The aim of this year's Cross-border exchange of local suppliers in Green karst 2025 was to outline guidelines for the future development of the region's tourism and to increase its visibility and competitiveness on the international tourism map. As emphasized by Dejan Iskra from RRA Green karst, this year's contents were further enriched and expanded to international participation, which proves that Green karst is becoming an increasingly recognizable and valued tourism destination.
The key highlights of the event were presented at the opening lecture by Prof. Dr. Ljubica Knežević Cvelbar, who encouraged participants to a new view on tourism development: "Rather than overestimating the importance of short-term results, we must, with courage, chart a long-term, five-year strategy. Let's reduce negativity and make decisions even when conditions are not ideal. Set clear priorities, inspire our partners and create connections that really move the boundaries."
The reality of networking: challenges and opportunities
The program was enriched by a round table where experienced tourism professionals presented good practices in the development of sustainable tourism and successful stakeholder collaboration. Dubravka Kalin from the Directorate for Tourism at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Marina Ferfolja from STO, Marjana Grčman, president of the Association of Tourism Journalists, Janko Boštjančič, director of PVZ Pivka, and Dario Ricov from the Keight Hotel in Opatija, noted that collaboration in practice is not always straightforward, as it requires a lot of coordination, genuine commitment and real cooperation among partners. They also highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to regional development, persistence in professionalizing services, and the necessity of mentoring to improve the tourist offer.
At the B2B & B2C exchange, providers from the region and neighboring destinations of the Mediterranean Karst of Slovenia and Kvarner participated, presenting to visitors the local tourist offer, accommodation capacities, gastronomic specialties, and outdoor activities on 45 exhibition stands.
A distinctive feature of this year's exchange was practical educational workshops that offered hoteliers, accommodation providers and organizers of outdoor activities opportunities to improve the quality of services.
Green karst strengthens its international recognition
Dejan Iskra from RRA Green Karst expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the event: "I am proud that, in cooperation with TIC Ilirska Bistrica, municipal tourism institutes, and the Slovenian Association of Tourism Journalists, we managed to create an event that clearly shows how important cooperation is. This year we further enriched the content and expanded international participation, which is proof that Green karst is becoming increasingly recognizable and valued as a tourist space."
