Cross-border tourism capsule – creation and promotion of Polish-Lithuanian tourist route E-11 using innovative solutions (Tourism capsule)
Project number:
LTPL00079
Project status:
Ongoing
Call:
1
Priority:
2. Promoting physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing
Specific objective:
2.2 - Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation
Date:
From: 2024.03.01 Till: 2026.02.28
Project summary:
The project aims to unlock the untapped potential of nature-based tourism in the Polish-Lithuanian border area by developing and promoting a joint long-distance hiking trail crossing Podlaskie Voivodeship, Kaunas, and Alytus regions. While both countries already offer some nature tourism products, long-distance trails remain underused, and cross-border cooperation for sustainable tourism development is limited. The project addresses challenges such as underutilized natural heritage, lack of professionally designed tourism products for rural areas, and insufficient use of innovative technologies for promotion and environmental education.
The overall objective is to increase the number of visitors to the Program area by creating an attractive cross-border hiking trail and using innovative promotional solutions, including a mobile Cross-Border Tourism Capsule serving as an information and education center. Specific objectives include enhancing tourism in remote areas, engaging specialized hikers, general interest tourists, and tour operators, and promoting cross-border cooperation in tourism product development. The E11 route will be expanded across Poland and Lithuania, establishing the first integrated cross-border hiking experience in the region.
The project will benefit local economies, particularly in remote areas, by driving demand for local services and creating incentives for service providers, who will receive a “Hiker Friendly” certification recognized among hiking communities. By combining trail development, innovative promotion, and environmental education, the project positions the cross-border region as a single, attractive destination for sustainable tourism, fostering economic growth and community engagement.
Lead Partner:
Kaunas Regional Development Agency
Lead Partner region:
Kaunas county
Project Partner(s):
Lithuanian countryside tourism association; Podlaskie Regional Tourist Organization
Total project budget:
743.285,25
ERDF:
594.628,20
Does the project contribute to the implementation of the EU BSRS?
Yes