EU Support for Tourism Development in Cesis District

In September 2002, Phare Small reject facility granted three projects prepared by Cesis City Council and Cesis District Council. Two of the projects named "Baltic Welcome Centers LAT" and "Sustainable regional development - High Quality Tourism 2" will foster the development of tourism sphere in Cesis and the third one entitled "PIPE, LATVIA" will ensure youth participation in the local and regional development processes.

"Baltic Welcome Centers LAT" - a part of UBC project. The main aim of the project is to develop tourism sector in Cesis district and to strengthen the image of Cesis and the whole Vidzeme region as attractive tourism destinations. During the project implementation period, the feasibility study on the establishment of Vidzeme Visitor Centre (VVC) within the complex of the Stone Castle of the Livonian Order will be carried out. The Cesis Castle complex where the future WC is foreseen will consist of the Stone Castle, Cesis History and Art Museum, Exhibition Hall, Tourism Information Centre, Castle Park with an open stage and surroundings - the most popular attraction in the region. However, today the Castle complex services do not meet the demand of visitors and guests. The complex should be developed into the meeting point and entertainment centre. The objectives are not to build a visitor centre as such but also to create a complete welcome centre area, whereby single facilities will be integrated in the existing buildings and can be experienced as one attraction, providing tourist more than only information.

"High Quality Tourism 2".
Development of tourism sector was defined as one of the main priorities of Cesis district already in 1994. Since that time, several tourism projects have been implemented. In 2000 considerable Phare/ Interreg financial support was allocated for the project "High Quality Tourism - sustainable development in sensitive areas in four regions".

Interreg IIIB/Phare Project "High quality tourism 2" is an outcome of successful cooperation among Germany, Sweden, Poland and Latvia. The aim of the project is to develop new tourism products - three thematic routes in Cesis district and to improve tourism services by training of guides. In order to ensure efficient tourism development and promote tourism possibilities, the Tourism Marketing Plan will be prepared. In cooperation with EU member states, Latvian tourism actors and municipality officials will get acquainted with partners' experience in regional planning and development and discuss opportunities to improve regional economy and promotion of natural and historical resources.