Gemer Gets a New Boost Thanks to Via Carpatia EGTC – The Make GMR Great Again Action Plan Has Officially Launched!

On 22 June 2026, Via Carpatia EGTC held the official press conference for the #gemer Action Plan in Szalóc, presenting a cross-border initiative that will give a new impulse to the tourism development of the Gemer region over the coming years.

Implemented with the support of the Interreg Hungary–Slovakia Programme, the Make GMR Great Again initiative brings together nine partners from Slovakia and Hungary who will cooperate over the next 40 months to strengthen Gemer’s cultural heritage, natural assets and active tourism offer, transforming the region into a more attractive cross-border tourist destination.

The infrastructure investments planned within the Action Plan are built around three main thematic pillars: HISTORY, ACTIVE and BIKE. Together, these development packages connect cultural heritage, natural attractions, active tourism and cycling infrastructure into one integrated tourism offer.

The HISTORY pillar focuses on the revitalisation of the region’s most significant cultural and historical sites, including the Andrássy Gallery in Krásnohorské Podhradie, the former Rosszgyár in Beretke, the historic apple orchard in Gombasek, the historic watermill in Kiskovácsvágás, the Bebek Chapel in Plešivec, and new digital visitor experiences at the Edelény Castle Island.

The ACTIVE pillar creates new opportunities for outdoor recreation and experience-based tourism. A new lookout tower will be built in Szádalmás, development activities will take place in Aggtelek National Park, and the Gombasek zipline will be further expanded.

The BIKE pillar includes the construction of an 11.4-kilometre cycling route between Szalóc and Rožňava, implemented by the Košice Self-Governing Region, contributing to better regional accessibility and the further development of cycling tourism.

Via Carpatia EGTC is responsible for coordinating the Action Plan, supporting cooperation among project partners and implementing joint regional marketing activities. In addition, the organisation will provide training programmes and professional study visits for tourism stakeholders, contributing to the development and strengthening of a common tourism brand for the Gemer region.

The Make GMR Great Again Action Plan is about much more than infrastructure investments. It represents a shared vision for the future – one in which Gemer’s historical, cultural and natural heritage is connected and promoted as a unified, attractive cross-border destination for visitors from both countries and beyond.