How does local food become part of a destination’s identity? What do large-scale events leave behind, and how much can our everyday habits influence their sustainability? Ahead of the 25th anniversary edition of Gastro Turopolja, a panel discussion entitled “Local on the Table, Responsible Towards the Environment” was held in Velika Gorica, bringing together gastronomy, tourism, local production and a more responsible approach to the environment.
The panel brought together Maja Toth, Director of the Velika Gorica Tourist Board; Ena Gašparac from the Zagreb County Tourist Board; Josip Pavlović, President of the Ekologija grada Association; and Jurica Jurjević, President of the Management Board of VG Čistoća.
Students from Velika Gorica Grammar School, who made up the largest part of the audience, brought a particularly dynamic perspective to the discussion, naturally opening it up to issues that matter to their generation. The conversation explored attitudes towards food, consumer habits, the amount of waste we generate, and the extent to which individual choices can influence how major events are organised in the future.
One of the central topics was the role of local gastronomy in shaping the identity of Turopolje and the destination’s tourism offer. The discussion raised the question of how closely local producers, hospitality businesses and events are connected, and how events such as Gastro Turopolja can create value that lasts beyond the event itself. The aim is for a product, flavour or story discovered by visitors at an event to become a reason to return – to visit a local producer, restaurant or another attraction in Turopolje.
From the Zagreb County Tourist Board's perspective, particular emphasis was placed on turning local gastronomy into an experience visitors can associate with the destination. A local product is not simply something served on a plate; it is part of a broader story about the place, its people, traditions and way of life. Events can provide a first encounter with that story, while their long-term value for tourism emerges when they inspire visitors to explore the destination beyond the event itself.
An important part of the discussion focused on what remains after major events have ended. Participants addressed issues such as the amount of waste generated, single-use packaging, waste separation and food waste, as well as practical changes that can be introduced without high costs or placing an additional burden on organisers. Possible measures include clearer signage and better positioning of waste containers, improved communication with exhibitors ahead of events, reducing unnecessary single-use packaging, and more responsible planning of food quantities.
“Sustainability does not have to begin with large and expensive systems. It often starts with very simple decisions: how much packaging we use, whether we separate waste properly, whether we can estimate the required quantities of food more accurately, and whether everyone involved has been informed about these issues in good time. Most importantly, sustainability should not remain merely a message – it needs to become part of the way an event is planned and delivered,” said Josip Pavlović, President of the Ekologija grada Association.
Jurica Jurjević, President of the Management Board of VG Čistoća, also addressed the practical aspects of organising large-scale events.
“A system can only function effectively if it is clearly planned. Simply providing waste containers and expecting results is not enough. It is important to understand what types of waste will be generated, where they can best be collected, and to communicate clearly with organisers, exhibitors and visitors. The better the preparation before the event, the better the results on the ground,” Jurjević said.
The discussion with the young audience also brought personal responsibility into sharper focus, highlighting how each individual's everyday habits can contribute to more sustainable events. From attitudes towards food to proper waste separation, change depends not only on organisers and waste management systems, but also on the behaviour of every visitor.
The panel also served as an introduction to the final weekend of the 25th anniversary edition of Gastro Turopolja, which will fill the Park of the Noble Municipality of Turopolje with local flavours, products, traditions, workshops and activities for different generations on 10 and 11 October.
Maja Toth, Director of the Velika Gorica Tourist Board, invited residents and visitors to join the anniversary Gastro weekend, discover local flavours and producers, and celebrate the 25th edition of an event that has brought Turopolje together through gastronomy, tradition, and a sense of community for a quarter of a century.
