Workshop on Destination Development and Innovative Tourism Products

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, a workshop on destination development and innovative tourism products along cycling routes EuroVelo 13 (the Iron Curtain Route) and AOE Bike Trail (the European Amazon Route) was held at the Community Hall in Hlebine as part of the IBC project – Social Inclusion by Valorising Heritage along Existing Cycling Routes in Remote Border Areas.

The workshop focused on tourism service providers, public organizations in the sector, and associations active in the field of traditional product manufacturing, with the purpose of presenting project activities and gathering feedback on the potential for developing new tourism products in the Podravina region. It also served to present modules of mentoring programs aimed at improving the competencies of small and medium-sized enterprises and other target groups along the mentioned routes.

Vladimir Šadek, project manager for Koprivnia Križevci County, presented the IBC project and discussed activities related to the inclusion of local producers' products in the project and the development of volunteering programs along the cycling routes. These programs involved members of the silver generation (55+) and the silver generation with disabilities, as well as youth in disadvantaged positions.

Historian Hrvoje Petrić, representing the company Meridijani, presented local stories (and heritage) from the Koprivnica Križevci County, which are incorporated into the IBC project. He reminded the attendees of popular legends and lesser-known stories that have been passed down through generations.

Marketing expert Mario Pintar covered the topic of Digital and Marketing Literacy for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Tourism. He discussed digital trends in tourism, digital marketing, the importance of visual identity, advertising, customer relations, and the development of effective websites and social media presence.

Tourism expert Jelena Berečić talked about the importance of quality service and heritage for attracting cycle tourism, presenting several best practice examples that serve as inspiration for developing new business ideas. Zvonko Lajtman, owner of the award-winning Holiday Home Lina, joined her presentation and shared an example of the development and operation of his rural household.

The workshop was attended by accommodation service providers, local product manufacturers, artisans, as well as representatives of associations, tourist boards, county institutions, members of the silver generation (55+), youth in disadvantaged positions, and people with disabilities.