The "Heart of Green Croatia" business brunch was organised in cooperation with the Representation of the Croatian Tourist Board in Slovenia to present the seven regions of central Croatia to Slovenian journalists and tour operators.
In Ljubljana, at Hotel Slon, a business brunch, "Heart of Green Croatia", was held, which brought together Slovenian journalists, tourism experts and tour operators. The Central Croatia cluster, which gathers the regions of central Croatia, and the Representation of the Croatian Tourist Board in Slovenia presented the innovative and rich tourist offer of seven areas to the Slovenian public as one of the leading broadcast markets.
During the initial formal part of the event, the attendees were provided with valuable information regarding Croatia's position as a tourism brand. The focus was on continental tourism, and Bruno Bonifačić, the Director of the Croatian Tourist Board in Slovenia, and Ivana Alilović, the Coordinator of the Cluster of Central Croatia and Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, conducted the presentations. The presence of the Croatian Ambassador in Slovenia made the business brunch even more significant.
Today's presentation of the Cluster of Central Croatia is a significant event that plays a crucial role in introducing our broadcast markets to the lesser-known regions of Croatia. This initiative contributes significantly to strengthening tourism figures in the Republic of Croatia. His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in the Republic of Slovenia, Boris Grigić, praised the organisers for hosting such an event and commended the concept behind the entire initiative.
During a recent event, Bonifačić provided journalists with an in-depth analysis of tourism trends and figures in central Croatia. He highlighted various opportunities in the region. Alilović, on the other hand, presented a range of active tourism options, the wine and culinary scene, untouched natural beauty spots and rich cultural heritage. In her presentation, Alilović also emphasised the importance of sustainability and building tourism for future generations. After the formal part of the event, the seven regions jointly showcased their offerings with a rich display of wine and gastronomic delights, including copanjek from the Plešivica area, exclusive meat dishes, štrukli from Zagorje and canapes, and duck with mlinci, specially prepared by the Plešivica chefs from the Braje Winery House.
Croatia's recent accession into the Schengen zone marks a significant milestone in strengthening tourism collaboration between our countries. The borderless nature of the EU facilitates seamless travel and simplifies the process of accessing one's desired destinations. To this end, the Cluster of Central Croatia seeks to promote cooperation amongst tourism organisations, local authorities, and Slovenian partners to create exceptional experiences for our guests. Our primary objective is to enhance tourist infrastructure, promote cultural and natural resources, and develop sustainable tourism products. These were the remarks of Ivana Alilović, Coordinator of the Cluster of Central Croatia and Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
Since last year, the Croatian Tourist Board's representative office in Slovenia has been actively promoting Croatian tourism by strategically presenting new tourist regions to experts and the public. The Board's business plan aims to highlight areas in Croatia that offer an array of year-round exciting content beyond the traditional sea destinations. Bruno Bonifačić, the Director of the Tourist Board's representative office, expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming response from professionals, including journalists, travel agencies, tour operators, bloggers, and influencers. The high level of interest indicates the allure of the presented offer and the potential of Croatia's tourist industry.
The region of central Croatia comprises seven tourism communities, including Međimurje, Varaždin, Krapina-Zagorje, Bjelovar-Bilogora, Sisak-Moslavina, Zagreb County, and Koprivnica-Križevac counties. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, the central Croatia region is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in discovering the beauty and charm of Croatia.