Bjelovar is investing 1.25 million euros in tourism: here's who can apply for the public call

The town of Bjelovar has launched a public call offering €1.25 million to encourage the conversion of existing underutilized buildings into quality tourist accommodation, in response to anticipated demand following the completion of the Wellovar thermal spa project, expected to finish by the end of September. The initiative was announced on Tuesday by officials from the city of Bjelovar, aiming to address a long-standing lack of hotel capacity in the area. The funding will support the renovation of existing structures to create new lodging options, with co-financing available up to 50 percent of acceptable project costs. Individual grants can reach up to €300,000 depending on the type and size of the property. New constructions are not included in this program, which is being carried out by the Tourism Association of Bilogora-Bjelovar. The move follows concerns raised by Mayor Dario Hrebak, who noted that Bjelovar currently lacks hotel accommodations, a problem exacerbated by the scale of the Wellovar project, which he described as the largest thermal spa in Croatia. Hrebak stated that the city is in discussions with a hotel chain, though even if negotiations succeed, building a large hotel would not be feasible within a short timeframe. He added that approximately ten private investors are prepared to invest in projects that could secure around 150 new rooms. “We want to transform existing, underused properties in the city center into high-quality tourist accommodation while helping private investors realize these projects more easily,” Hrebak said. He estimated that the €1.25 million allocated by the city could trigger roughly €10 million in investments, with the possibility of increasing funds to €2 million should interest remain high. Supports are available for seven categories of accommodation, including hotels, apartment-hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, with the condition that each property must have at least eight sleeping units. The highest grant amount of €300,000 is reserved for heritage hotels, and recipients are required to operate tourism activities for at least five years. A portion of the accommodation capacity will also be developed by the city itself, which plans to add around 60 new rooms, some of which will be located in the building on Trumbićeva Street near the recently renovated old prison building. Ana Kelek, director of the Tourism Association of Bilogora-Bjelovar, emphasized that the goal of the public call is not merely to increase the number of beds but to stimulate investment and create a high-quality accommodation base for a destination that is increasingly sought after and developing rapidly, Bilogora-Bjelovar. She noted that there are currently 126 accommodation objects in the region with about 1,000 beds, but an additional 500 beds are estimated to be needed. The public call is open from September 1 until the funds are exhausted, with the latest deadline for submission set for December 31, 2026. All work must be completed by June 20, 2027. The call is accessible through the official websites of the City of Bjelovar and the Tourism Association of Bilogora-Bjelovar. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to align local infrastructure with growing tourism expectations, particularly in light of the upcoming completion of the Wellovar thermal spa. By focusing on repurposing existing buildings rather than constructing new ones, the city aims to balance economic growth with sustainable urban development. This approach is intended to foster both immediate improvements in tourist offerings and long-term investment in the region’s hospitality sector. The success of the program hinges on the participation of private investors, whose involvement is crucial to achieving the projected expansion of accommodation capacity. With the city providing financial incentives and regulatory support, the hope is that this effort will help position Bjelovar as a more attractive destination for visitors seeking quality stays alongside its natural and cultural attractions. The timeline for implementation includes specific deadlines for submitting applications and completing renovations, ensuring that the process moves forward efficiently. These dates underscore the urgency of addressing current gaps in the city's tourism infrastructure before the anticipated influx of visitors linked to the Wellovar project. As the program unfolds, it will be monitored closely to assess its impact on both the local economy and the visitor experience.