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EDEN55plusNW
EDEN55plusNW
„Slow down to feel the life in EDEN destinations“
Analysis for product development
WP2
Authors: Tanja Lešnik Štuhec and Špela Štuhec with other partners of project EDEN55plusNW
Šentilj, August 2017
EDEN55plusNW
Table of content A2.1 MARKET ANALYSIS, WORKSHOPS AND STUDY TOURS ............................................................ 2 A2.1a EDEN identification cards analysis ....................................................................................... 2 A2.1b Senior organization identification cards analyzis .................................................................. 6 A2.1c SME’s identification cards analyzis..................................................................................... 14 A2.1d ITA/TIC identification cards analyzis .................................................................................. 21
A2.1.1 SUPPLY ANALYSIS OF PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS ............................................................. 27
A2.1.1.1.a Natural assets and attractions ......................................................................... 27
A2.1.1.1.b Cultural assets and attractions ........................................................................ 28
A2.1.1.2.a Accommodation facilities ................................................................................ 30
A2.1.1.2.b Catering industry facilities and activities in gastronomy ................................. 31
A2.1.1.2.c Facilities for nature experiences and outdoor activities ................................. 33
A2.1.1.2.d Facilities for experiencing cultural heritage and activities .............................. 34
A2.1.1.2.e Sport and recreational facilities and activities ................................................ 35
A2.1.1.2.f Facilities of health and welfare centres and activities ................................... 36
A2.1.1.2.g Facilities of congress, business and educational centres and activities .......... 37
A2.1.1.2.h Facilities for handicraft, gastronomy etc. activities (workshops, degustation) and personal growth and activities ................................................................................... 38
A2.1.1.2.i Capacity for traffic to and at destination ......................................................... 39
A2.1.1.3.a Analysis of the most recognizable tourist events in EDEN destination ........... 40
A2.1.1.3.b Analysis of tourist events for seniors in EDEN destination ............................. 41
A2.1.1.4.a Analysis of EDEN destination tourism products/experiences ......................... 42
A2.1.1.4.b Analysis of EDEN destination tourism products/experiences for seniors ....... 43
A2.1.1.4.c Analysis of EDEN destination current services for seniors experiencing EDEN destination ........................................................................................................................ 44
A2.1.1.5.a EDEN destination identification card ............................................................... 45
A2.1.1.5.b Organizational structure of the tourist offer in EDEN destination .................. 46
A2.1.1.5.c Analysis of integration and joint activities in EDEN destination ...................... 47
A2.1.1.5.d Analysis of the current destination brand and sub brands in EDEN destination ........................................................................................................................................... 47
A.2.1.1.5.e Analysis of the marketing mix activities according to the 10Ps ..................... 48 A2.1.2 DEMAND ANALYSIS (needs and expectations of seniors 55+) ............................................ 52
A2.1.2.1.a Analysis of daily visitors and tourist arrivals and overnights in pilot EDEN destination in the years 2013-2015 .................................................................................. 52
A2.1.2.1.b Analysis of senior daily visitors in EDEN destination in the years 2013-2015 . 57
A2.1.2.1.c Analysis of senior tourist arrivals and overnights in EDEN destination in the years 2013-2015 ................................................................................................................ 60
A2.1.2.2.a Trends of target group seniors 55+ ................................................................. 62
1 BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT TIC AND ITA IN EDEN DESTINATIONS AND ITS SORAUNDING ....................................................................................................................................... 21
2 ITA and TIC Analysis...................................................................................................... 22
A2.1.1.1 Primary EDEN destination supply ....................................................................... 27
A2.1.1.2 Secondary tourism offer ..................................................................................... 30
A2.1.1.3 Analysis of current tourist events in EDEN destination ........................................ 40
A2.1.1.4 Analysis of current tourism products/experiences in EDEN destination ............... 42
A2.1.1.5 Analysis of tourism organization form in EDEN destination ................................. 45
A2.1.2.1 Analysis of demand in EDEN destination ............................................................. 52
A2.1.2.2 Demand analysis of seniors in four EDEN destinations ........................................ 62
EDEN55plusNW
Identification Cards for Senior Organizations ................................................................... 62
Results from Questionnaires ............................................................................................. 62
A2.1.2.2.b Trends specific to the selected target groups – women and couples 55+ ...... 64 A2.1.3 ANALYSIS OF TOURISM RELATED SMEs IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS .............................. 21
A2.1.4 ANALYSIS OF INCOMING TRAVEL AGENCIES (ITAs) AND TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (TICs) ON EXISTING OFFER OF PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS PRODUCTS FOR SENIORS .................... 23
A2.1.5 WORKSHOP FOR PROJECT PARTNERS (to learn good practices of other EDEN destinations – BENCHMARK ANALYSIS) ............................................................................................................. 25
A2.1.5.1.a Agenda for Workshop - Benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations ................ 25
A2.1.5.1.b Presentation of Benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations ............................ 26
A2.1.5.1.3 Report of Workshop for project partners - Benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations ....................................................................................................................... 26
A2.1.6 TOURISM RELATED SMEs STUDY TOURS (develop, implement and evaluate 2 SMEs study tours – 1 - Solčavsko, 2 - Vulkanland) .......................................................................................... 27
A2.1.6.1.a Develop the model for SMEs study tours ........................................................ 27
A short template (model) was designed, which serves as a foundation for developing and managing a study tour and containes all the data needed to prepare the programme for it. The organizers in Solčavsko and Vulkanland got this template and they needed to fill out all the missing data. When the table was filled out, they had all the information needed to implement a good study tour. ......................................................................... 27
A2.1.6.1.b Develop the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko ................................. 28
A2.1.6.1.c Develop the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland ............................... 29
A2.1.6.2.a Design the questionnaire for Evaluation group to evaluate the implemented program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko and Vulkanland ............................................. 30
A2.1.6.2.b Design the questionnaire for representatives of participated SMEs to evaluate the implemented program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko and Vulkanland ................ 30
A2.1.6.3.a Implement the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko ............................. 31
A2.1.6.3.b Implement the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland .......................... 31
A2.1.6.4.a Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko by Evaluation group 31
A2.1.6.4.b Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko by participated SMEs 2
A2.1.6.4. c Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko by SME providers ..... 2
A2.1.6.4.d Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland by Evaluation group3
A2.1.6.4.e Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland by participated SMEs ........................................................................................................................................... 77
A2.1.6.4f Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland by SME providers ........................................................................................................................................... 77
A2.1.3.1 Analysis of SMEs in pilot EDEN destination ......................................................... 21
A2.1.4.1 Analysis of ITAs and TICs in pilot EDEN destination ............................................. 23
A2.1.5.1 Workshop – benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations ....................................... 25
A2.1.6.1 Develop the model and two programs for study tours in Solčavsko and Vulkanland ....................................................................................................................................... 27
A2.1.6.2 Prepare the evaluation questionnaires for study tours in Solčavsko and Vulkanland ....................................................................................................................................... 30
A2.1.6.3 Implement the programs for study tours in Solčavsko and Vulkanland ................ 31
A2.1.6.4 Evaluate the implemented programs for study tours in Solčavsko and Vulkanland ....................................................................................................................................... 31
A2.1.6.5 Report on SMEs study tour in Solčavsko and in Vulkanland ................................. 78
EDEN55plusNW
A2.1.7 TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS SMEs .......................................................................................................................................... 79
A2.1.7.1.a Develop the program and materials for training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs ................................................................................................... 79
A2.1.7.1.b Prepare and coordinate the agenda for training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs in all pilot EDEN destinations .................................................... 79
A2.1.7.1.c Prepare the documents for training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs in all pilot EDEN destinations .............................................................................. 79
A2.1.7.1.d Prepare the evaluation documents for training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs in all pilot EDEN destinations .................................................... 80
A2.1.7.2.a Implement the training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs ... 80
A2.1.7.2.b Evaluate the training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs – participants and providers group ...................................................................................... 82
A2.2 DESIGNE OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) – INTERCONECTING THE FOUR EXISTING NETWORKS ............... 84 A2.2.1 NETWORK OF CROSS-BORDER PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS DEVELOPMENT ....................... 84
A2.2.2 NETWORK OF SENIOR ORGANISATIONS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS DEVELOPMENT ..... 85
