New EU project „InterWine“ launched

In Velika Gorica, on Monday, a presentation was held for the significant EU project “InterWine: Connecting Cultural Heritage and Wine Tourism to Create a Sustainable Cross-Border Destination,” with a total value of €1,383,080.02. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg Slovenia-Croatia cross-border cooperation program. This project connects seven partners from Croatia and Slovenia with the main goal of developing an innovative tourism product that combines cultural heritage with the tradition of winemaking and viticulture, thereby promoting sustainable development and the tourism appeal of the region. The Vocational Training Institution is also participating as a project partner.

Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board and project manager of InterWine, emphasized the importance of this project for the further development of the region and strengthening its tourism identity:

“The InterWine project represents an excellent opportunity to connect our cultural and oenological values and promote them on the European market. Through the synergy between Croatia and Slovenia, we are creating a sustainable tourism product that will contribute to the development of local communities and economic growth. This initiative will open doors not only to tourists but also to local producers who will have the opportunity to present their wines and cultural heritage to a wider audience.”

The InterWine project covers three key areas – Velika Gorica, Pušća, and Brežice in Slovenia – where specially equipped spaces will showcase the rich cultural heritage and wine traditions of these regions. The InterWine spaces will serve as gathering places for local wine producers and cultural workers, encouraging the tourism development of the region.

Support from Local Authorities and Project Partners

“Thanks to this project, Velika Gorica will have the opportunity to stand out as a destination that offers a blend of tradition, culture, and eno-gastronomy. InterWine not only strengthens our region’s tourism offer but also creates opportunities for the sustainable continuation of tourism, which has been a major topic recently. We are proud to be part of this cross-border initiative that connects our community with regions in neighboring Slovenia. With the space that will be renovated through the project, we continue the revitalization of the historical center of our city,”
said Krešimir Ačkar, Mayor of Velika Gorica and Member of Parliament, highlighting the project’s importance for the local community.

Filip Bernardić, Mayor of the Municipality of Pušća, shared his satisfaction with the collaboration:

“We are proud to participate in this cross-border project that will enrich Pušća’s tourism offer. We believe the project will encourage further development of our winemaking tradition and enable local winegrowers to better position themselves in the market. This initiative not only strengthens tourism but also promotes sustainability and economic growth in rural areas.”

Support for this important EU project for the region was also expressed by Kristina Bilić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, and Igor Radić, Advisor to the Minister at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Cross-Border Cooperation as a Model for Tourism Development

During the panel discussion titled “How Underdeveloped Wine Regions Become Attractive: Creating a Tourism Product Through Wine Tourism,” five prominent panelists emphasized the importance of connecting local winemakers, cultural heritage, and tourism boards to create a unique tourism product. They agreed that sustainable development and the integration of wine and cultural offerings can significantly contribute to the economic growth of smaller, increasingly popular rural regions.

The need for further investment in infrastructure, education of local stakeholders, and promotion of wine routes on international markets was highlighted. Joint work on cross-border projects like InterWine offers an excellent opportunity to enhance wine tourism, create new jobs, and strengthen the region’s global recognition.

Panel participants included:

• Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board and InterWine project manager
• Slavija Jačan Obratov, Director of the Brand and Tourism Product Development Sector at the Croatian National Tourist Board
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anja Mlakar, Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor
• Filip Bernardić, Mayor of Pušća
• Marko Kos, Head of the Agriculture Department of the City of Velika Gorica

The discussion concluded with a consensus that such projects will not only improve the local tourism offer but also ensure long-term sustainability and resilience of destinations.

The InterWine project, lasting 30 months, includes activities such as the development of new tourism products, education of key stakeholders, and promotion of tourist destinations through online platforms and tangible elements. Ultimately, the project aims to create recognizable tourist routes connecting the Croatian and Slovenian sides, using cultural and wine heritage as the central theme. Project partners will also develop an “InterWine Manual” and sign a Cooperation Agreement to ensure the sustainability of results and continued collaboration after the project ends.