The Croatian Tourist Board, in partnership with the Tourist Board of Zagreb County and the Tourist Board of Velika Gorica, recently held a workshop for representatives of Croatian EDEN destinations (European Destinations of Excellence). The focus of the workshop was on the topic of "Protected Areas - Sustainability and Tourism," and it was held at the Velika Gorica Visitor Center.

Around 30 participants attended the event, including representatives from Croatian EDEN destinations, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Croatian Tourist Board, and protected areas. During the workshop, Kirsi Hyvaerinen, an expert in sustainable tourism and destination management, gave a lecture. She highlighted that Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) can play a crucial role in managing protected areas as tourist attractions while adhering to the principles of sustainability.

Maša Klemenčič from the Slovenian Tourist Organization spoke about the Slovenian perspective of sustainable tourism and the program and concept of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism with special emphasis on the certification of protected natural areas.

The Northern Velebit National Park, Velebit Nature Park, and Slunj-Rastoke destination are being recognized as successful examples in the tourism industry in Croatia. Vedran Katalinić, from the Northern Velebit National Park, emphasized that education and development played a significant role in the success of the park. On the other hand, Jasmina Mrkonja, the director of the Tourist Board of Slunj, revealed the activities that contributed to Slunj being listed as one of the best tourist villages in the world by the UNWTO to the participants.