A2.2.3 NETWORK OF TOURISM RELATED SMEs IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS DEVELOPMENT ..... 86
A2.2.4 NETWORK OF ITAs AND TICs IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS DEVELOPMENT ...................... 87
A2.2.5 DESIGNE OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) – Stage 1 ................................................................................. 88
A2.3 DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER IN-DEPTH TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR SENIORS AGED 55+ IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS......................................................................................................... 92 A2.3.1 DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER IN-DEPTH TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN 55+ ...... 92 A2.3.2 DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER IN-DEPTH TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR SENIORS 55+ ...... 93 A2.4 UPGRADING OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) AND TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR TWO SUB-GROUPS FOR SENIORS 55+ - WOMEN AND COUPLES ACCORDING TO EVALUATION RESULTS OF WP3 ................ 94 A2.4.1 UPGRADING OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) ...................................................................................... 94
A2.1.7.1 Develop the program and materials, agenda and evaluation documents for training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs .............................................. 79
A2.1.7.2 Implement and evaluate the training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs in pilot EDEN destinations ...................................................................................... 80
A2.2.1.1 Preparation of network development model for cross-border pilot EDEN destinations .................................................................................................................... 84
A2.2.1.2 Networking of cross-border pilot EDEN destinations .......................................... 84
A2.2.2.1 Preparation of network development model for senior organisations in pilot EDEN destinations .................................................................................................................... 85
A2.2.2.2 Networking of senior organisations in pilot EDEN destinations ........................... 85
A2.2.3.1 Preparation of network development model for SMEs in pilot EDEN destinations ....................................................................................................................................... 86
A2.2.3.2 Networking of SMEs in pilot EDEN destinations ................................................. 86
A2.2.4.1 Preparation of network development model for ITAs and TICs in pilot EDEN destinations .................................................................................................................... 87
A2.2.4.2 Networking of ITAs and TICs in pilot EDEN destinations ...................................... 87
A2.2.5.1 Design of Tourism product transnational mobility model for seniors in pilot EDEN destinations with interconection of four existing networks (TPTMMSE) ........................... 88
EDEN55plusNW
A2.4.2 UPGRADING OF IN-DEPTH CROSS-BORDER TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN 55+ IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS .................................................................................................................. 95 A2.4.3 UPGRADING OF IN-DEPTH CROSS-BORDER TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR COUPLES 55+ IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS .................................................................................................................. 96
EDEN55plusNW
Table of figures Figure 1: Map of project EDEN destinations ........................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: Organization’s Organs .............................................................................................................. 7
Figure 3: Main Activities of Senior Organizations ................................................................................... 8
Figure 4: Senior Organization’s Travel Activities ..................................................................................... 9
Figure 5: Senior Organization’s Members Traveling According to the Season ....................................... 9
Figure 6: Senior Organization’s Costs for Daily Visits in Domestic and Foreign Destinations ............... 11
Figure 7: Seniors Organization’s Average Costs for Overnight Organized Visit in Domestic and Foreign
Destinations ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 8: High and Low Season in SMEs EDEN Project Destinations ..................................................... 15
Figure 9: EDEN Destination SMEs Structure .......................................................................................... 15
Figure 10: Origin of SMEs Guests .......................................................................................................... 16
Figure 11: TICs Activities in EDEN Destinations ..................................................................................... 22
Figure 12: ITAs Activities in EDEN Destinations..................................................................................... 23
Figure 13: Overnight Stays in Project EDEN Destinations in 2015 ........................................................ 23
Figure 14: Tourist Seasons in Project EDEN Destinations ..................................................................... 24
Figure 15: Pilot EDEN Destinations main Target Groups ....................................................................... 24
Figure 16: Price Range of Accommodations in Pilot EDEN Destinations .............................................. 25
EDEN55plusNW
Table of tables Table 1: EDEN destinations ..................................................................................................................... 3
Table 2: Senior Organization Membership .............................................................................................. 6
Table 3: Ownership of Senior Organizations ........................................................................................... 6
Table 4: The basic Identification Cards of Senior Organizations ............................................................. 7
Table 5: Senior Organization’s Members and Employees ....................................................................... 8
Table 6: Senior Organization’s Visions .................................................................................................... 9
Table 7: Senior Organization’s Travel Activities Average Number of Members ................................... 10
Table 8: Average Size of an Organized Group ....................................................................................... 11
Table 9: The most Important Reasons for Choosing the Destination ................................................... 12
Table 10: TICs and ITAs in Project EDEN Destinations .......................................................................... 21
Table 11: Marketing Mix Activities of Northern Velebit National Park ................................................. 48
Table 12: Marketing Mix Activities of Idrija .......................................................................................... 49
Table 13 Marketing Mix Activities of River Kolpa ................................................................................. 49
Table 14: Marketing Mix Activities of Solčavsko ................................................................................... 50
Table 15: Marketing Mix Activities of Vulkanland ................................................................................. 51
Table 16: Daily Visitors in Northern Velebit National Park ................................................................... 52
Table 17: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Northern Velebit National Park ...................................... 53
Table 18: Daily Visitors in Idrija ............................................................................................................. 53
Table 19: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Idrija ................................................................................ 54
Table 20: Daily Visitors in Solčavsko ...................................................................................................... 54
Table 21: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Solčavsko ......................................................................... 55
Table 22: Daily Visitors in River Kolpa ................................................................................................... 55
Table 23: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in River Kolpa ...................................................................... 56
Table 24: Daily Visitors in Vulkanland ................................................................................................... 56
Table 25: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Vulkanland ...................................................................... 57
Table 26: Senior Daily Visitors in Northern Velebit National Park ........................................................ 58
Table 27: Senior Daily Visitors in Idrija .................................................................................................. 58
Table 28: Senior Daily Visitors in Solčavsko .......................................................................................... 59
Table 29: Senior Daily Visitors in River Kolpa ........................................................................................ 59
Table 30: Senior Daily Visitors in Vulkanland ........................................................................................ 59
Table 31: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Northern Velebit National Park ........................... 60
Table 32: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Idrija ..................................................................... 61
Table 33: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Solčavsko ............................................................. 61
Table 34: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in River Kolpa ........................................................... 62
Table 35: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Vulkanland ........................................................... 62
Table 36: Agenda for Workshop in Solčavsko ....................................................................................... 25
Table 37: Template for SMEs study tour ............................................................................................... 28
Table 38: Program for Study Tour in Solčavsko ..................................................................................... 29
EDEN55plusNW
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EDEN55plusNW – WP2
Project title: Developing the network of tourism products for seniors – building a cooperation along the tourism value chain for EDEN destinations in partner countries for more competitive and sustainable growth (for 2 target groups of tourists: senior couples 55+ and retired women 55+) - EDEN55plusNW Project slogan: „Slow down to feel the life in EDEN destinations“
WP2
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – DESIGN OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY MODEL FOR
SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) - P7, PV - MAY 2016 - JULY 2017
EDEN55plusNW
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A2.1 MARKET ANALYSIS, WORKSHOPS AND STUDY TOURS
Project EDEN55plusNW with slogan “Slow down to feel the life in EDEN destinations” addresses the
development of tourism products for senior’s network – building cooperation along the tourism
value chain for EDEN destinations in partner countries for more competitive and sustainable growth.
