A regional tourism conference 2021 was organized by Zasavje regional development agency on July 14th. It took place in Cultural centre Delavski dom Zagorje ob Savi, connecting various stakeholders of Zasavje tourism who have a common goal of transforming Zasavje into an interesting and touristically attractive region.
Zasavje regional development agency's director, Jani Medvešek, opened the conference with a realization that there is a high interest in tourism development in the region, assuming by the high interest in the tourism conference, stating that the Zasavje RDA organized the conference to hear the voice of people working in the field of tourism, whose opinions and suggestions would contribute to realistic and inclusive development strategies.
The first part of the conference consisted of four presentations of Interreg Europe programmes by representatives of different institutions. Andraž Malovrh, project manager from Zasavje RDA, presented the Pronacul project, which promotes encouragement of the use of natural and cultural heritage in development of sustainable tourism in protected areas. Martin Šikovc, project manager from Zasavje RDA presented the RAMSAT project, dealing with revitalization of remote and mountainous areas through sustainable alternative tourism. Zvezdana Lamovšek, project manager from Trbovlje Municipality presented their project Inspiracija, which strives for revitalization of industrial heritage towns and for a breakthrough of cultural tourism in towns of Trbovlje, Slovenska Bistrica, Labin, and Rijeka. The fourth presenter was deputy director of Development centre “Srca Slovenije” Anamarija Kamin, who presented the project Mine Tour, sourcing its inspiration in Sitarjevec mine, and promoting active preservation and evaluation of the natural and cultural heritage of mines and mining for the development of sustainable tourism.
Second part of the conference saw a presentation of two examples of project ideas for further development of tourism in the region and they offered a basis for a broader discussion of the topic among participants. Firstly, some existing activities as well as potential ideas for the future activities in tourism at the tallest chimney in Europe were presented by Zasavje RDA director, Jani Medvešek, and secondly, Marjan Krajnc, director of Hotels and tourism Rogaška presented the project of Media spa development, where a contemporary and unique touristic complex is planning to be built. Ambitious plans for wholesome development of this part of Zagorje ob Savi Municipality have excited the conference participants.
Through the conference a lively discussion took place about further development of tourism in Zasavje region. The conference was attended by numerous stakeholders from tourism, entrepreneurship, representatives of municipalities and public institutes, economy, regional catering and tourism providers, representatives of regional agencies, associations, education, as well as Tourism Organization of Slovenia. The event was open to the public therefore it was attended by media representatives as well.
