TRANSDINARICA2 Stakeholder Workshops in Pilot Areas

The TRANSDINARICA2 project applies a participatory approach to sustainable tourism development by actively involving local stakeholders in the planning and implementation of project activities. Stakeholder workshops held in the pilot areas of Žabljak, Konjic, Ilirska Bistrica and Zlatibor brought together local authorities, tourism organisations, private sector representatives, civil society actors, experts and project partners. The workshops provided a platform for dialogue, exchange of knowledge and joint identification of priorities for tourism development along the Trans Dinarica route.

A key objective of the workshops was to ensure that project activities and strategic recommendations reflect the specific needs, challenges and opportunities of each destination, while remaining aligned with the broader regional goals of TRANSDINARICA2. Particular attention was given to sustainable destination management, cycling tourism, tourism infrastructure, product development, local cooperation, environmental protection and the improvement of visitor experiences.

In Žabljak, the stakeholder workshop was organised by the International Development Agency MARA, in partnership with ZRC SAZU and the Municipality of Žabljak. The workshop supported the development of the Žabljak Municipal Tourism Development Strategy and focused on involving key tourism stakeholders in defining a sustainable strategic framework. Special emphasis was placed on balancing tourism growth with the protection of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as on improving the quality, inclusiveness and sustainability of the destination’s tourism offer.

In Konjic, the workshop was dedicated to validating the findings and priorities identified in the Tourism Situation Analysis of the City of Konjic. Representatives of the public, private and civil sectors discussed the current state of tourism, key development challenges and opportunities for the destination. The discussions focused on sustainable destination management, tourism pressures, diversification of tourism products, cycling tourism and bike-friendly infrastructure. Participants also addressed the application of green and sustainable destination principles, with the aim of strengthening local cooperation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of tourism development in Konjic.

In Ilirska Bistrica, the stakeholder workshop was held as part of the preparation of the destination’s tourism strategy. Participants discussed priorities and measures related to tourism infrastructure, sustainable mobility, events, cooperation among tourism providers and the use of existing marketing and promotional channels. Cycling tourism was identified as an important development opportunity, particularly due to the municipality’s position along the Alpina Mediterranean route and the Trans Dinarica route. Within TRANSDINARICA2, Ilirska Bistrica will establish one of the project’s cycling hubs, further supporting its positioning as a sustainable and cycling-friendly destination.

In Zlatibor, a workshop was held on 23 March 2026 at the Innovation Business Centre Zlatibor, bringing together project partners, local stakeholders, tourism experts and institutional representatives to assess tourism development in the Municipality of Čajetina. Through open dialogue and a SWOT analysis, participants identified key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and defined priorities for future initiatives. Discussions focused on sustainable tourism, infrastructure, product development, promotion, and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. The workshop results will contribute to the final territorial analysis of Čajetina and guide future actions aimed at long-term tourism development, economic growth and SME support.