This project connects four neighboring countries (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy) and five pilot
EDEN destinations in Austria (Vulkanland), Slovenia (Idrija, Solčavsko and River Kolpa) and Croatia
(National Park Northern Velebit) and targets seniors 55+ from Italy (two pilot product testing groups
of senior tourists – women and couples).
The overall goal is on the one hand to enhance a sustainable tourism development and tourism flows
and on the other hand to strengthen the whole EDEN network and transnational cooperation. The
main focus is to design suitable cross-border tourism products in pilot EDEN destinations for seniors
55+ (women and couples) to increase tourism flows in low/medium seasons in these EDEN areas.
Furthermore the focus is also on facilitating the internationalization of tourism businesses – mainly
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises - SMEs, Senior Organizations - SO and their introduction into the
senior tourism market. The thematic focus concentrates on the natural and cultural heritage and
increases the awareness about it in each EDEN destination.
A2.1a EDEN identification cards analysis (Annex 1 - 9)
Analysis of EDEN identification cards involves 5 project EDEN destinations from Austria (Vulkanland),
Slovenia (Idrija, Solčavsko and Kolpa) and Croatia (Northern Velebit NP). For the next project step, 2
additional EDEN destinations from Slovenia (Bohinj and Brda) have been analysed.
EDEN DESTIONATIONS DATA
The main findings:
Significant differences between involved EDEN destination in size of areas, number of
population, number of enterprises and companies connected with tourism and the overall
development of tourism.
River Kolpa is the largest destination (it covers cca. 1243 km²), the smallest destination is Brda (it
covers cca. 72 km²).
The largest number of population has Vulkanland (98.500), the smallest number of population
has Northern Velebit National Park (500).
The largest number of enterprises has Vulkanland (5508; accommodation companies – 441,
catering companies – 554; companies connected with tourism – 880), the smallest number of
enterprises has the area of Northern Velebit National Park (5; accommodation companies – 16,
catering companies – 6; companies connected with tourism – 5).
The highest number of TICs and ITAs has Vulkanland (30 – TICs and 7 – ITA), the other
destinations has mostly 1-5 TICs and 1-2 ITAs.
The largest number of tourist arrivals and overnights in 2015 has Vulkanland (arrivals – 274.433,
overnights – 1,091.919); the smallest number of tourist arrivals and overnights in 2015 has
Northern Velebit National Park (arrivals – 4.592, overnights – 6.145).
EDEN55plusNW
3
We suppose that average prices for overnight stay in 2015 depend even on the number of
accommodation in each EDEN destination. Idrija has the highest average price for overnights
stay in 4-stars hotel (98 eur, but it has only 2 4-star hotels), the lowest average price for
overnight stay has Bohinj (58 eur) and that is cheaper than the price for overnight stay in 3-stars
hotel in River Kolpa or 4-stars tourism farm in Brda. Prices for other types of accommodation are
comparable between destinations.
DESCRIPTION OF EDEN DESTINATIONS
The main themes for the pilot EDEN destinations nomination were:
Table 1: EDEN destinations
Areas with unique and various natural and cultural heritage.
Protected areas: NATURA 2000, National and Landscape Parks, UNESC0 World Heritage List.
Activities those are common to all destinations: outdoor activities (biking, hiking and water
sports), typical culinary, unique handicrafts and seasonal events.
GEOGRAPHY, LOCATION AND MAIN ACTIVITIES OF EDEN DESTINATIONS
The main findings:
5+2 EDEN destinations are located in:
o Austria - Steirisches Vulkanland, in the southern part of the East Styria Hill Country;
o Croatia - Northern Velebit National Park, in the north-western part of the Croatian, in Lika
- Senj County;
Tourism and local intangible heritage (2008)
Steirisches Vulkanland Good cooperation of local inhabitants, authentic culinary region, and a region of historically rotted highly talented craftsmanship, representing as region with highest quality of life.
Tourism and protected areas (2009)
Northern Velebit National Park
Diversity and uniqueness of its karst phenomena, the wealth of wildlife and extraordinary natural features present in a relatively small area.
Solčavsko Three valleys below the peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke range, protected rural area full of authentic natural and cultural heritage.
Tourism and regeneration of physical sites (2011)
Idrija Well preserved and unique cultural heritage of Idrija mercury mine - the 2nd largest mercury mine in the world.
Aquatic tourism (2010)
River Kolpa Unique geographic location, a special cultural identity, influenced by numerous ethnic groups living in the area, history, culture and exceptional concentration of natural value.
Bohinj (finalist in 2011 and 2015)
Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Slovenia, in the middle of Triglav Nation Park.
Tourism and local gastronomy (2015)
Brda High-quality wines and wine producing region, the excellent culinary experiences which is a combination of tradition and modern lifestyle.
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o Slovenia:
Idrija - in the hilly area in the centre of the Pre-Alps of western Slovenia;
Solčavsko - is located at the upper current of the Savinja River, along Austrian border;
River Kolpa - in the south-eastern part of Slovenia; the river is considered the longest
Slovenian 'coastline';
Bohinj - is a small rural alpine region in the centre of the Julian Alps, the southern-most
part of the European alpine chain;
Brda - between the Alps and the sea in the western part of Slovenia on the border with
Italy.
Figure 1: Map of project EDEN destinations
(http://www.slovenia.info/si/Slovenska-mre%C5%BEa-EDEN.htm?eden_finalists=0&lng=1, 15.10.2016)
Areas with a diverse economic development - the impact of natural resources:
o Steirisches Vulkanland - agriculture, local producers, small and medium enterprises in
industry, tourism and trade, craft manufactures creative industries;
o Northern Velebit National Park - tourism based on education and recreation in NP;
o Idrija - high technology industry, tourism and heritage preservation, wood industry and
agriculture in rural areas;
o Solčavsko - agriculture, forestry, handicraft, tourism;
o River Kolpa - electro mechanics industry, home equipment, tourism, agriculture, textile
industry, wood industry;
o Bohinj – agriculture, forestry, handicraft and tourism in Triglav National Park;
o Brda – agriculture (fruite and wine) and gastronomic tourism on the boarder with Italy.
TOURISM IN EDEN DESTINATION
The main findings:
Areas with huge potential for further tourism development (all destinations); especially in
connection and cooperation with local inhabitants.
Areas with unique and various natural and cultural heritage.
Protected areas - NATURA 2000, National and Landscape Parks, UNESC0 World Heritage List,
Geopark etc..
Activities common to all destinations: outdoor activities (biking, hiking and water sports), typical
culinary, unique handicrafts, seasonal events.
Vulkanland
Northern Velebit NP
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Specific characteristics of the tourism offer in involved EDEN destinations:
o Steirisches Vulkanland - a big number of SMEs connected with tourism and good
cooperation between them, authentic seasonal events, main approach "capitalising on
region's resources".
o Northern Velebit National Park - tourism based on education and recreation in NP.
o Idrija – the mining heritage, Idrija lace, specific local culinary, Idrija Geopark -tourism based
on education and recreation (thematic trails).
o Solčavsko - tourism is important economic branch, with close connection with traditional
activities: agriculture, forestry and handicraft; rich natural and cultural heritage, good
developed offer for tourists in small and rural area.
o River Kolpa - Local traditions are very strong in the area and are an important part of its
charm.
o Bohinj – simulating the local economy to implement entrepreneurial challenges, develop
new ideas, combine the promotion and sales under a common brand as well as achieve
greater added value, increase sales and income that remains in the local environment, since
the income is made by the locals (local people and companies).
o Brda - High-quality wines and wine producing region, the excellent culinary experiences
which is a combination of tradition and modern lifestyle.
