UnityDesign

The Epirus LEADER 2026–2027 programme, through the call by EPIRUS S.A. (ΗΠΕΙΡΟΣ Α.Ε.) for Ioannina and Thesprotia, includes support of up to 65% for tourism businesses, subject to conditions. If you are planning tourist accommodation or upgrading an existing business, Unity Design takes on the design study: layout, materials, lighting and furnishings, with the aim of a complete guest experience.

This guide covers the specific local call for Ioannina–Thesprotia, not every LEADER programme in Epirus. Whether an investment is eligible is checked against the official call and its annexes.

At Unity Design we specialise in designing tourist accommodation that offers memorable stays. We connect layout, materials, lighting and furnishings with the character of the property and the needs of hospitality.

Epirus LEADER: what the Ioannina–Thesprotia call provides for tourism

The first call for private projects by EPIRUS S.A., under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, includes sub-measure Π3-77-4.1-1.5 for businesses in the tourism sector.

• Aid intensity: up to 65%, according to the applicable terms.
• Maximum project budget: €300,000.
• Area covered: Municipal communities of the Regional Units of Ioannina and Thesprotia, excluding the Municipal Community of Ioannina itself.
• Submissions: from 20 October 2026, 13:00, to 4 February 2027, 15:00, online via the OPSKE system.

Eligibility depends on the specific terms. Please consult the official call by EPIRUS S.A. and its annexes (in Greek).

New tourist accommodation or upgrading an existing one?

Creating new accommodation and renovating a business that already operates require different preparation. The exact location, legal use, licensing and intended type of operation are all examined.

Being in a LEADER area is not enough to confirm that setting up new accommodation is subsidised. The specific terms need to be checked separately. The design proposal is coordinated with the technical and financial requirements confirmed by the project’s responsible partners.

How tourist accommodation design begins

The first decision is about the guest. A couple away for a weekend, a family staying for a week and a traveller working remotely each need a different organisation of space.

Before choosing colours and furniture, we look at the target guests, length of stay, the building’s potential, privacy and circulation. We also factor in storage, cleaning, maintenance and the available budget. Every intervention serves a specific purpose.

Designing accommodation in Ioannina with a sense of place

Designing a guesthouse or small hotel in the Regional Unit of Ioannina starts with the property. Natural light, views, existing materials and the relationship with the village or town can set the direction of the study.

A reading corner by the window, a well-designed breakfast area or a comfortable entrance gain value when they respond to real use. Local identity is expressed through textures, proportions and carefully chosen details, avoiding a standardised image of hospitality.

Tourist accommodation in Thesprotia: the experience continues outdoors

The courtyard, veranda and garden can be an essential part of the stay. Shading, privacy, evening lighting and seating areas need the same attention as the room.

In properties in Plataria, Sivota, Perdika and the wider Igoumenitsa area, we look at how the interior connects with the outdoor environment. These locations are examples of design interest; eligibility for LEADER is checked separately for each investment.

Interior design that supports everyday hospitality

Quality is felt in small moments: where guests put down their suitcase, whether they can read in comfortable light, whether they have room for their personal belongings.

The study organises the position of the bed, the usability of the seating area, storage and lighting scenarios within a single aesthetic. Materials and furniture are assessed for use, care and ease of replacement.

See Unity Design’s architecture and interior design projects for different approaches to residential and hospitality spaces.

From design concept to guest experience

A study needs to capture how guests will experience the space. Two Unity Design projects show different sides of this approach: the relationship with the outdoor environment and the organisation of the interior.

These projects are presented as design examples. Their presentation does not imply LEADER funding or eligibility.

See how we approach the design of boutique hotels, holiday villas and tourist accommodation, from the initial direction to the selection of materials and furnishings.

How the design study relates to the investment budget

A clear proposal records the needs, makes it easier to compare technical solutions and helps prioritise the works. Preparation requires coordination with the engineer and the funding consultant.

At Unity Design we focus on the design side of the investment. Eligibility assessment and funding approval follow the procedure of the relevant programme. Every work item, study or piece of equipment should be checked before any financial commitments are made.

Frequently asked questions about LEADER and tourist accommodation

Can I start the design study before the investment is approved?

You can explore the property and the design options. Before commissioning paid services, starting works or ordering equipment, the rules on start dates and eligible expenses need to be checked.

Can every tourist property in the area be included?

Not automatically. The exact location, activity, type of accommodation and the conditions of the call are all checked.

Can the study cover existing accommodation?

Yes, the design can cover rooms, shared spaces and outdoor areas. Whether the interventions are funded is examined separately.

What should I have ready before the study begins?

Gather the exact location of the property, any available floor plans, recent photographs, the current use and an indicative budget. Also describe your target guests, the number of rooms and how you plan to operate. The engineer and the funding consultant confirm the technical and financial details.

How is an upgrade of rooms and shared spaces organised?

We start by recording needs and setting a design direction. Then come the layout, the lighting study and the choice of materials and furnishings, depending on the scope of our collaboration. Interventions are prioritised according to how the accommodation operates and the available budget.

Who checks eligibility and who handles the design?

Unity Design handles the architectural and interior design within the agreed study. Reviewing the call and preparing the application are done with the relevant consultant and technical partners. Assessment and the funding decision rest with the programme’s competent bodies.

Let’s design the guest experience of your accommodation

Send us the location, floor plans or photos, an indicative budget and the guests you want to attract, so we can discuss the design direction for your tourist accommodation in Ioannina or Thesprotia.

Tell us about your tourist accommodation

Unity Design – spaces designed with identity, functionality and a meaningful guest experience.

Information last checked: 26 October 2026. For amendments and full terms, the official call and its annexes apply.

The cover image is an indicative illustration of tourist accommodation.