The new five-year program provides funding for tourism infrastructure projects from 2023 to 2027 and it incorporates certain new provisions. For a start, tourism and nature park foundations have been added as potential grant recipients. They join a list of eligible institutions that includes municipalities, non-profit associations and economic interest groups promoting tourism at national level such as Luxembourg for Tourism and the Luxembourg Convention Bureau.

But individual gites and holiday homes will no longer be allowed to apply for tourism grants, though they may be able to obtain aid under the SME regulations.

Backbone of tourism policy

A 50% financing ceiling for infrastructure, information and reception facilities remains in place, but a new maximum rate of 20% now applies across the board for accommodation, with the exception of youth hostels and unusual housing which will benefit from a maximum rate of 50%.

However, facilities that are officially recognised as being of national interest can obtain 100% financing.

acknowledges that major investment is required and he has pushed the budget to €70m for 2023-2028, up from €60m for 2017-2022. The five-year programmes for equipping tourism infrastructure are the backbone of Luxembourg’s tourism policy, Delles said. The new provisions in the plan are aimed at ensuring the transparency, predictability and quality of investments in tourism. “Any investment in tourism is also an investment in the quality of life of Luxembourg residents,” the minister said.