EDEN DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT PLANS
The main findings:
None of involved EDEN destinations do not have a special EDEN destination development
document, neither development plan, focusing on the target group of seniors 55+.
Some of involved destinations have documents such as physical plans (Northern Velebit National
Park), municipality action plans (Idrija), development and marketing strategy (Bohinj, Idrija).
DOCUMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM AND MARKETING PLAN
The main findings:
The following EDEN destinations have prepared tourism development and marketing plan
documents: Steirisches Vulkanland, Northern Velebit National Park (is in making), Idrija and
Bohinj.
None of involved destinations has a tourism development and marketing plan documents, focusing
on the target group seniors 55+.
IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM IN EDEN DESTINATION
The main findings:
Areas with huge potential for further tourism development (all destinations); especially in
connection and cooperation with local inhabitants.
According to the data importance of tourism is growing in all involved EDEN destinations.
Tourism is one of the most important activities in all destinations, but particularly in small areas
it has to be connected with other economic activities (with agriculture, handicraft sector, small
and medium enterprises in industry …).
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THE ORGANIZATION OF TOURISM IN EDEN DESTINATION
The main findings:
All involved destinations have a public institution which is in charge for tourism development
and has the role to cooperate with public and civil sector.
Some of involved destinations have a strong developed private sector (with a lot of private
tourism connected companies and with good quality of tourist services, for example Vulkanland)
and on the other hand, some destinations still have to work a lot on that field.
Some of involved destinations have developed networks which are connecting these sectors and
they also have developed common brand (Steirisches Vulkanland, Idrija - Geopark Idrija, Bohinj –
Bohinjsko …).
Our opinion is that one of the main goals in all destinations is to improve the cooperation between
public, private and civil sector.
A2.1b Senior organization identification cards analyzis (Annex 10 - 11)
SENIORS ORGANIZATION DATA
12 Senior Organization cards out of 4 Countries (Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia) have been
analyzed. They cover a total of 274,191 members of which 166.516 are females (60.7%) and 107,675
males (39.3%). The biggest organization is Zveza društev upokojencev Slovenije – ZDUS (Slovenia),
with 210,000 members, followed by Styrian Seniorenbund with 38,500.
Table 2: Senior Organization Membership
OWNERSHIP OF THE ORGANISATION
The 12 analyzed organizations have essentially 3 different categories of owners: the party, the region
and members.
Table 3: Ownership of Senior Organizations
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ian
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Tot.
Country ITA ITA ITA HRV HRV HRV SLO SLO SLO AUT AUT AUT
n° female members 450 168 142 533 2.000 7.623 700 1.380 126.000 25.000 2.400 120 166.516
n° male members 150 72 48 430 1.700 5.377 400 920 84.000 13.500 1.000 78 107.675
TOT. 600 240 190 963 3.700 13.000 1.100 2.300 210.000 38.500 3.400 198 274.191
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Members/ civil organization
Region
Party
Who is the owner of the senior organization?
ITA SLO HRV AUT
EDEN55plusNW
7
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
10 of the organizations have a President or a Chairman, while Društvo upokojencev Idrija has only
the management board. The majority of the organizations consider among their organs the
members’ meeting. Seniors Organizations in Upper Savinja Valley hasn’t an organizational structure:
it coordinates informally nine associations in Upper Savinja valley.
Figure 2: Organization’s Organs
SENIOR ORGANIZATION BASIC IDENTIFICATION CARD
5 organizations have not answered the question about their basic identification cards. The other
answers are summarized in the table below.
Table 4: The basic Identification Cards of Senior Organizations
SENIOR ORGANIZATION’S MAIN ACTIVITIES
Activities carried out by the 12 analyzed organizations are summarized in the graphic below. The
most common are courses, educational workshops, social tourism and cultural tours, sport and
cultural events.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
President/Chairman
Members' meeting
Board of auditors/supervisory board
Joint expert service
Organization's organs
ITA HRV SLO AUT
SENIOR ORGANISATION BASIC IDENTIFICATION CARD
Università delle Liberetà Volunteering and social promotion
Circolo Pino Burlo Volunteering and social promotion
Udruga umirovljenika SenjTaking care of the elderly and disabled, organizing trips
for members, participation in sporting events
Matica umirovljenika RijekaPromoting and protecting the rights of retirees and the
elderly
Matica umirovljenika Zagreb Presenting the common interests of retirees of Zagreb
Društvo upokojencev Idrija Organizing various activities for seniors
Zveza društev upokojencev
Slovenije - ZDUSSupport for active healthy aging, assistance to members
EDEN55plusNW
8
Figure 3: Main Activities of Senior Organizations
SENIOR ORGANIZATION’S EMPLOYEES
Not all senior organizations have employees, where there are not employees the activities are
managed and carried out by active volunteers. The number of employees is not strictly correlated
with the number of members as shown in the table below.
Table 5: Senior Organization’s Members and Employees
SENIOR ORGANIZATION’S DEVELOPMENT PLAN
8 senior organizations do not have a development plan, while 3 organizations from Croatia and 1
from Slovenia (Društvo upokojencev Idrija) have an annual program plan.
SENIOR ORGANIZATION’S VISION
The Vision of the organization essentially regards promoting active/healthy aging, enhancing the role
of elderly in the Society and improving the lives of the elderly.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Courses, educational workshops
Lectures, round table, debates, discussions
Social leisure, aggregation
Social tourism, cultural tours
Daily trips and excursions
Elderly assistance, care of disabled
Preservation of traditional ways of life
Sport
Free medical and legal counselling
Cultural event
Improving the life of elderly
ITA SLO HRV AUT
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Sen
ior
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in
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inja
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(9
Zvez
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ZDU
S
Styr
ian
Sen
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nb
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Styr
ian
Sen
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nb
un
d,
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Sen
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nb
un
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Country ITA ITA ITA HRV HRV HRV SLO SLO SLO AUT AUT AUT
n° of members 600 240 190 963 3.700 13.000 1.100 2.300 210.000 38.500 3.400 198
n° of employees / / / 3 2 2 / / 6 4 - 5 6 6
EDEN55plusNW
9
Table 6: Senior Organization’s Visions
SENIOR ORGANIZATION’S TRAVEL ACTIVITIES
As indicated before, all analyzed organizations do some kind of travel activities for their members.
More in deep 10 organizations declare to organize daily visits - two of them specify of cultural
interest, 4 organizations organize weekend visits and 2 organizations declare, in general, to organize
holidays with sleepover.
Figure 4: Senior Organization’s Travel Activities
The table below shows, for the responding organizations, the number of travel activities organized
according to the season.
Figure 5: Senior Organization’s Members Traveling According to the Season
Università delle Liberetà Promoting active aging of the elderly and enhancing their role in the Society
Percorsi Solidali Promoting active aging of the elderly and enhancing their role in the Society
Circolo Pino Burlo Promoting active aging of the elderly and enhancing their role in the Society
Udruga umirovljenika Senj Help the local community, improve life for themselves and others (in need - elderly)
Matica umirovljenika Rijeka Improve life for themselves and others
Matica umirovljenika Zagreb Improve life for themselves and others
Zveza društev upokojencev Slovenije - ZDUS Rescuing people, care for the everyman
Styrian Seniorenbund Healthy lifestyle through active living
Styrian Seniorenbund, district group Feldbach Attain old age in satisfaction
Styrian Seniorenbund, local group St. Stefan Life maturity in happiness
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Daily visits
Weekend visits
Holidays with sleepover
Travel activities
ITA HRV SLO AUT
2
3
5
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
1
1
1
9
9
8
14
4
14
1
2
2
4
1
4
0 10 20 30 40 50
n° of travel activities in…
n° of travel activities in…
n° of travel activities in…
n° of travel activities in…
Travel according to the season
Università delle LiberetàPercorsi SolidaliCircolo Pino BurloDruštvo upokojencev IdrijaSenior Organizations in upper Savinja ValleyStyrian Seniorenbund
EDEN55plusNW
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Due to graphic reasons ZDUS’ travel activities are not included in this diagram. ZDUS, probably due
its big dimension (>200.000 members), is very active: it organizes 500 travel activities in spring and
500 in autumn for the members of a whole Slovenia.
