The Government will support two new measures for support of tourism development, enabling bigger number of tourists, organisation of capacities and providing new jobs and income for businesses.

As a serious contribution towards realisation of the goals, the Government decided to expand the scope of the countries for which subsidies for attraction of foreign tourists will be applied. As of 2013 this measures besides for the Benelux countries will be valid for Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Japan. In 2014 the measure will be expanded for China and India and in 2015 subsidies will be paid for tourists from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Germany, US and England, Government Spokesperson Aleksandar Gjorgjiev said at Saturday’s press conference.

The Government will also finance 50% of the investments intended for tourism in rural environment. Financial support for development of rural tourism, Gjorgjiev said refers to establishment or modernisation of accommodation facilities, catering services, rural museums, recreational activities and equipment.

Government will provide €3.5 million, funds foreseen in the programme for rural development.

This is a good opportunity numerous entities to receive funds for tourist capacities in the villages and populated places near lakes and mountain tourist centres Pestani, Radozda, Dojran, Mavrovo, Ponikva and other places that meet the conditions, Gjorgjiev said, adding that this will improve business performances and will open new jobs.