The Zagreb County Tourist Board has once again showcased its expertise and capabilities at the European level. The InterWine project, which integrates cultural heritage and wine tourism to establish a sustainable cross-border destination, has been chosen as one of only six successful projects out of 73 entries in the Interreg Slovenia-Croatia cross-border cooperation competition. This accolade is part of the initiative aimed at enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion, and social innovations.

The project aims to enhance the impact of culture and sustainable tourism by creating a new integrated tourist experience that combines cultural heritage with the tradition of winemaking and viticulture. This innovative tourism product will be developed through a participatory approach involving local communities and key stakeholders from Croatia and Slovenia.

The project will encompass a variety of activities, including focus groups and workshops aimed at defining and devising a plan for the development of a unified destination. A new tourist product will be formulated, featuring both physical and online components. The InterWine facilities in Velika Gorica, Pušća, and Brežice will be outfitted to integrate cultural heritage with the wine offerings. Additionally, a joint souvenir, itineraries, and tourist guide will be designed, along with an intuitive online platform to promote the wine and gastronomic offerings, as well as the cultural heritage.

The Mayor of Velika Gorica, Mr. Krešimir Ačkar, has emphasized the significance of a newly secured project funded by the European Union. This project marks a notable milestone as it is the first time that funds have been allocated for the advancement and promotion of winemaking and viticulture in the region. Through collaboration with the Zagreb County Tourist Board and other partners, the city of Velika Gorica aims to significantly enhance its tourist offerings.

The holistic approach outlined aims to enhance the quality and desirability of the destination while ensuring the long-term viability and adaptability of the tourism and cultural sectors. The initiative encompasses educational and motivational seminars for key stakeholders, trialling select aspects of the tourism offering, and proactive promotional activities.

To leverage the project's outcomes and establish enduring collaboration, the partners will develop an InterWine manual and execute an Agreement on future cooperation. This approach will secure the sustainability of the outcomes and the dedication of partners and stakeholders post-project completion.

"This achievement marks a significant advancement for the Zagreb County Tourist Board and all our partners, bringing us closer to establishing a sustainable and appealing cross-border tourist destination that showcases the abundant cultural heritage and exceptional wine and gastronomic offerings of our regions," stated Ivana Alilović, the director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board. izjavila je direktorica Turističke zajednice Zagrebačke županije Ivana Alilović.

This highly significant project lasts 30 months and has a total budget of EUR 1,383,080.02. The project partners involved are the City of Velika Gorica, the Municipality of Pušća, the Vocational College (an institution for adult education), the Institute for Entrepreneurship, Tourism and Youth in Brežice, the University of Maribor, the Faculty of Tourism in Brežice, and the Posavina Museum of Brežice.