In order to increase the number of tourists and overnight stays in the territory of all the cities involved in the project, Jelgava local government, as project lead partner continues implementation activities of the project “Development of the joint cross-border heritage tourism product “Sun Route” (Sun Route)”.

Offering the guests of Jelgava city to enjoy cultural heritage in exiting way and promote the attraction of tourists also in tourism off-season, several interactive solutions have been implemented within the project in Jelgava: two interactive outdoor stands have been purchased and installed – one near the tower of the Holy Trinity Church tower and another in the Post Island – where Jelgava residents and city guests may learn more about Jelgava, offered sightseeing objects, maps and other cultural activities. While for convenience of city guests a multifunctional service point powered by solar batteries has been installed in the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Church tower that is equipped with several USB connections and 12V power sockets for charging smart devices, Wi-Fi and repair kit for bicycles.

In addition to that two panoramic cameras and three surveillance cameras, two touch-sensitive solar screens were purchased and installed in the tower of the Holy Trinity Church tower. While on third floor there is one screen installed specially for the needs of people with disabilities. To ensure the operation of the screens and cameras, all necessary computer equipment (computers, server and software) were also purchased. For more convenient and qualitative organization of guide tours outside the premises a mobile audio system for tourist guides was purchased within the project, allowing to offer tours to a wider audience at the same time.

To increase the interest of tourists also project partners in Lithuania – Joniskis Business and Tourism Information Centre and Siauliai Tourism Information Centre – have enriched existing tourism offer by implementing planned project activities. In connection to that project partner in Joniskis have purchased and installed a tactile information stand for the convenience of visually impaired persons, which contains information about significant tourist objects. While to ensure the quality of tourism services, a simple repair works of Joniskis Business and Tourism Information Centre were carried out and also arranged purchase of necessary furniture and technical equipment (computers, printing equipment etc.). In order to offer virtual tours project partner has purchased 3D glasses. It is planned to purchase two interactive outdoor stands also in Joniskis city.

While to offer high-quality services and modern environment for city guests’ project partner in Siauliai has purchased a technical equipment (computers, servers, printing equipment etc.) and furniture in tourism information centre customer service area. Also in in Siauliai it is planned to purchase three tactile stands for the convenience of the visually impaired persons within the project. To enrich the variety of offered tours a mobile audio system for guides was purchased also in Joniskis and Siauliai city.

All project partners continue to work on development of joint cross-border tourism route “SUN ROUTE” which will combine various solar-related tourism, cultural and natural heritage objects, and sightseeing and recreation places. In order to promote its recognition in the regions and beyond, several route promotion activities are planned within the project, thus ensuring tourists’ interest in the regions of the cities involved in the project.

The aim of the project is to increase the number of tourists and overnight stays in the program area between the cities of Jelgava and Joniskis, as well as the Siauliai region, by creating a joint cross-border tourism offer “SUN ROUTE” with a common solar theme and promoting the recognition of the route as an attractive and interesting destination that is chosen by several tourists day trips throughout the year.

The total budget of the project: is 840,290.00 EUR. Of this, EUR 714,247.00 (85%) is European Regional Fund funding and EUR 126,043.00 (15%) is national funding (state budget grant and co-financing from partners).

Time of project implementation: from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2023.