Let it BEE

Let it BEE Project: Development of a Joint Cross-Border Apitourism Destination for More Resilient Tourism

The Let it BEE project is implemented within the Interreg Slovenia–Croatia Programme, under the priority “Resilient and Sustainable Region”, with the aim of strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation.

The main objective is to develop a sustainable and connected cross-border apitourism destination encompassing the Posavje region in Slovenia and Zagreb County in Croatia. The project links beekeeping traditions with cultural and natural heritage, ecology, health, gastronomy and contemporary tourism experiences.

The new destination will be developed with the participation of local communities and key stakeholders from Croatia and Slovenia. Through focus groups and interviews, the project will involve beekeepers, producers of bee products, hospitality providers, accommodation providers, family farms, traditional craftspeople and tourism professionals. Their experience will form the basis for the development of the Joint Apitourism Destination Development Strategy and its management model.

As part of the project, a joint tourism product, physical and virtual api-routes, a tourism brochure, a honey-themed souvenir and a digital platform will be developed. The platform will provide information about the destination, local offerings, cultural heritage and visitor experiences.

The mountain lodge on Bohor will be equipped as a space connecting beekeeping, education, and cultural and natural heritage, while an api-park will be established in Velika Gorica, allowing visitors to discover the world of bees and beekeeping in an outdoor setting.

The developed products will be tested through pilot activities and joint api-routes. The project also includes training sessions, round tables, an expert conference and two Let it BEE festivals, to be held in Krško and Velika Gorica. These events will present local producers, bee products and experiences offered by the new destination.

The project will run for 28 months and has a total value of EUR 1,344,855.20. The European Union is co-financing the project through the European Regional Development Fund in the amount of EUR 1,075,884.16, representing 80% of the project’s total value.

The lead partner is the City Municipality of Krško. The project partners are the Krško Regional Chamber of Craft and Small Business, the Regional Development Agency Posavje, the Grm Novo mesto College of Rural Management, the Zagreb County Development Agency, the City of Velika Gorica, the Crafts College – Adult Education Institution, and the Zagreb County Tourist Board.