A panel discussion titled "The Impact of Infrastructure on Destination Tourism Development" was held in Velika Gorica, gathering key stakeholders from Zagreb County's tourism sector and opening a meaningful dialogue on how infrastructure, quality management, and collaboration influence tourism that is sustainable, competitive, and people-centred.
The event was organised by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts and its Institute for Scientific and Artistic Work in Velika Gorica, with the support of the City of Velika Gorica, the Zagreb County Tourist Board, and the Velika Gorica Tourist Board. The panel was moderated by Katja Mikulčić, with academician Zvonko Cvetnić contributing his expert insights.
A valuable perspective was provided by Lidija Capković Martinek, spokesperson for Zagreb International Airport, who highlighted the airport's crucial role in the development of continental tourism and emphasised how its connectivity directly influences business, cultural, and tourism activity across the entire region.
Tourist Board directors Ivana Alilović and Maja Toth presented the strategic direction for destination development, stressing the importance of planning grounded in data and knowledge, as well as strong cooperation. In her address, Ivana Alilović underscored that Zagreb County is the only Croatian tourist board to have signed the Glasgow Declaration, committing to accelerated climate action. She also noted that on 2 October this year, the county adopted its Destination Management Plan, reaffirming a transparent and responsible path toward sustainable and regenerative tourism. Maja Toth added that Velika Gorica recently completed its public consultation process for its own management plan—an indicator of transparency and strong community engagement.
Throughout the discussion, participants highlighted that infrastructure—whether an airport or cultural, sports, and tourism facilities—forms the backbone of long-term development. Equally important are the people behind the destination: local family farms, cultural institutions, entrepreneurs, and all those who shape the region's identity through their work. They create a vibrant, authentic, year-round offer that distinguishes successful destinations from merely average ones.
The panel concluded with a clear and powerful message: the future of tourism in Zagreb County relies on cooperation. Synergy between institutions, tourist boards, businesses, and the local community is essential for progress that is balanced, sustainable, and aligned with the real needs of the place and its people.
The discussion demonstrated that Zagreb County is developing tourism thoughtfully and responsibly, working closely with its stakeholders to build a destination that protects what it has while creating what is yet to come—with equal care, vision, and commitment.
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