Koroška confidently steps into tourism 2030: first forum brings together professionals, creators and visionaries

In addition to the professional program, we also offered an exceptional culinary experience and socializing with top Koroška cultural creators. The ambassador of Koroška cuisine, Jure Dretnik, provided a true taste experience, connecting local producers (Medeni raj Perger 1757, Poklič Farm, Klančnik Farm, Gams Farm, Šarenka Fish Farm, Lindenhof, Cehner Butchery, Radela Institute, AP GIN).

A superb artistic contribution was provided by the fanfare players, gathered especially for this occasion, members of the Wind Orchestra Ravne na Koroškem, and Mateja Potočnik Mezzosoprano, one of the most promising opera singers of her generation from Prevalje, accompanied by pianist Maja Kastratovik.

The professional part of the meeting was opened by the project manager at RRA Koroška, Ana Pisar Čivčić, who presented the vision of Koroške as a tourist destination in 2030. Dubravka Kalin, Director of the Directorate for Tourism at the MGTŠ, continued with tender opportunities for the region. Ana Jemec Špik presented NiST - the National Information Centre for Tourism to the participants, and Boštjan Misja, Director of the Regional Office for Tourism, Culture and Sport Podčetrtek, presented good practices outside the region.

This was followed by an interesting roundtable discussion, which we meaningfully named (CO)OPERATION. It was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Emil Juvan, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, who is also the expert support and co-creator of the Tourism Development Strategy of the destination Koroška 2025-2030.

The following participated in the discussion:

• Boštjan Paradiž, director of Vabo doo (Kope Mountain Center),
• Boštjan Misja, Director of the Regional Office for Tourism, Culture and Sport Podčetrtek,
• Darja Komar, director of Podzemlje Pece,
• Gregor Likar, director of the ŠKTM Health Institute Radlje ob Dravi,
• Uroš Rozman, director of RRA Koroška doo.

The round table highlighted the importance of a community approach by all stakeholders in the region for the development of the tourism offer Koroške: from combining the tourism offer of different providers into meaningful programs to joint promotional activities. They emphasized that each provider, regardless of size and type of offer, can achieve better results only in synergy with others in the region and beyond. The participants also agreed on the importance of investing in human resources and providing a hospitable experience, which is of key importance in tourism.

On behalf of the host municipality, the Mayor of the Municipality of Dravograd, Anton Preksavec, welcomed the gathering.

The Koroški Day of Tourism has undoubtedly grown beyond the scope of a professional symposium and has become a pleasant gathering. It is also important to note the exceptional technical support for the event and the visual extravaganza, which added a special charm to the pre-holiday atmosphere that touched the hearts of the audience. First and foremost, the meeting was intended to connect, cooperate and jointly reflect on the future of tourism in the region, which — judging by the experts' discussion — is promising.

The event was perfected down to the last detail. As a thank you for their contribution to the development of tourism, all visitors received a Matterra mug for their trip home - the result of the joint work of the companies Ekstera, OPS Breznik and the Faculty of Polymer Technology. From today, this special mug will also become the official promotional gift of the Koroška destination, and will soon be available for purchase.

It represents their, and our, shared commitment to reducing the consumption of virgin raw materials, caring for the environment, and sustainable development. Its shape symbolizes the confluence of three rivers and thus three valleys – the Dravska, the Mežiška, and the Mislinjska.

Just last night, a special blend of spices was added to it, with which we "mixed" an extraordinary vision and ideas for new ideas for the coming year at the forum - so that we can continue to create an even more sustainable, recognizable and innovative tourism Koroško!