The Make GMR Great Again (#Gemer) Action Plan aims to give a new boost to tourism development in the Gemer region through coordinated cross-border cooperation. The initiative builds on the region’s rich cultural heritage, outstanding natural assets, and strong potential for active tourism. By combining these strengths, the project will contribute to creating a more attractive, competitive, and sustainable tourist destination.
Nine partner organisations from Slovakia and Hungary are cooperating on the implementation of the Action Plan. EGTC Via Carpatia is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Action Plan, supporting cooperation among partners, providing training for tourism stakeholders, and carrying out joint regional marketing activities. The investment activities are being implemented by eight project partners under the leadership of the Košice Self-Governing Region.
Main Activities of the Action Plan
• Restoration of Cultural Heritage
The Action Plan will restore several important cultural heritage sites, including the Andrássy Gallery of the Mining Museum in Rožňava, the Bebek Chapel in Plešivec, the historic Rosszgyár blast furnace in Beretka, the historic apple orchard and its surroundings in Gombasek, and the water mill in Kiskovácsvágás. In addition, an interactive digital exhibition will be established at Edelény Castle, offering visitors an enhanced cultural experience.
• Development of Active Tourism Attractions
A new observation tower will be built in Szádalmás. The staircase and viewpoint leading to the rock viewpoint above the entrance to the Baradla Cave in Aggtelek will be restored, and the zipline in Gombasek will be expanded.
• Development of Cycling Infrastructure
The Košice Self-Governing Region will construct an 11.4-kilometre cycling route between the municipalities of Slavec and Rožňava, improving regional accessibility and creating new opportunities for cycling tourism.
• Partnership and Joint Tourism Marketing
One of the main objectives of the Action Plan is to ensure that the development activities implemented by Slovak and Hungarian partners complement one another and jointly contribute to building a unified tourism identity for the Gemer region while strengthening its international visibility.
Expected Results
Restoration of cultural and natural tourist attractions;
Expansion of active tourism and cycling tourism opportunities;
Strengthening of cross-border cooperation;
Implementation of joint tourism marketing activities;
Increased visitor numbers and enhanced economic and tourism competitiveness of the Gemer region.
Implementation period: 1 May 2026 – 31 August 2029
Total Action Plan budget: EUR 3,838,315.92
European Union contribution: EUR 3,070,652.74
The Make GMR Great Again Action Plan is being implemented under the Interreg Hungary–Slovakia Programme with the support of the European Union.