Innovations in water tourism at the Solina Reservoir in the Bieszczady Mountains.

Project facts

Project promoter:
Relavia sp. z o.o.(PL)
Project Number:
PL-INNOVATION-0196
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€1,489,786
Donor Project Partners:
Flytende Bolig AS(NO)

More information

Description

Relavia’s operations focus on running a resort complex comprising 2 hotels and a marina on Solina Lake in the Bieszczady Mountains. Under the project we want to expand our business by introducing an innovative tourist service called “group watercatching” on Solina Lake. The service combines recreational sailing and a LARP-type outdoor game with new information technology and augmented reality (AR) technology to explore the secrets of the lake. This group game uses a smartphone application, and will revolve around “markers” on the cultural-historical and natural aspects of the lake and its surroundings. These markers are places where you can see what is hidden below the water level. The application will show 5 markers on the lake, and 5 in its surroundings. The game will be played during the entire tourist season. At the end of the season, the person or team with the highest number of points will receive an attractive prize.
To participate in the “group watercatching” networking game, no less than 10 business partners with their services and products will be invited.  An IT system for selling services and managing the game and fleet of vessels will be created under the project. Our Norwegian partner, FLYTENDE BOLIG AS, will develop the AR application and the rules of the game. This app structure will then be filled by Relavia with information related to the history of the Solina Lake, while the partner will use it to implement a “group watercatching” game dedicated to the history of Normans and Vikings. 
Relavia will adapt and expand the marina infrastructure, including the erection of 2 piers of 48m and 19m, and purchase a floating fleet (catamarans, bowrider boats, cabin boats) and tablets. The use of a photovoltaic installation and a station for collecting liquid waste from vessels will reduce our environmental impact. The trademark will be registered under the international procedure.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to tackle several critical issues related to the tourist infrastructure around Lake Solina. Firstly, the infrastructure was outdated and did not meet the needs of modern tourists. There was a lack of suitable piers for docking large boats, which made it difficult to handle tourist traffic and reduced the region''s attractiveness to visitors.

Another challenge was the limited recreational options available at the lake. Tourists lacked diverse ways to spend their leisure time on the water, such as catamaran trips or motorboat cruises. These limited recreational opportunities discouraged potential tourists from visiting and enjoying the region''s offerings.

The lack of innovative technological solutions was another significant issue. Traditional forms of promotion and interaction with tourists were not engaging or interactive enough. Modern technologies that could enhance the tourist experience were underutilized. Furthermore, the Lake Solina region was poorly promoted as an attractive tourist destination, limiting its visibility and ability to attract more visitors.

Additionally, the project aimed to support the sustainable development of the region by introducing environmentally friendly solutions. Traditional forms of water transport and infrastructure did not meet sustainability requirements, presenting a significant challenge. Lastly, the project sought to address the lack of local community integration in tourism development. Local communities were not well engaged in efforts to develop the region, limiting the economic and social potential of Lake Solina.

The project undertook a series of activities aimed at improving tourist infrastructure, expanding recreational offerings, and increasing the attractiveness of the Lake Solina region.

Modernizing infrastructure:

One of the main activities was the construction of new T-shaped piers, allowing for the docking of large boats. This improved tourist traffic management and increased safety and comfort during mooring. The new piers contributed to better management of tourist and boat flow.

Purchasing a modern fleet of boats

The project included the acquisition of high-quality floating fleets, including modern sightseeing catamarans, cabin motorboats, and other vessels. The new fleet allowed tourists to enjoy various forms of water recreation, such as lake tours and water sports. These new floating units significantly increased the region''s attractiveness and improved recreational offerings.

Developing the "Group Watercatching" app:

The project introduced an innovative mobile application called "Group Watercatching." This app provides tourists with interactive experiences related to exploring the lake area. By using augmented reality and gamification elements, the app engages tourists in discovering interesting locations and participating in various activities. The app became a key tool in promoting the region and engaging visitors.

Promotional activities:

The project conducted intensive marketing efforts to promote Lake Solina as an attractive tourist destination. These activities included social media campaigns, the creation of promotional materials, and the organization of events such as seminars and conferences, which attracted the attention of tourists and investors.

Supporting sustainable development:The project introduced solutions focused on sustainable development, such as photovoltaic systems to power the newly built piers. This made the infrastructure more environmentally friendly and supported emission-free water transport. These efforts contributed to environmental protection and promoted the sustainable development of tourism in the region.

The project achieved several positive outcomes, benefiting various stakeholder groups:

1. Improvement of tourist infrastructure:

Through the construction of new docks and the acquisition of a modern fleet of boats, the project significantly enhanced the infrastructure around Lake Solina. Tourists were provided with better docking facilities and opportunities for water recreation, increasing the region''s attractiveness to visitors.

2. Increased attractiveness of the region: The introduction of the innovative "Group Watercatching" app and intensive promotional activities contributed to the enhanced appeal of the Lake Solina region. Tourists were offered interactive experiences and the chance to discover new locations, attracting a greater number of visitors.

3. Growth in tourism revenues:Through infrastructure improvements, the introduction of new attractions, and effective promotional efforts, the project contributed to increased tourism revenues. Local tourism businesses and service providers benefited from heightened interest in the region and an influx of tourists.

4. Support for sustainable development:The implementation of solutions focused on sustainable development, such as photovoltaic systems, contributed to environmental protection and the promotion of eco-friendly practices in tourism. Residents and local communities benefited from a more environmentally friendly region.

5. Strengthening of partnership relations:Collaboration with the Norwegian partner brought benefits to both parties. The exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of water tourism and innovative technologies contributed to achieving project goals and improving the quality of services offered.

Summary of bilateral results

The Norwegian partner played a significant role in the project implementation process, primarily by sharing their knowledge and expertise in the field of water tourism and innovative technologies. Together, we developed various solutions, such as the "Group Watercatching" application, which we hope will prove to be an extremely attractive tool for tourists visiting the Lake Solina region. Additionally, the Norwegian partner actively participated in organizing events such as seminars and conferences. Their involvement was crucial for the success of these initiatives and positively influenced their substantive level and attractiveness to participants.As a result of the collaboration with the Norwegian partner, innovative solutions were introduced, contributing to the improvement of the quality of water tourism on Lake Solina. Furthermore, the relationship between the partners was strengthened, providing a solid foundation for potential future collaboration, both in the field of tourism and in other areas.The project''s implementation suggests that cooperation between partners will be further intensified, particularly in the areas of cutting-edge technologies and the design of boats and houseboats. The joint work on the "Group Watercatching" application and participation in event organization have paved the way for further joint ventures, which can bring benefits to both partners and contribute to the development of water tourism on a broader scale.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.