The Ministry of Economy has awarded its first subsidy under a decree enacted at the end of last year, aimed at funding the construction of new hotels or the renovation of existing ones in Belgrade ahead of the upcoming EXPO 2027. The company Airport City West Gate doo Belgrade, based in New Belgrade, has received 5.9 million euros to build and equip the “AC Hotel by Marriott Airport City Belgrade,” which will feature 209 hotel rooms. This amount represents 20 percent of the total construction investment costs.
The regulation governing these subsidies allows for incentives of up to 20 percent for three-, four-, and five-star hotels, classified as category 3, 4 and 5. To qualify, an investor must ensure that the total investment in a new hotel is at least five million euros, or at least two million euros for the expansion or renovation of an existing hotel. Additionally, each project must include a minimum of 50 accommodation rooms.
Under the agreement with the Ministry of Economy, Airport City is expected to invest a minimum of 29.9 million euros in tangible and intangible assets over the next two years. The subsidy of 5.9 million euros will be disbursed in two installments: the first, amounting to 864,829 euros, will be paid in 2025, and the second, totaling 5.12 million euros, will be provided in 2026.
Furthermore, the regulation stipulates that funds for investments in the Belgrade region in connection with EXPO 2027 can only be allocated if the direct investment remains in the same local government area for at least five years post-project completion, and if the hotel maintains its specified category during that time.
