JemsHERITAGE
Priority Axis 4: Sustainable and inclusive tourism and culture
Operation start date: 15 July 2026
Operation completion date: 14 July 2028
Budget: EUR 2.156.644,00
Number of partners: 3
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The HERITAGE project aims to strengthen sustainable cultural tourism and preserve the shared medieval cultural heritage of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by revitalising and digitally transforming significant heritage sites into innovative cross-border tourism destinations. The project addresses common challenges related to the underutilisation of cultural heritage, fragmented tourism infrastructure, seasonal tourism patterns, and limited digitalisation by introducing a joint approach to heritage preservation, interpretation, and tourism development. Planned activities include the structural restoration and digital enhancement of Rokovačke Zidine, the establishment of the “Maculje: Stone Witnesses of Time” interactive exhibition space, the modernisation of Fortress Ribnica site through digital interpretation technologies and procurement of professional audio-visual equipment for cultural and tourism events, the creation of the Tri-Border Heritage Trail: Connecting Medieval Landmarks, and the establishment of the Cultural Heritage Innovation Platform (CHIP) for cross-border cooperation. Through investments in innovative digital technologies, heritage conservation, stakeholder capacity building, and joint tourism promotion, the project will strengthen the capacities of public authorities and tourism stakeholders to preserve cultural heritage, diversify tourism products, improve visitor experiences, and support long-term sustainable economic development and social inclusion across the Programme area.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), Municipality of Andrijaševci (HR), is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project. It oversees project implementation, financial and administrative management, partner coordination, reporting, and quality assurance. The Municipality leads the structural restoration and digital transformation of Rokovačke Zidine, coordinates the establishment of the Cultural Heritage Innovation Platform (CHIP), supervises the implementation of joint project activities, and ensures the long-term sustainability and transferability of project results across the Programme area.
City of Novi Travnik (BA) is responsible for implementing project activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the establishment of the “Maculje: Stone Witnesses of Time” Interactive Exhibition Space and the digital interpretation of the UNESCO-listed Maculje Necropolis. It co-leads the Heritage Preservation and Digitalization Group, contributes to the development of the Tri-Border Heritage Trail, participates in stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities, and supports the long-term preservation and promotion of shared medieval heritage across the Programme area.
Tourist Organisation of Podgorica (ME) is responsible for implementing project activities in Montenegro through the digital enhancement and promotion of Fortress Ribnica, while leading communication, tourism product development, and promotional activities within the project. It coordinates the development of the Tri-Border Heritage Trail and the Cross-Border Heritage Tourism Package, supports the implementation of digital interpretation tools, stakeholder networking and dissemination activities, and promotes the long-term visibility and sustainability of the HERITAGE project across the Programme area.