The three Croatian organizations have interpreted the question in sense of what is the type of travel
activities carried out according to the season. All three agree in saying that in spring, autumn and
winter travel activities are of cultural and educational type, while in summer they correspond to
hiking.
Taking in consideration the number of members, the number of travel per year and the average
number of participant per group it is possible to calculate the percentage of members that each
organization is able to satisfy with its travel activities.
Table 7: Senior Organization’s Travel Activities Average Number of Members
THE MOST IMPORTANT DESTINATIONS FOR ORGANIZED DAILY VISITS
Senior organizations from Italy, Slovenia and Austria organize mostly daily trips in their own
Countries (Region of origin or neighboring Regions), but also in neighboring Countries. Austrian
organizations specify the limit of 200 km radius from home.
Croatian organization describe the type of activities for daily visits consisting in visits to religious
heritage, hiking tours in the nature and field trips to picnic areas.
THE MOST IMPORTANT DESTINATIONS FOR SEVERAL DAY VISITS
Also for several days visit the most important destinations are mostly national, but also in
neighboring Countries. However Styrian Seniorenbund (AUT) organizes trips all around Europe.
Croatian organizations say they prefer resort and hiking tours for several day trips.
AVERAGE SIZE OF AN ORGANIZED GROUP
For a daily visit, the average size of an organized group goes essentially from 30 to 50 persons. Only
ZDUS indicates group from 45 to 90.
Only 6 organizations indicate the size of group during several trips and their answers – reported
below – are quite various.
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Sen
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n° of members 600 240 190 1.100 2.300 210.000 38.500 3.400 198
n° of travel per year 10 16 20 3 18 1000 42 5 9
average number of
participants per group 30 30 50 35 48 67 50 50 50
percentage of members that
the organization is able satisfy
with its travel activities 50,0% 200,0% 526,3% 9,5% 37,6% 31,9% 5,5% 7,4% 227,3%
EDEN55plusNW
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Table 8: Average Size of an Organized Group
AVERAGE COSTS FOR DAILY VISITS IN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN DESTINATIONS
The average costs for daily visits range from 10 to 80 EUR in domestic and 20 to100 EUR in foreign
destinations.
Figure 6: Senior Organization’s Costs for Daily Visits in Domestic and Foreign Destinations
The average costs for overnight organized visits range from 25 to 140 EUR in domestic and 60 to150
EUR in foreign destinations.
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nb
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d
30 40 100 45-50 30 50-500
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Domestic destination Foreign destination
EDEN55plusNW
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Figure 7: Seniors Organization’s Average Costs for Overnight Organized Visit in Domestic and Foreign Destinations
THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE PLACE - DESTINATION
The most important reason for choosing the destination are “activities/experience”, despite it is not
important at all for ZDUS and SO in upper Savinja Valley.1
Table 9: The most Important Reasons for Choosing the Destination
Among other reasons for choosing the place - destination are mentioned history and culture, travel
with friends, the assistance of the hotel during visiting the attractions and the fact that the excursion
program is optionally selectable by guests.
EXPECTATIONS
3 organizations haven’t answered at all. The majority of responding organizations doesn’t distinguish
among generally, women and couple expectations.
1 Note: 1 most important – 9 least important.
020406080
100120140160
Domestic destination Foreign Destination
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(9 a
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ZDU
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AVERAGE
Distance 4 3 3 9 9 9 9 5 9 8 5 5 6,50
Transportation 6 9 7 8 6 5 7 2 3 7 6 6 6,00
Activities-experiences 1 2 1 2 4 4 4 8 8 2 1 1 3,17
Accomodation 8 6 4 3 8 3 2 4 4 3 3 4,36
Catering 10 4 5 6 8 7 2 2 2 6 2 2 4,18
Price 7 6 9 1 7 3 1 1 6 5 4 4 4,50
Guiding 2 5 8 5 5 6 5 3 7 3 2 2 4,60
Recommendation 5 10 10 3 2 2 6 3 5 2 1 1 4,17
Previous experience 3
EDEN55plusNW
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Daily visits: The most important general expectation (8 organizations) for daily visit is socialization.
The others are cultural enrichment (3), personal enrichment (1), low price (1), catering (2),
destination (3), shopping (2), musical entertainment (2), and activities (1).
5 organizations individuate specific expectations for women: handicraft (2), fun (3), health and
wellbeing.
Only the 3 organizations from Austria individuate expectations of couples: trips in groups of 8-12 (3),
participation in regional festivals (3).
Several days trips: For several days trips general expectations are various: cultural enrichment (3),
socialization (3), good catering (2), good accommodation (2), personal enrichment (1), relax (1),
activities (1), guiding (1), destination (1), shopping (1), free time (1), churches and pilgrims-places (1).
The 3 Austrian organizations individuate as specific expectation for women staff at the hotel and the
quality of services, and for couples the duration of the trips (5 days or more).
MARKETING PLAN
None of the 12 organizations have a marketing plan, but they use different channels to promote their
activities. 6 of them use newspaper or magazine, 3 use website and 2 advertising events. Other
means utilized are Facebook, radio and press relations.
EDEN55plusNW
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A2.1c SME’s identification cards analyzis (Annex 12 – 14)
An object of EDEN55plusNW project is to analyze the existing SMEs operating structure that is
interested in cooperation and the establishment of a transnational tourism network for tourists 55+,
and to explore their wishes and needs.
42 questionnaires were filled out by SMEs (10 SMEs of Croatia, 10 SMEs of Vulkanland, 22 SMEs of
Slovenia) and analysed by P2 and P3 in cooperation with Spirit of regions.
The Analysis of SME structure in participating regions has 3 priorities:
1) Demographic analysis
2) Development / Plan analysis
3) Summary of findings
DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
a) seasons
b) SME structure
c) employees
d) origin of guests
Ad 1a)
When asked about high season:
Main season (more than 60% agreement): June, July, August, September
Mid-season (40-60% agreement): May, October
Low season (below 40% agreement): December, January, February, March, April.
When asked about the low season:
Low season (more than 60% agreement): November, January, February, March
40-60% agreement: December
Below 40% agreement: April until October
Findings – Season:
The highest demand for a touristic development is the season from November to March. The low
perception of April (29%) is remarkable in need of application vs. utilization. This classical transition
month (climatic start of spring season) is therefore particularly suitable to develop the sleeping
potential quickly.
EDEN55plusNW
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Figure 8: High and Low Season in SMEs EDEN Project Destinations
Ad 1b)
Project EDEN destinations SMEs structure:
The participating companies were able to make multiple entries for their company, for example, if a
farm offers bed & breakfast and sells homemade products.
Figure 9: EDEN Destination SMEs Structure
Ad 1c)
Overall, 336 employees work permanently at the participating establishments, where 1 operation
has more than 160 employees and the remaining 41 companies employ 176 employees. 18
companies are considered one-person companies. 26% of companies employ seasonal workers at the
peak times.
