by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has taken a preliminary step toward launching a new round of financial support for tourism-related businesses, reviving a funding mechanism long known as the “tourism fund.”
Officials said the measure, approved in draft form by the regional executive in late April, establishes the criteria for capital grants aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises operating across the hospitality sector. The initiative is part of a broader effort to implement the region’s updated commercial and tourism code and is expected to open for applications by the end of May, with a deadline set for late September.
The program will begin with a budget of €3 million, though regional authorities have indicated that additional funds could be allocated depending on demand.
The measure was introduced by Sergio Emidio Bini, the regional councillor for economic development and tourism, who described it as a tool to strengthen the region’s accommodation capacity while supporting environmental sustainability and accessibility.
The proposal now moves to a regional commission for further review before final approval.
Broad eligibility across the tourism sector
The planned funding will be available to a wide range of businesses, including hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, guesthouses, campsites and alpine refuges, as well as other forms of short-term accommodation. In a notable expansion, restaurants operating within lodging facilities will also be eligible.
Authorities said the goal is to support investment across four main areas: the renovation or expansion of existing properties; the purchase of new furnishings and equipment, with a minimum investment threshold of €10,000; the construction of parking facilities and improvements to accessibility; and the acquisition of real estate for tourism use.
Incentives tied to sustainability and location
The program includes incentives designed to steer investment toward specific policy goals. Projects that increase the number of available beds, improve a property’s classification, or are located in designated areas — including mountain communities, UNESCO sites and key tourism centers such as Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro — will receive additional consideration.
Applications involving environmental certifications, accessibility improvements based on universal design principles, or enhanced labor conditions for employees will also be prioritized.
Urban centers including Trieste, Udine, Gorizia and Pordenone are among the areas singled out for targeted support.
Funding structure and conditions
Businesses will be able to apply under two European Union aid frameworks. Under the “de minimis” rule, grants can cover up to 50 percent of eligible costs, with a maximum contribution of €300,000. Alternatively, companies may opt for a separate exemption regime, which provides aid ranging from 10 to 30 percent depending on company size, with the same funding cap.
Applications will be submitted exclusively through an online portal, and beneficiaries may request an advance of up to half the awarded amount, subject to financial guarantees.
Recipients will be required to maintain the intended use of funded properties for five years, while purchased equipment must remain in use for at least three years.
In its initial phase, the program will allow reimbursement for expenses incurred starting Jan. 1, 2025, under the de minimis framework. Once fully operational, however, only costs incurred after the submission of an application will be eligible.
