PNRR allocates EUR 10 million to develop local tourism through DMOs
The Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism has announced the launch of a call for proposals worth 10 million euro, intended to support Destination Management Organisations…
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
The new strategy for funding local tourism through DMOs
The Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism has announced the launch of a call for proposals worth 10 million euro, intended to support Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). This initiative is funded from EU funds through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and explicitly aims to make operational and strengthen the institutional structure designed to promote local tourism. The call will open on 16 March 2026 and is aimed at local public authorities involved in DMOs.
The relevance of DMOs in the local tourism economy
Destination Management Organisations play a vital role in creating a coherent and competitive image for regional or local tourist destinations. They coordinate and unite the efforts of public authorities, businesses and other stakeholders with a view to the sustainable development of tourism. PNRR funding aims to make them functional, giving them the structure they need to develop marketing strategies, new tourism products and effective promotional campaigns. In this way, DMOs can support not only the attraction of domestic and international tourists, but also encourage the involvement of local entrepreneurs in related fields, such as food and catering, crafts, and cultural and recreational services.
Who the eligible beneficiaries are and the main conditions
This programme is dedicated to local public authorities that are members of Destination Management Organisations. Beneficiaries must demonstrate that a functioning DMO structure exists and that there is well-articulated collaboration between the local administration and the economic players in tourism. To access the funds, applicants must prepare a robust file that will include the legal documentation certifying their status as DMO members, activity plans and detailed budgets for operationalisation, as well as concrete strategies for promoting the destinations.
As in other programmes funded from PNRR, the call is expected to require compliance with the principles of sustainability, digitalisation and social cohesion. The documentation will contain clear financial and administrative eligibility criteria, and projects will be assessed on the basis of their economic and social impact, as well as their capacity to mobilise local resources and partnerships.
The expected impact on the Romanian tourism sector
Tourism holds a strategic place in the local economy, especially in areas with rich cultural and natural potential, where local communities can make use of existing resources for sustainable economic development. By funding DMOs, local administrations will be able to launch integrated promotional campaigns, organise themed events, and develop infrastructure and complementary services for tourists, which attracts private investment and increases the number of visitors. In addition, better institutional cooperation reduces the waste of resources and avoids market fragmentation, increasing the efficiency of promotion.
In the context of an increasingly competitive European tourism market, the PNRR intervention is an important step towards aligning Romania with international best practice. The funds awarded will also boost the use of digital tools in promoting destinations, accompanied by market studies and analyses of tourist profiles.
What preparations are recommended for those interested
Entrepreneurs and local administration representatives interested in accessing these funds should start now with a clear assessment of their organisation's status as a DMO, the regulation of relations with local authorities and business partners, and the drafting of a coherent operationalisation plan. It is essential to identify the real needs of the destination, as well as the possible projects targeted: promotional campaigns, digitalisation, participation in fairs or the development of tourism infrastructure.
The documents that will be requested include: the organisation's statute, collaboration agreements between DMO members, budgets for the current year and planned budgets, projects and market studies that justify the investments, and clear and feasible promotion projects. Obligations relating to transparency, public procurement and monitoring of results will also be checked, so that the risks of non-compliance are avoided.
Accessing these funds can contribute significantly to modernising Romanian tourism and increasing its attractiveness at local level, with long-term benefits for the economy and communities. Careful preparation and a clear understanding of the financial and administrative requirements therefore remain indispensable for potential applicants.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