Jan Feb Mär Apr Mai Jun Jul Aug Sep Okt Nov Dez
High Season
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
High Season
Low Season
48%
43%38%
10%
38%
2% Accommodation services
Catering services
Tourism activities, experiences,
event’s organisation
Tourist farm services
Food / wine / beverage
manufacturing
Incoming tourism agency
services
EDEN55plusNW
16
Ad 1d)
Pilot EDEN destinations SMEs origin of guests (nultiple answers possible):
62% Austria
40% Slovenia, Italy
38% Croatia, Germany
12% Switzerland, EU
As well as Hungary, Netherlands, Belgium
Figure 10: Origin of SMEs Guests
ANALYSIS
1) SME development
i. Vision
ii. Goal
2) marketing
i. vision
ii. goal
iii. target market
iv. target group
The responses of the 42 SME surveys are summarized below.
Ad 2ai)
SME development VISION
• to be self-sufficient in energy (2x)
• to become a biger and better known incoming agency specialized in culture, wine and culinaric
filed for seniors 55+
• expand business on the guided tours and excursions
• increase number of roomnights with higher length of stay
• impove own life quality through better educated and more satisfied employees
• to keep everything stable
• to increase the awareness on local products and local added value
• to become "E-bike Region Nr. 1"
• to be independent from weather
62%
40% 40%38% 38%
12% 12%
5% 5% 5%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
AT SI IT HR DE CH EU HU NL UK BE
EDEN55plusNW
17
• to develop a ecological farm with a production building, operatet by 100% sun energy
• invest in photovoltaik, e-mobility, efficiant watering system
• based on tradition and with knowledge facing the chalanges of future
• the vision is to offer home made food and comfortable rooms.
• further development of products with Idrija lace, development of high fashion creations with
idrija lace
• to increase number of visitors in need period
• enough work and gradual development activities
• Increase in value filled with different bone matured ham
• building of a tasting area and a covered terrace
• developing new tourism products
• developing new tourism products in field of cultural heritage interpretation and programs for
children
• developing new tourism products in wellness and conference field
• developing new tourism products: horseback riding and carriage rides
Findings
Very individual responses with large reference to the needs of its own company. The most frequent
visions are with respect to expansion of business (10x), energy independence (3x), improve quality
(4x) and maintaining the high level (2x) is remarkable.
Ad 2aii)
SME Goals
improving occupancy of tourism capacity - business improvement (5x)
to increase the number of incoming groups for 20 % in the next two years
further embellishment of restaurant step by step; improve guest satisfaction
take over by next generation within the next 5 years; optimisation of guest frequence
keep on attracting the brewery to more than 4000 visitors a year and sharing the story of impact
of local added value with them
develope a unite e-bike rental system for Vulkanland
renovation inn 2017, operational handover to next generation in 5 years
invest in energy efficiency of production and building
organise interactive exkursions, improve signage, to make visible the high quality of our existing
museum, events (Tabor Fest) and special exhibitions.
provide high quality education for making Idrija Lace, promote Idrija Lace, production and sell of
own high quality Idrija Lace products
increase number of visitors and the lenght of their visits
to increase number of visitors in dead season
enlargement of event management, new jobs and employment
EDEN55plusNW
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Ad 2bi)
Marketing Vision
to be the unique host with a unique proposal at a unique location (2x)
to increase number of visitors in the need period (2x)
to expand the area of operation in all slovenian regions and neighbour countries (2x)
to be proactive in marketing
is to become the most recognizable and most significant producer of autochthonous dairy
products from this region.
in words of the owner: "Our mission is to provide safe, accurate, reliable and comfortable
transportation of passengers on all routes in Croatia. We create tours, trips and private transfers
according to your wishes. We will provide you more comfort and flexibility with individual travel
options. With us you can save time and money."
to enable every mountaineer better experience of the mountain.
we want to be listed among the best in the world!
implement an art package; Region should think bigger
increase brand value through refining quality and limitation bottles of produced whiskey
increase amount of small groups coming to the farm
to be one of most attractive museum in Styria
find sources to employ person to be in charge for marketing
Ad 2bii)
Marketing Goals
improving occupancy of tourism capacity - business improvement (5x)
satisfied customers (4x)
achieve a better connection with local service providers (restaurants, bars, etc.). To brand its
ecological production. (2x)
high quality offer in Logarska dolina (2x)
increase number of visitors in the need period (2x)
to increase the cooperation with excisting partners and to find new ones
to increase production but remain on the ecological way of farming and processing.
this guideline Franz Habel follows since the first days of his business. This idea was never meant
to be determined, but to set a clear goal on quality through our whole enterprise. The more
gratifying it is that now gourmet magazine "Beef" and Germanies "Delikatessenjäger" value our
effort and transport our philosophy in their reports. "Ideas are moving" Franz Habel is convinced.
booking of packages
attract people to visit the observatory in combination with a visit to the Heurigenschank; attract
the location to be visited the whole year, not only in autumn
to be sold out at limited editions and to further raise the value of the brand
to implement the travelbike system in all hotels in Vulkanland to have one bike rental system
to develope a fruit trail for visitors
improve online shop and number of franchise shops
build up new sales opportunities eg. Farmersmarket, x-mas markets
to provide information in foreign languages organise modern temporary exhibitions in old
building improve number of event at integrated eventlocation
EDEN55plusNW
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to keep the curent number of learners, to enlarge the market for selling products
quality thematic events (a wide range) in the region
offer for children and families in Logarska dolina
Ad 2biii)
Marketing Target market
Austria (18x)
Italy (16x)
Slovenia (14x)
Germany (8x)
Hungary (7x)
Croatia (6x)
EU (5x)
Savinja region (3x)
UK (2x)
Switzerland (2x)
Sweden
individuals (5x)
family (5x)
small groups (2x)
religious people
all
supermarket chains and small shops
Ad 2biv)
Marketing Target group
• individual families (12x)
• seniors 55+ (6x)
• hikers and campers (6x)
• individual tourists (5x)
• groups (5x)
• school groups (4x)
• couples (4x)
• local people (3x)
• associations (3x)
• small groups (2x)
• company excursions (2x)
• children (2x)
• culinary and wine interested individual guests (2x)
• cultural
• culinary and wine interested groups
• Excursionists and mountaineers
• Religious groups of people
• hiking groups
• Small groups (mostly hikers and nature lovers)
• for bike rental: active persons age 50+
• quality orientated visitors, hedonists
• visitors who are interested in ecological production of food
• visitors with culinary and creative interest,
• ecological sustained thinking people
• visitors with historical interest
• customers who spend more for high quality hand made products.
• Fishermen
EDEN55plusNW
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Findings market & group
From the available answers, the need to encourage promotion of the tourism offer in Austria, Italy
and Slovenia can be derived.
For 15% (second highest) of the companies surveyed the audience Seniors 55+ is already a desired
target group. In this survey field the existing target group "individual families" (28%) dominates.
A2.1d ITA/TIC identification cards analyzis (Annex 15 – 16)
1 BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT TIC AND ITA IN EDEN DESTINATIONS AND
ITS SORAUNDING
In 5 project EDEN destinations and its surrounding we have all together 9 TICs and 9 ITAs.
Table 10: TICs and ITAs in Project EDEN Destinations
ITA/TIC IN AND AROUND EDEN DESTINATIONS
SLOVENIA EDEN DESTINATIONS (6 TIC and 4 ITA):
Idrija: Tourist Office Idrija and Tourist Agency Idrija,
Solčavsko: Tourism Information Centres Logarska Dolina and Rinka,
Kolpa: Tourism Information centres Črnomelj, Metlika and Semič with ITA Kompas Novo Mesto
ITAs out of EDEN destinations: Agencija M d.o.o. and OBT d.o.o. – ITA Outboxtrip
Austria EDEN
destination
Vulkanland
(1 TIC, 3 ITA)
Slovenia
EDEN
destinations
Idrija
(1TIC, 1 ITA)
Slovenia
EDEN
destinations
Solčavsko
(2 TIC)
Slovenia EDEN
destination
Kolpa
(3 TIC, 1 ITA)
Croatia EDEN
destination N.
