The #gemer Action Plan Supports Tourism Development in the Gemer Region through Cycling Tourism, Culture and Active Tourism

Slavec, 22 June 2026 – The Gemer–Aggtelek Karst region is set to gain significant momentum in the field of sustainable tourism development. The Make GMR Great Again action plan, implemented under the short title #gemer, aims to foster the comprehensive development of the Gemer tourist destination through cross-border cooperation between Slovak and Hungarian partners.

The action plan is being implemented with the support of the Interreg Hungary–Slovakia Programme, under the measure aimed at strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development and promoting the integrated development of tourism destinations. The total budget of the #gemer action plan is EUR 3,838,315.92, of which the European Union contributes EUR 3,070,652.736. The implementation period is planned from 1 May 2026 to 31 August 2029.

The objective of the action plan is to highlight the historical, cultural, natural and tourism potential of the Gemer region while creating a modern, attractive and sustainable tourism offer for both domestic and international visitors. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening cross-border tourism cooperation, developing experience-based tourism products, and improving the accessibility and visibility of the region’s unique cultural, natural and active tourism attractions.

“Gemer is a region with extraordinary cultural, natural and historical assets. The #gemer action plan provides an opportunity to better connect these values, make them more accessible, and present them to visitors in a way that meets the expectations of the 21st century. Our goal is to create a comprehensive and attractive tourism offer that simultaneously supports tourism development, local communities and the long-term competitiveness of the region,” said Julianna Máté, Director of Via Carpatia EGTC.

The overall coordination and marketing of the #gemer action plan are carried out by Via Carpatia EGTC.

Through its coordination and communication project, the organisation ensures the professional coordination of the partnership while supporting the development of tourism stakeholders in the region through training programmes and professional study visits. The project aims to strengthen cooperation among local service providers, municipalities, cultural institutions and civil society organisations, while contributing to the qualitative development and increased competitiveness of the region’s tourism offer.

As part of the project, seven thematic training modules will be delivered, focusing on tourism marketing, digital presence, organisational development, financial and legal knowledge, and networking. In addition, three two-day professional study visits will provide participants with the opportunity to explore and adapt best practices in cultural and heritage tourism, active tourism, and cycling tourism.

As part of its marketing activities, Via Carpatia EGTC is also responsible for coordinating the region’s joint tourism marketing and communicating the project’s developments.The infrastructure investments of the #gemer action plan are being implemented through the #gemer2 project.

The #gemer2 project is built around three main thematic pillars: HISTORY, ACTIVE and BIKE. These development packages integrate cultural heritage, natural assets, active tourism and cycling tourism into a unified tourism offer. The following investments are also being implemented under the Interreg Hungary–Slovakia Programme with the support of the European Union; the amount of the EU contribution allocated to each investment is indicated in parentheses.

Under the HISTORY pillar, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the most significant historical and cultural sites of the Gemer region and the adjacent cross-border area. Planned investments include the renovation of the Andrássy Gallery in Krásnohorské Podhradie (EUR 400,000.51), the revitalisation of the historic “Rosszgyár” iron foundry in Beretka and the restoration of the historic apple orchard in Gombasek (combined EU contribution: EUR 331,000), the renovation of the watermill in Kiskovácsvágás (EUR 148,030.40), the enhancement of the digital visitor experience at Edelény Castle (EUR 399,376.75), and the restoration of the original frescoes and interior of the Bebek Chapel in Plešivec (EUR 45,950.72).
The ACTIVE pillar creates new opportunities for active recreation and experience-based tourism. A new viewing tower will be constructed in Szádalmás (EUR 192,123.90), while improvements will be made to the stairway and viewing platform leading to the rock viewpoint above the entrance of Baradla Cave in Aggtelek National Park (EUR 303,247.20). In addition, the extension of the zipline in Gombasek (EUR 113,140.51) will further strengthen the region’s adventure tourism offer.