A workshop was held in the Community Hall in Hlebine as part of the ICTr-CE project – Innovative Participatory Sustainable Business Model for Cycling along the Iron Curtain Trail. The event concentrated on the development of tourism destinations and the creation of innovative travel experiences along the EuroVelo 13 cycling paths (the Iron Curtain route) and the AoE Bike Trail (the European Amazon route).
Tourism service providers and public organisations in the sector were the primary audience for the workshop, which aimed to present the project’s activities, gather feedback on the potential for developing new tourism products in the Podravina region, and introduce mentorship program modules designed to enhance the competencies of small and medium-sized enterprises and other target groups along these routes.
Vladimir Šadek, the project leader for Koprivnica Križevci County, gave a presentation about the ICTr-CE project. The program then continued with presentations on two key modules, focusing on digitalisation, marketing strategies, and the preservation of service quality and ICTr-CE heritage.
Marketing expert Mario Pintar from Linkmedia discussed Digital and Marketing Competency for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Tourism. He elaborated on the latest digital trends in the tourism industry, the importance of online marketing, visual branding, advertising strategies, customer relations, and building an effective website and social media channels.
Tourism expert Jelena Berečić from True Colors emphasised the importance of quality service and heritage in attracting cycle tourism. She shared best practice examples from Međimurje that offer inspiration for new business ideas. Joining her presentation was Zvonko Lajtman, the owner of the award-winning Holiday Home Lina, who offered insights into the development and operation of his rural homestead.
The event was attended by accommodation providers, local product manufacturers, artisans, and representatives from various associations, tourism boards, and county agencies.