Međimurje on the world stage: "We are showing the region the way to sustainability"

The first Green Destinations Regional Training Event in the world was held at Terme Sveti Martin in Međimurje. The event brought together leading experts in the field of sustainable tourism and key stakeholders of the tourism industry. Over the course of three days, participants learned about trends and practical ways of sustainable management of tourist destinations, protected areas and companies in tourism.

The keynote lectures were held by two experienced experts in the field of sustainable tourism and destination management, Kirsi Hyvaerinen and Ph.D. Mirela Sučić Čevra, which discussed the management of sustainable destinations, the importance of stakeholder involvement and the latest sustainability practices at the global level. As an excellent example of branding in the field of sustainability among globally recognized destinations, Dr. sc. Sučić Čevra highlighted the "Swisstainable" project, which is backed by the team of one of the world's leading destination management companies, Kuoni Tumlara.

Participants from seven countries

In addition to inspiring lectures, three interesting panel discussions were held in Međimurje, which brought together experts, stakeholders and entrepreneurs in tourism at all levels, from as many as seven countries. The panel "Destination management: new challenges, new needs" brought together the key stakeholders of tourism in Croatia, who pointed out the importance of the synergy of all stakeholders at the national, regional and local level to achieve sustainability in their community.

On the second day, the best sustainability practices of destinations, protected areas and companies in tourism were presented as part of two panel discussions. The panelists showed that many of them on the way to sustainability and that the decrease in the number of visitors in more popular destinations does not mean less income.

dr. Katarina Miličević, said that this educational event was an exceptional opportunity for the exchange of experiences and knowledge among experts. "The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application is the only correct way to improve the sustainability of destinations at all levels", she said Dr. Miličević, director of a consulting company in tourism and professor at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Ljubljana.

Integration of the local community

Since it is experience is one of the key elements of tourism, the participants of the educational event explored the cultural and natural heritage of Međimurje and visited the Mlin na Muri, the Mađerkin Breg viewpoint and the "Med dvemi vodami" visitor center. In addition to insight into sustainable tourism practices applied on the ground, these examples showed the importance of integrating the local community into tourism initiatives and creating a sustainable destination.

"We are proud that our Međimurje hosted such an important event. Our region has been investing in sustainability for years. This is the only correct direction for the development of tourism, and we hope that we can encourage other destinations to follow our example so that we can be more competitive as a country. on the market. In the region, we are definitely showing the way towards sustainability", said the director of the Tourist Board of Međimurje County Rudi Grula.

Green Destinations Regional Training Event in Međimurje was supported by representatives of relevant institutions and organizations from Croatia, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Croatian Tourist Board, Europe Direct Čakovec, as well as directors of numerous tourist boards and stakeholders of tourist destinations from the region. The event was organized by the global non-profit organization Green Destinations, the Međimurje County Tourist Board and the Tourism Lab company.