In the beautiful ambiance of Slunj, from 29 September to 1 October 2025, the 3rd meeting of Project Partners and the Steering Committee meeting of the GUSTI – Gastro UpScaled Tourist Itinerary in Rural Regions of Croatia and Italy (ID: ITHR0200403) project, co-financed by the Interreg VI-A Italy – Croatia 2021-2027 cross-border cooperation Programme, was held.

The event was organized by the Public Institution Regional Development Agency of Karlovac County (JURRA) at the Mirjana Rastoke hotel, known for its unique combination of natural and cultural wealth.

During the three-day meeting, partners from Croatia and Italy intensively exchanged experiences, analyzed the project's results so far, and agreed on concrete steps for further implementation. A special focus was on the development of sustainable tourist itineraries in rural areas, with the promotion of local gastronomic and cultural values.

As part of the program, participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with examples of good practice and local products, such as: Dolina jelena – an attractive private park with deer; OPG Brigita Čubrić – honey inhalations and traditional gastro offerings; and Destilerija Magdić – a local distillery with award-winning products.

This meeting further strengthened cross-border cooperation in the field of tourism and local development and enabled the partners to jointly shape innovative, sustainable, and attractive tourist products that promote the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the rural regions of Croatia and and Italy.

The GUSTI project is an example of how strategic planning and partnership can improve rural tourism, empower local communities, and create unforgettable experiences for visitors.

More about the project on the project's website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/gusti