The Tourist Association of the City of Mali Lošinj is preparing a series of educational excursions during March under the name “Upoznaj Apsyrtides”, with the aim of better informing and familiarizing local tourism stakeholders with the rich heritage of the Lošinj archipelago. The program is specially designed to highlight the key cultural and natural values of the region, all with the intention of enabling participants to acquire new knowledge that will enhance the quality of the tourism offer.

The Role of Education in Tourism

Tourism is a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving, and the key to a successful tourism sector lies in the knowledge and competencies of all its participants. That is why such programs represent an extremely valuable tool in promoting an authentic experience of the destination. Through expertly guided tours, participants not only discover interesting historical stories and natural beauties, but also their active involvement in preserving local heritage and tradition is encouraged.

Saturday Excursions through History and Nature

The first excursion leads to Vela Lošinj, a place of special significance for the development of tourism on the island. Here, participants will have the opportunity to explore the key points that marked the beginnings of organized tourism, including historical buildings, park forests, and the first tourist facilities. Special emphasis is placed on the story of climatic characteristics that were recognized in the 19th century as ideal for health tourism.

The second Saturday is reserved for an excursion to the interior of the continent, where participants will be introduced to examples of sustainable tourism and natural resource management. A tour of protected areas with rich flora and fauna is planned, along with educational content about ecological balance and the impact of humans on nature. One of the key focuses is on the development of instructive trails that allow visitors to learn interactively about natural phenomena.

The third excursion is dedicated to water – an element of crucial importance for life on the islands. Participants will learn more about water supply, the challenges faced by island communities, and innovative solutions in preserving drinking water. A tour of a place of cultural significance is also planned, where traditional forms of agriculture and their connection to water resources will be discussed.

The final excursion leads to Osoršćica, a spectacular mountain ridge offering a view of the entire archipelago. Here, participants will have the opportunity to take part in the reconstruction of the historical rise of one of the most famous visitors of the island, further emphasizing the connection between the cultural and tourism history of Lošinj.

Empowering the Community through Education

In addition to the educational excursions, the Tourist Association also organizes additional activities intended for renters, with the aim of improving the quality of accommodation and enhancing the promotion of the destination. Support programs include marketing initiatives, ecological actions, and the distribution of seedlings with the aim of preserving the indigenous plant world.

The number of registered renters on the island is continuously increasing, and private accommodation constitutes an important segment of the overall tourism offer. Investment in knowledge and information is key to maintaining a high level of service, and programs like this facilitate direct exchange of experiences and the creation of better quality relationships with guests.

The tourism sector is increasingly turning to sustainable development, which implies responsible management of resources and active involvement of the local community. Such educational projects contribute to creating authentic experiences for visitors, as well as strengthening the tourism identity of the island as a destination rich in history, natural beauty, and tradition.