Bjelovar launches €1.25 million fund for new tourist accommodation in Croatia

Terme Bjelovar (Photo: Grad Bjelovar)

BJELOVAR, 2 September 2026– The Croatian city of Bjelovar has launched a €1.25 million public funding programme aimed at encouraging investment in new tourist accommodation ahead of the opening of its major Wellovar thermal spa and recreation project.

Under the scheme, the City of Bjelovar will co-finance up to 50% of eligible investment costs, with individual grants of up to €300,000, depending on the category of accommodation.

Projects must create at least eight new accommodation units. Funding is available for hotels, heritage hotels, aparthotels, hostels, annexes and other eligible accommodation facilities.

Mayor Dario Hrebak said increasing accommodation capacity had become a priority as Bjelovar prepares for the development of the Geothermal Sports and Recreation Park Wellovar, described by the city as the largest thermal spa project in Croatia.

The city estimates that around 10 potential investors could take part in the programme, potentially creating about 150 new rooms. If demand exceeds the available €1.25 million, the city says it is prepared to provide additional funding.

“With €1.25 million, we are launching €10 million of investment in the city centre,” Hrebak said.

The Bilogora-Bjelovar Tourist Board says the aim is not simply to increase the number of beds, but to establish a stronger accommodation base for a destination that is growing in popularity.

There are currently 126 accommodation properties with around 1,000 beds in the Bilogora-Bjelovar tourism area. Local authorities estimate that the destination is still short of approximately 500 additional beds.

The public call opened on 1 September 2026 and will remain available until the funds are exhausted, or no later than 31 December 2026. Applications will be assessed in the order complete applications are received, with projects required to score at least 40 out of 100 points.

New accommodation must be completed and operational by 20 June 2027, while heritage hotels have until 31 December 2027.

The call is available through the official websites of the City of Bjelovar and Bilogora-Bjelovar Tourist Board.