Increasing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) through Tourism Measures (Tourism Funding Guideline)

The tourism funding guideline of the State of Lower Saxony aims to enhance the competitiveness of local small and medium-sized enterprises through targeted investments in tourism infrastructure. Municipal authorities as well as legal entities under public and private law, including non-profit limited liability companies, foundations, or registered associations, can apply for one-time grants of up to €3 million. Projects for the new construction or modernization of infrastructure of supra-regional significance, barrier-free offerings, digital applications, as well as sustainable and climate-compatible measures are supported. The funding rates range between 40% and 75% of eligible expenses depending on the program area, with combined use of ERDF, GRW, and state funds possible. Applications can be submitted at any time before the project start and are processed by the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank).

A prerequisite for approval is proof of a regional tourism concept, tourist use of more than 50% of the funded infrastructure, and secured overall financing of the project. Additionally, quality criteria must be met and alternative funding bases for digital or sustainable measures must be excluded. Eligible expenses include the new construction or expansion of infrastructure of supra-regional importance, barrier-free and digital offerings in publicly accessible facilities, as well as climate-friendly measures. For the application, among other documents, a project description, a financing plan, the de minimis declaration, and a declaration regarding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights are required. After reviewing the formal and substantive requirements, applicants receive a transparent decision and competent advice from the NBank.