Project code: TOP_PLUSZ-6.1.4-23-BA2-2024-00003
The project is being implemented with support from the European Union and co-financing from the Hungarian government.
Amount of contracted funding: 679,999,999 HUF.
Project implementation period: March 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027
Brief description of the project:
The project is a nationally significant active tourism network spanning two counties—Baranya and Somogy—and contributes to improving the active tourism infrastructure along the Drava River, making it more visitor-friendly, and enhancing services. The developments planned under the project are intended to improve the tourism infrastructure of the water tourism stops and entry and exit points located on the Baranya County section of the network.
What are we doing, and where?
The project covers the following stops along the active tourism network along the Drava River:
- Szaporca Visitor Center (entry and exit point)
- Vejti Harbor (stop)
- Felsőszentmárton Port (stop)
- Drávasztára Port (stop)
- Drávaszabolcs Port (exit point).
Key development sites and elements:
Vejti
A new service building will be constructed in the town, along with a slipway to assist in launching boats. To improve accessibility, the access road will be paved with crushed stone.
Szaporca – Development of the Ős-Dráva Visitor Center
The Ős-Dráva Visitor Center is undergoing a major renovation:
- Renovation of the courtyard and playground: refurbishment of existing features and replacement of outdated playground equipment, as well as installation of new, weather-resistant playground equipment
- Improvements to public furniture: installation of new benches, tables, trash cans, and signs with a uniform design
- Construction of an outdoor pavilion: a covered pavilion with a capacity of 50 people, equipped with cooking facilities (oven, grill, cauldron)
- Bicycle infrastructure: installation of charging stations for electric bicycles
- Building renovation: heat pump heating system, improvements to the wastewater treatment system, and a complete renovation
Development of the "Wildlife of the Drava" nature trail:
The 14-kilometer-long nature trail with 12 stations is being renovated:
- Repair of benches and resting areas
- Replacement of information signs
- modernization of the control system
- demolition of the existing lookout tower
Nagypartos Nature Trail
- Complete replacement of the panel system
- renovation of infrastructure (benches, tables)
- road and ramp stabilization
Integrated Information System Along the Drava River
A uniform signage system will be installed along the entire Baranya section:
- bridge selfie,
- wooden nature trail sign,
- wood, large information sign,
- road signs,
- metal directional signs with arrows,
- large metal signs placed directly next to the Drava River to provide information to those on the water.
Drávaszabolcs
Within the port area:
- Complete renovation and expansion of a social services building (restrooms, showers, lounge area)
- modernization of the saltworks
- building a fire pit
- Development of a tourism information system
- Establishment of a bicycle repair shop
- ensuring the conditions for selective waste collection
Drava Star
A comprehensive tourist reception center is being established:
- Kayak and canoe storage (for 20 watercraft)
- bike rack with charging stations
- gazebos for relaxation
- renovation of a social services building
- installation of a surveillance system
- Expansion of the pier and construction of a new harbor terrace
- stabilization of access roads
Upper St. Martin
A new stop on the water tour route is being established:
- Design of the harbor and breakwater
- Construction of a covered rest area and gazebo
- fire pit and community space
- Development of a parking lot and access road
- installation of information signs
- connection to the Amazon Trail
The goal of the project
The aim of the project is to develop a high-quality, comprehensive waterway route along the Baranya section of the Drava River, which:
- enhances the region's appeal to tourists
- contributes to an increase in visitor numbers and the number of overnight stays
- strengthens the local economy and services
- promotes the development of sustainable tourism
- combines water-based and cycling tourism
In the long term, the project will help Baranya County become a competitive and attractive year-round tourist destination.
Expected effects
As a result of these improvements:
- Tourist traffic and length of stay are on the rise
- demand for local services is growing
- Revenue from tourism is on the rise
- new jobs will be created
- the quality of life for the region's residents is improving
A particular strength of the project is that it sustainably strengthens local communities and the local economy through nature-based water tourism that has a low environmental impact.
