We have successfully completed the first phase of the LAS Notranjska – NP Academy project. The academy was established as a platform for raising competencies, educating and connecting various local providers, with the aim of improving the quality of services, increasing the visibility of various local offerings and creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.
In the first phase of the NP Academy, we conducted an analysis of various stakeholders, through which we identified the needs of key actors in the fields of hospitality, tourism, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and crafts. The analysis showed that the hospitality sector has the greatest need for support and additional knowledge, as restaurateurs face daily challenges in:
Based on these findings, the first phase of the Academy focused on the Hospitality Sector Module, which enables a direct and long-term impact on the quality of local offerings.
Nine hospitality and culinary experience providers are participating in the module, upgrading their knowledge and exchanging experiences through joint and individual training. The program was designed based on the needs identified in the field and the challenges faced by all culinary service providers in their daily operations.
The topics covered so far have included hospitality and service quality, with an emphasis on guest relations, communication skills, and creating a positive and authentic experience during a visit. Participants also focused on understanding the expectations of modern guests, who are increasingly looking for diverse and authentic experiences, local stories, and a personal approach, rather than just basic services.
An important part of the training was also individual mentoring, aimed at developing and upgrading the culinary offer, with an emphasis on work organization, the use of local ingredients, seasonality, and the clear presentation of food and beverages. Restaurateurs gained guidance on how to structure their offerings in a way that is understandable, attractive, and at the same time consistent with the local environment and identity of the destination.
As part of the module, participants also learned about cost management and pricing, which is one of the key topics for long-term stable business operations. Through concrete examples and discussions, they gained knowledge about cost monitoring, linking prices to the added value of the offer, and gradually adjusting prices to market conditions while maintaining quality.
The special added value of the module is the networking of providers, the exchange of good practices, and joint reflection on opportunities for cooperation. Participants emphasized the importance of cooperation between restaurateurs, local producers, and other experience providers, as only through a coordinated approach can the area build a recognizable and comprehensive culinary story.
Based on stakeholder analysis and experience from the Hospitality Sector Module, we prepared a document entitled Guidelines for the Development of the Taste Notranjska Educational and Promotional Program, which will serve as a framework for further phases of the project.
The guidelines were developed together with the module participants and are adapted to the actual capabilities of the local environment and do not remain merely theoretical.
The completion of the first part of the project represents an important step towards improving the quality of hospitality services in the Notranjska LAS area and strengthening the knowledge and confidence of local culinary providers. Participants can directly incorporate the knowledge and experience they have gained into their daily work, while the module also provides a good starting point for further upgrades and related activities in the field of local culinary and hospitality development.
The Notranjska park – Academy project will strengthen cooperation among local providers, improve service quality, and foster sustainable economic development of the region in the long run. By establishing a knowledge network and involving young people, vulnerable groups, and experts in tourism, heritage, and nature conservation, the Academy will become the foundation of sustainable knowledge for Notranjska Park.
More information: www.evropskasredstva.si
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