Velebit
(2 TIC, 2 ITA)
ITA out of
EDEN
(2 ITA)
TVR Bad
Gleichenberg –
TIC Bad
Gleichenberg
TIC Idrija
TIC Logarska
dolina
TIC Črnomelj
ITA Kompas
Novo mesto
TIC Otočac Agencija M
ITA Aktiv Urlaub
Steiermark
TA Idrija TIC Rinka TIC Metlika
ITA Kompas
Novo mesto
TIC Senj OutBoxTrip
ITA Spirit of
Regions
TIC Semič
ITA Kompas
Novo mesto
ITA Tourist
Agency Adrialin
ITA Steirische
La desbahnen
ITA Tourist
Agency Brana
Tours
EDEN55plusNW
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AUSTRIAN EDEN DESTINATION (1 TIC, 3 ITA):
Vulkanland:
o TIC: Tourismusverband Region Bad Gleichenberg
o ITA: Aktiv Urlaub Steiermark, Spirit of Regions, Steirische Landesbahnen - Styrian
provincial train passenger
CROATIA EDEN DESTINATION (2 TIC, 2 ITA):
Northern Velebit:
o TIC: Tourist Boards Otočac and Senj
o ITA: Tourist Agency Adrenalin, Tourist Agency Brana Tours
2 ITA and TIC Analysis With the help of analysis it can be concluded that the structure and activities from ITAs and TICs vary
from country to country. Slovenia and Austria mentioned TIC can be in national or local ownership
and management, as well as private, while Croatian TICs are only nationally owned and managed and
the ITAs in Croatia are privatly owned.
The main activitiy of the TIC is providing the information about sights and region. Additional activities
are accommodation and/or catering offer (11.1%), organisation of tourism activities, experiences
and/or events (100.0%), development services (11.1%), sells of souvenirs and printed guides and
books (44.4%), tourist information centre services (100.0%), as well as local guiding (66.7%).
Figure 11: TICs Activities in EDEN Destinations
The most common activities that ITAs deals are organisation of tourism activities, experiences and/or
events (100.0%) and local guiding (57.1%).
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Figure 12: ITAs Activities in EDEN Destinations
Croatian Senj region leds according to the number of overnight stays (386.500 overnights in 2015).
The reason for this large number of visitors is proximity of Adriatic Sea. According to the average
number of arrivals (73.000 arrivals in 2015), visitors stay in Senj region for 5.3 days. On the second
place according to overnight stays is Bad Gleichenberg region with 297.433 overnights in 2015,
where according to arrivals (57.600 arrivals in 2015) the average visitor stays for 5.2 days. The
highest number of overnight stays in Slovenia was measured in Črnomelj region (26.225 overnights in
2015) with the average duration of visitors in the region of 2.4 days (with 11.061 arrivals in 2015). In
Solčavsko region (Logarska dolina, TIC Rinka) the average visitors stay for 1.9 days with 17.860
overnight stays and 9.220 arrivals (in 2015).
Figure 13: Overnight Stays in Project EDEN Destinations in 2015
The longest touristical seasons are taking place in Austrian Tourismusverband Region Bad
Gleichenberg (April to December - 9 months), Slovenian Idria region (May to October - 6 months) and
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Croatian Otočac and Senj region (May to September - 5 months). The shortest tourist season is in
Slovenian Črnomelj and Logarska dolina region (2 months).
Figure 14: Tourist Seasons in Project EDEN Destinations
The main target groups vary mostly according to the country. Slovenia and Austria have been more
oriented to the target group of visitors with specific interests (wine, culture, spa ...). The most
common target group of people in all pilot EDEN destinations are families and seniors.
Figure 15: Pilot EDEN Destinations main Target Groups
Prices for accommodation services vary according to different categories in the individual countries.
The most expensive four star hotels are located in Austria (price range 74 - 90 € per person) and the
cheapest ones in Croatia (60€ per person). Price range for the three star hotels in all three countries
are between 30 and 43€ per person. Tourist farms (three star) prices vary between 15€ (in Croatia)
and 40€ (in Austria) per person. On the other hand, the most expensive private accommodations are
in Croatia, with average price of 70 € per person, while average price for private accommodations in
Slovenia is 15 € and in Austria between 20 and 27 € per person.
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Figure 16: Price Range of Accommodations in Pilot EDEN Destinations
Some additional activities of mentioned ITAs and TICs are the whole day guiding tours for groups
with the price range between 70 and 250 €, museums fees (1.5 – 5 €), bike rentals (5 €/h) and kayak
rentals (25 €).
Significantly for TIC-s in Croatia is their structure and function. TIC of particular region is a tourist
organization that is only a part of the national tourist organization - Croatian Tourist Board (The
Croatian National Tourist Board - CNTB). The Croatian National Tourist Board is a national tourist
organization founded with a view to promoting and creating the identity, as well as to enhance the
reputation of Croatian tourism. The mission also includes the planning and implementation of a
common strategy and the conception of its promotion, proposal and the performance of
promotional activities of mutual interest for all subjects in tourism in the country and abroad, as well
as raising the overall quality of the whole range of tourist services on offer in the Republic of Croatia.
One of the roles is also the cooperation with travel agencies in the form of country promotion and
providing the best possible information to the tourists. The aim of CNTB is not a financial earning nor
profit.
TIC regional offices in Slovenia are an integral part of a national organization of Slovenian Tourist
Board (STB). Slovenian Tourist Board is a major national tourist organization for: planning and
performing the promotion of the country as a tourist destination, linking the existing products and
programmes of national importance and advancing the progress of new ones, establishment of the
integral tourist information infrastructure and executing research and development work. The STB is
the contact and central point in the complex network of the Slovenian tourism, which plays a
coordinating and linking role between the public, private and civil society.
The Austrian National Tourist Office's central goal is to secure and expand Austria's competitiveness
in cooperation with all Austrian tourism partners. By doing so, ANTO contributes essentially to
increasing Austria's market share in international tourism. The range of activities include above-the-
line advertising for tourism country Austria, media cooperation, the production of special-interest
brochures, the organization of fairs and sales platforms as well as cooperation with local tour
operators, travel agents and trainings for the travel agency and event sector.
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The purpose of ITAs also varies according to the country. In Slovenia and Austria the main economic
activity of ITA is the organisation of various tours, experiences and local guiding, while in Croatia the
main activity of ITA is to work as an intermediaries in accommodation booking.
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A2.1.1 SUPPLY ANALYSIS OF PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (Annex 17 – 20)
A2.1.1.1 Primary EDEN destination supply
The analysis was made between May and August 2016.
