In the heart of the Vinodol Valley, surrounded by natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the annual assembly dedicated to strengthening rural tourism was held. Over three days of a dynamic program, participants from different parts of the country gathered to exchange experiences, present innovative ideas, and define new guidelines for the development of this branch of tourism which is becoming an increasingly important part of the tourist offer.

Rural Tourism – The Untapped Potential of Croatia

Croatia is a country of rich natural diversity, and a large part of its territory belongs to rural areas that hide authentic stories, local customs, and unique gastronomic experiences. However, despite great opportunities, rural tourism has not yet reached its full potential. This was precisely one of the key topics of the assembly – how to empower small producers, family agricultural enterprises, and tourism operators in these regions who want to create a sustainable offer.

Tourism All Year Round

Unlike coastal tourism, which is predominantly seasonal, rural tourism offers the possibility of a year-round offer. Visitors seeking an escape from urban life are increasingly turning to destinations that offer authentic experiences, stays in nature, homemade food, and opportunities to participate in traditional activities. Therefore, the assembly emphasized the importance of adapting accommodation and hospitality capacities to be able to provide adequate services throughout all seasons.

Preserving Tradition and Modernizing the Offer

One of the event's highlights was the preservation of traditional crafts, the production of indigenous products, and the promotion of local gastronomic specialties. Participants highlighted the need to increase the visibility of domestic products and to incorporate modern technologies in promotion and distribution. Digitalization of business, online sales, and strengthening branding are key steps to allow small producers to position themselves in the market.

Study Tour and Experiential Workshops

During the assembly, a tour of local attractions and tourist sites offering authentic experiences was organized. Participants had the opportunity to see examples of successful rural entrepreneurs who managed to combine traditional values with modern approaches to tourism. Particularly interesting were the workshops dedicated to sustainable tourism, where ecological practices, the use of renewable energy sources, and the preservation of natural resources were discussed.

Connecting with Local Producers

One of the key segments in the development of rural tourism is cooperation with local producers. Throughout the program, the focus was on networking between tourist communities, hoteliers, and producers of food and beverages. The aim was to strengthen the offer of local products and to encourage the creation of specialized stores and sales points that would be accessible to visitors.

Rural Tourism as the Future of Sustainable Development

The conclusions of the assembly indicated the need for further investment in rural areas and the creation of quality infrastructure that will enable the development of tourism without harming the natural environment. Preserving cultural heritage, promoting organic agriculture, and developing selective forms of tourism are key factors that can contribute to the sustainability and long-term prosperity of these regions.

As many successful stories have shown, rural tourism in Croatia has all the predispositions for growth and development. Additional investments, quality promotion, and joint efforts by all involved stakeholders are needed to create a recognizable and competitive tourist offer that will attract both domestic and foreign visitors.