In early September, the central square in Gospić, Stjepan Radić Square, became the scene of an important initiative focused on the future of tourism and gastronomy. An informational day was held for the project GUSTI – Gastro UpScaled Tourist Itinerary in rural regions of Croatia and Italy, which attracted significant attention from the local population and visitors. This event served as a platform for presenting the ambitious project financed by funds from the Interreg VI-A Italy – Croatia Cross-border Cooperation Programme for the 2021–2027 programming period. All attendees had a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the goals, planned activities, and philosophy behind the GUSTI project, focusing on the unbreakable link between sustainable gastro-tourism, environmental preservation, and the promotion of a healthy diet as a foundation of cultural identity.

At the center of the discussion was the importance of responsible food management and how sustainable eating habits directly contribute not only to protecting our planet but also to improving the quality of life within local communities. It was emphasized that a thoughtful approach to food can create new value, both economic and social, thereby opening the door to new development opportunities for rural areas.

Strategic Framework of the GUSTI Project

The GUSTI project represents an innovative approach to developing the tourist offer, based on the principles of sustainability and the circular economy. The main goal of the project is to encourage and promote sustainable gastro-tourism through several key pillars of action. First and foremost, it involves implementing measures to reduce food waste, which is one of the burning issues of modern society, especially in the tourism sector. Through education and awareness-raising, the project aims to change the habits of producers, caterers, and end consumers.

Furthermore, GUSTI places a strong emphasis on improving agricultural practices, encouraging farmers to apply ecological farming methods and favor native varieties. This not only preserves biodiversity but also ensures top-quality raw materials for local gastronomy. The use of local and organic ingredients is the third pillar of the project, which strengthens the local economy, reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transport, and offers guests an authentic experience based on the flavors of the region. Cultural-gastronomic experiences, such as cooking workshops, guided tastings, and visits to family farms, are used as a powerful tool to achieve sustainable development goals, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen social inclusion in places like Gospić.

Cross-border Cooperation and the European Context

One of the greatest values of the GUSTI project lies in its cross-border dimension. Through intensive cooperation between Croatian and Italian partners, the project will enable the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices in the field of sustainable destination management. Through a series of pilot activities, educational workshops, and the development of modern digital tools, GUSTI will strengthen the capacities of stakeholders on both sides of the Adriatic and encourage the creation of joint tourist products. In this way, the project directly contributes to achieving the fundamental principles of the European Green Deal, the "Farm to Fork" strategy, and promotes the principles of the circular economy. The goal is to ensure long-term and sustainable economic development in all partner regions, making them more resilient to future challenges and more competitive in the global tourism market.

This project is not only aimed at tourists but also at the local population, who are given the opportunity for new employment, the preservation of traditional knowledge and skills, and the proud presentation of their own heritage. The development of digital platforms will provide easier access to information about local producers, restaurants that use sustainable practices, and unique gastro-itineraries that take visitors off the beaten tourist paths.

The Importance of the Initiative for Lika-Senj County

During the project presentation, the Deputy Prefect of Lika-Senj County, Jasna Orešković Brkljačić, explained the importance and scope of this initiative in more detail. She expressed her satisfaction that the GUSTI project was being presented in Gospić, as part of the Croatian Walking Festival, an event that, much like gastronomy, promotes a healthy life, togetherness, and a connection with nature and the local community. She pointed out that the project is the result of successful cooperation between Croatia and Italy, financed through the INTERREG program.

The total financial value of the project is an impressive 2.6 million euros, and Lika-Senj County has the honor of being the lead partner. A total of eight partners are participating in the project, of which, besides the lead partner, three are from Croatia and four are from Italy, which ensures a rich exchange of experiences and examples of good practice. The Deputy Prefect emphasized that GUSTI represents a synergy of three key sectors: sustainable tourism, gastronomy, and agriculture. The primary goals, as she stated, are to reduce food waste, actively promote local and organic products, and devise new, innovative tourist content based on a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. Such an approach, in her words, not only saves tradition from oblivion but also creates concrete economic opportunities for local farmers, caterers, and the entire community.

Planned Activities and Expected Results

To achieve the set goals, a series of concrete activities are planned within the GUSTI project. Interactive workshops were particularly highlighted, where participants will have the opportunity not only to taste traditional dishes but also to learn how to prepare them independently in an authentic way. This practical approach will provide everyone with a unique and unforgettable experience, connecting them more deeply with the richness of the local cuisine and the culture of the region.

By the end of the implementation period, which lasts until 2027, numerous other activities will be carried out. These include specialized training for tourism stakeholders, the implementation of on-site pilot activities that will serve as examples of good practice, the organization of promotional events, and the development of advanced digital tools. These tools will serve to promote local products, new gastro-itineraries, and the sustainable practices that the project advocates. All these activities are directed towards a single goal: to make tourism in Lika-Senj County and other partner regions as sustainable, competitive, and accessible as possible for all visitors. The Deputy Prefect expressed her conviction that the GUSTI project will significantly contribute to increasing the county's visibility on the tourist map, strengthening the local economy, and creating new, lasting values for all its citizens.

For all those who want to find out more details about the project, activities, and partners, official websites are available where all news and progress can be followed. Information is available on the Lika-Senj County website, specifically at the link GUSTI Project, as well as on the official website of the Interreg Italy-Croatia program dedicated to the project: www.italy-croatia.eu/web/gusti.