Participants were first introduced to the goals of the Academy, which addresses key challenges in sustainable tourism, gastronomy, heritage preservation, and local development. We then presented the objectives of the Hospitality Module, including improving the quality of local and seasonal culinary offerings, guiding guests toward providers with high standards, and ensuring consistent quality through the educational-promotional program Taste Notranjska.
A review of the development of the Taste Notranjska program between 2022 and 2025 revealed the results of collaboration among hospitality providers, tourist farms, and culinary experience providers, including the intensity of participation, economic impacts, pricing trends, and guest feedback.
The central part of the meeting was led by Matic Kriter, head of the Hospitality Module, who presented key trends and challenges in the hospitality sector. He addressed changes in consumer habits, the importance of differentiating offerings, the development of culinary tourism, and challenges such as staff shortages, rising costs, seasonality of visits, and balancing locality with efficient execution. In group discussions, participants highlighted the main challenges in their work and, together with Mr. Kriter, formulated proposals for improvements. These included simplifying processes, improving communication with guests, better preparation for service, and standardizing services.
In conclusion, we presented upcoming activities to upgrade Taste Notranjska for participants in the Hospitality Module: individual mentoring sessions, a training workshop for service staff, assistance in preparing menus for Taste Notranjska 2026, and promotional support from Notranjska Park and Green Karst, which will further emphasize the personal story of each hospitality establishment or culinary experience provider.
The meeting confirmed the readiness of local providers from the LAS Notranjska area (Cerknica, Bloke, and Loška dolina) for continued cooperation and for strengthening the visibility of Notranjska Park and Green Karst as attractive culinary destinations.
