State Program Economy 2021-2027 - Funding of Public Tourism Institutions

The state program Economy 2021–2027 supports the establishment, expansion, and modernization of public tourism facilities in Schleswig-Holstein. Measures for municipal tourism infrastructure are funded, such as promenades, bathing areas with visitor information, cycling and hiking trails, spa parks, public restrooms, as well as meeting points and nature experience facilities. Revenue-generating projects such as adventure pools, spa houses, and multifunctional leisure facilities can be subsidized under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). Funding includes site preparation, sewer and energy connections, public art, planning, and consulting services. Non-eligible costs include land acquisition, pure maintenance costs, in-house labor, and expenses for gastronomy or retail. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis by the Investment Bank Schleswig-Holstein. Basic requirements include the applicant’s membership in a Regional Tourism Organization, the location commitment of the funded infrastructure for at least five years, and a demonstrated contribution to enhancing the tourism offer. Grants of up to 60% of eligible costs can be increased up to 75% through 15% surcharges for inter-municipal projects, contributions to the energy transition, or securing skilled workers.

Investors and municipalities benefit from non-repayable grants of up to 60%, or up to 90% for projects of outstanding regional significance. Eligible costs cover construction, equipment, and ancillary costs, fees for architects and engineers, as well as for public art. The Investment Bank Schleswig-Holstein reviews economic viability, spatial planning, and procurement law compliance. A two-stage disbursement—at construction start and commissioning—supports stable financial planning. The investment’s binding period is five years. Following regional guiding principles or development concepts, the funding enables sustainable expansion of tourism infrastructure and thereby the long-term strengthening of year-round tourism in Schleswig-Holstein.