tourism actors for raising the quality of tourism offers and services 1.2 Enhanced attractiveness of Kumanovo and Leskovac through the joint design of a new tourism product (“Visit to the Pelince complex” Kumanovo) and the improvement of three tourism products in Leskovac (Leskovac Barbecue Festival, Carnival Leskovac, and Days of Leskovačka Mućkalica) 1.3 Marketing and promotion tools developed and implemented
Main activities A 0.0.0 Project management and coordination | A 1.1.1 Research and development of a study “Exploring existing community-based forms of tourism/offers in Kumanovo and Leskovac destinations” | A 1.1.2 Organisation of capacity building and development events (5 cross-border training workshops) | A 1.1.3 Organisation of a visit to the Thessaloniki International Tourism Fair (Greece) | A 1.2.1 Small-scale investments in visitors’ infrastructure at the locality/site “Pelince” Kumanovo | A 1.2.2 Investments in new digital solutions (hardware and software) for an enhanced destination experience | A 1.2.3 Development of content for new digital tools (Virtual Reality Guides for Pelince and 3 Leskovac festivals) | A 1.3.1 Developing and launching joint information/promotion campaigns | A 1.3.2 Organisation of information/promotion events (6 joint events)