“Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development”, SnowPower, Nr.LL-00123
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Project title and number |
“Sustainable cross border cooperation for winter tourism development” SnowPower / No.LL-00123 |
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Project partners |
Lead partner – Daugavpils City Government, Latvia Partner – Visaginas municipality, Lithuania |
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Priority |
Priority 4 - Economic potential of tourism and heritage |
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Specific objective: |
4.1 Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation |
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Common territorial challenge(s) that project tackles |
Latvia and Lithuania have a pronounced seasonality of tourism: the large influx of tourists in both countries is observed in the period from July to September. As statistical data for the overnight stays in accommodation establishments of Daugavpils (Latvia) and Visaginas (Lithuania) has shown - tourists visit both cities more often in June, July and August. Less tourists use the opportunities to stay in Daugavpils or Visaginas accommodation establishments in winter months, which means that winter is our low tourism season. |
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Project objective |
To enhance the low tourism season – winter, thus contributing to economic development and sustainability of Daugavpils (Latvia) and Visaginas (Lithuania) cross-border region as a sustainable tourism destination. |
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Planned activities |
Project SnowPower will use the opportunity to enhance tourism through cross-border cooperation. By establishing a cooperation network between Daugavpils and Visaginas municipalities, it will implement joint activities that are directed to motivating more tourists to come to this area, and stay longer. Project SnowPower will use this cross-border cooperation to promote the diversification of tourism offers. 1. Investments will be made in development of tourism offers - ski tracks both in Visaginas (ski track repair in the forest in Visaginas) and in Daugavpils (installation of the artificial snow blanket creation system in the Stropi forest). 2. Purchase of sleds for people with special needs in Daugavpils and skis and roller skates in Visaginas. 2. Cross-border marketing tourism activities to promote Daugavpils and Visaginas cross-border region as destination for active winter tourism activities – (videos, media trips, ski track opening events). 3. Capacity building for tourism professionals - training «Green and digital skills in tourism supporting winter tourism season», study visits, brainstorm sessions. As the result of the implemented activities, both Daugavpils and Visaginas cross-border region will have become more sustainable and more inclusive tourism destination. |
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The project is financed by Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 |
Project budget: 740 414.43 EUR ERDF co-financing 80%: 592 331.54 EUR |
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Project implementation period |
24 month: 01.02.2024 - 31.01.2026 |
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Find more about the project on Programme’s website: |
https://latlit.eu/theprojects/sustainable-cross-border-cooperation-for-winter-tourism-development/ |
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Project news: |
1. AR ES FONDU ATBALSTU DAUGAVPILĪ ATTĪSTĪS ZIEMAS TŪRISMA PIEDĀVĀJUMU 3. CROSS-BORDER PROJECT SNOWPOWER ACTIVITIES CONTINUE 4. APMĀCĪBAS TŪRISMA JOMAS PĀRSTĀVJIEM 5. Daugavpils Begins Infrastructure Works to Boost Winter Tourism and Accessibility As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance tourism and ensure accessibility for all, Daugavpils City Government has officially begun infrastructure works aimed at improving winter tourism offerings. This includes the installation of an artificial snow blanket creation system at the Stropi forest ski tracks, a significant step in enhancing the city’s appeal as a year-round winter tourism destination. The planned investments in Daugavpils are aligned with the broader goals of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 project “Sustainable Cross-Border Cooperation for Winter Tourism Development” (SnowPower, No. LL-00123). As part of this initiative, similar improvements are being made across the border in Visaginas, Lithuania, where the ski tracks in the forest massif have already been renovated. In Daugavpils, the installation of the artificial snow system at the Stropi forest ski tracks will allow for reliable snow coverage even in milder winter conditions, ensuring optimal conditions for winter sports and tourism. This upgrade will enhance the city’s winter tourism infrastructure and extend the ski season. Additionally, a significant focus of the project is accessibility for all, with Daugavpils set to purchase specialized sleds for people with special needs. This initiative will help ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the winter activities available in the city. The sleds will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for individuals with mobility challenges, enabling greater inclusivity in Daugavpils’ winter tourism offerings. These developments are expected to further strengthen the cross-border cooperation between Daugavpils and Visaginas in the field of winter tourism, providing residents and guests with enhanced opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation.
To make winter activities accessible to all city residents, the Daugavpils City Government has purchased three special sleds suitable for winter fun for people with special needs within the framework of the SnowPower project. The new sleds are designed for both adults and children with mobility impairments, with a weight limit of 90 kg. Residents can use them free of charge. The sleds are available at the “Dzintariņš” sports base every day during the season from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with prior registration by phone at 29518985.
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