A2.1.1.1.a Natural assets and attractions
Northern Velebit National Park
Exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity
UNESCO’s programme (MAB) included in World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 1978
1981 the entire Velebit area became national park two national parks: Paklenica National
Park and Northern Velebit National Park
Examples:
o Velebit Botanical Garden
o Alan wide mountain pastures, karst valleys and slopes with picturesque peaks
towering above
o Štirovača a vast valley lying at around 1100 m above sea level, known for its far-
stretching pristine coniferous forests
o Krasno and surrounding area Croatia's largest mountain village
Idrija
Geopark Idrija and Zgornja Idrijca Landscape park
Examples:
o Idrijca river
o Wild lake
o Gačnik Waterfalls
o Dinosaurs footsteps
Solčavsko
Three alpine valleys: Logarska dolina, Robanov kot and Matkov kot
Alpine chain of Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Two landscape parks, 70% of the area in NATURA 2000, 104 natural values
Geografical, geological, dendrological and botanical herritage
Fossils of the Middle Triassic – one of the three world sites
Examples:
o Logarska dolina Landscape park
o Rinka Waterfall
o Robanov kot Landscape park
o Savinja Rives protected as a natural site
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River Kolpa
Examples:
o River Kolpa 113 km of boarder area between Slovenia and Croatia
o Landscape park Kolpa from Stari trg to Dragoši
o Landscape park Lahinja around 200 ha, the main attraction is the river Lahinja
o Forests of Kočevski Rog
Vulkanland
Located in the south-east of the province of Styria and well known for its high density of
extincted volcanoes
The past is still visible through the hilly landscape, the thermal springs and the fruitful soil
Examples:
o Thermal springs and mineral water Bad Gleichenberg and Bad Radkersburg are
the two most known resorts
o Hiking route "trails of the volcanoes" more than 600km of connected trails along
the former volcanoes
o Fertile soil for innovative culinaric treats pioneers inviting visitors to get to
know their products (e.g. Vulcano ham world, Zotter choco shop theater and
edible zoo, wine routes,…)
o Fertile soil for innovative gardening "Lebensgärten" - private and public gardens
cooperating and inviting visitors into their gardens
A2.1.1.1.b Cultural assets and attractions
Northern Velebit National Park
Remains of cultural monuments, churches, mountain huts and settlements on the mountain,
Inscribed Stone, watermills, funeral monuments and shepherd's huts
Educational paths
Examples:
o Lubenovac was a summer settlement of shepherds and their flocks (fifty summer
huts, drystone walls and rainwater cisterns), the reconstruction of shepherds'
dwellings for education and accommodation capacities
o Premužić trail masterpiece of trail building, 57 km route runs along the mountain
ridge from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije in central Velebit
o Above Krasno village is the 18th century Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Krasno
a well-known place of pilgrimage
o Forestry and wood processing is a traditional industry in Krasno Krasno has the
oldest Forestry Office in Croatia (set up in 1765), Forestry Museum (2005) and the
Forester’s House
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Idrija
UNESCO sights
Examples:
o Antony's main road
o Kamšt water wheel
o Gewerkenegg castle
o Klavže water barriers
Solčavsko
Examples:
o Potočka zijavka – archaeological site of the oldest needle in the world and other found
from the Cro-Magnon Age
o The largest farms in the Alpine area and traditional alpine arcitecture the farm at
the highest altitude in Slovenia is Bukovnik (1327m) under the mountain of Raduha
o Church of St. Mary of the Snows and other churches and chapels
o Intangible cultural heritage local stories, music etc.
River Kolpa
Examples:
o Regional Museum in Kočevje and Metlika
o local traditional food and excellent wine from Bela Krajina and honey from Kočevje
o handicraft easter eggs from Bela krajina, napkins of Bela krajina, souvenirs from
wood, souvenirs made of clay, etc.
o historical memorials Mitrej in Rožanec, old school - classroom of the 1960s,
soseska zidanica - taste wine from more than 50 winegrowers, Tri Fare, DC-3
Airplane, Pranger in Predgrad, Šokčev dvor, etc.
Vulkanland
Through its location in the historical border area between western and eastern centers of
power the region has been fortified through numerous castles
Examples:
o Riegersburg well-known fortress that today marks the northern border of the
Vulkanland
o Weltmaschine an innovative machine that serves no purpose, but to entertain
and foster creativity
o Schloss Kornberg same as the Riegersburg the Kornberg castle also is a member of
the castle road
o Pilgrimage to Straden the village of Straden is widely known because of its four
churches, but only three steeples
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A2.1.1.2 Secondary tourism offer
A2.1.1.2.a Accommodation facilities
Northern Velebit National Park
On the Park territory there is no visitor infrastructure suitable for longer stay. Simple
accommodation within the Park is available only in two mountain huts on Zavižan and Alan.
Different types of accommodation including rooms, apartments, boarding houses, hotels,
and campsites are available in the Park surroundings, in the adjacent towns and villages of
Krasno, Sveti Juraj, Jablanac, Senj, Otočac, etc.
Examples:
o Hotel Jure tavern (3 star family hotel, 55 beds) and DEGENIJA hotel (60 beds)
o Private accommodation Jure tavern - hotel*** (55 beds), Apartments „Manjan“
(22 beds), Forester's House (33 beds), Apartments „DUDA“ (APP 1/6), Private
Accommodation „TOMAIĆ“ (1 APP, 2/2 rooms), House Krasna (10 beds) and House
"Marenić" (6 beds)
o Tourisam farms OPG "Lulić" (Family Farm with rooms to rent and camp)
o Mountain huts Zavižan mountain hut (14 beds and 40 seats) and Alan mountain
hut (5 rooms - 40 beds)
Idrija
Examples:
o Kenda Manor
o Hotel Jožef
o Private rooms and appartments
o Hostel Idrija
Solčavsko
In tourist farms, hotel, guesthouses, inns, private rooms, apartments, mountain huts there ar
more then 700 beds in the Solčavsko region
Examples:
o Tourist farms TF Govc Vršnik, TF Lenar, TF Žibovt, etc.
o Hotel and guesthouses with accommodation hotel Plesnik, farmhouse Ojstrica,
guesthouse Na Razpotju, Guesthouse Firšt, etc.
o Mountain huts Dom planincev, Planšarija Logarski kot, Grohot, Okrešelj, etc.
o Apartments Pod macesnovo streho, etc.
River Kolpa
Camping near the Kolpa River 13 small camps
18 Tourist farms
More than 25 providers rooms, houses and appartments
5 Hotels
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Vulkanland
The accomodations are characterized through several larger hotels located near the thermal
springs and mostly smaller tourism farms and private accomodations throughout the
Vulkanland
Examples:
o Hotels
o Tourist farms
o Private accommodation
o Camping
A2.1.1.2.b Catering industry facilities and activities in gastronomy
Northern Velebit National Park
In Krasno there are 4 catering facilities (restaurants), and additional two bars
The park has mountain huts where people can order food for groups of people
Senj area is very rich with gastronomic offer (6 restaurants, 17 taverns)
Examples:
o Restaurants in the Krasno area and Otočac offer mostly original Lika food Lika
potatoes and Lika lamb meat, while the restaurants by the sea (Senj) are more
oriented to traditional sea food (fish and seafood)
o In the cheese factory Runolist the original Krasno cheese is produced. Presentation
room is designed in the area of production that serves to explain to visitors the
process of cheese production. There is also a tasting room and a small shop.
o Tasting and evaluating the quality of domestic products, mostly cheese, liquor and
meat products is carried out within the various fairs (eg. Lika Fair - Autumn in Lika
Senj Fair)
Idrija
Production of idrijski žlikrofi, Herbs farm, dairy products, culinary workshops, apiary
Examples:
o Žlikrofi Žigon
o Hiša Zelišč
o Farm Pr Kendu and Farm na Krnicah
o Idrija townspeople apiary
Solčavsko
Examples:
o Tourist farms TF Govc Vršnik, TF Ramšak, TF Zibovt etc.
o Restaurants in hotel and guesthouses hotel Plesnik, farmhouse Ojstrica,
guesthouse Na Razpotju, Guesthouse Firšt etc.
o Mountain huts Dom planincev, Planšarija Logarski kot, Grohot, Majerhold, Okrešelj
etc.
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River Kolpa
Tourist farms for groups
Restaurants in the towns
Inns in the towns and in the villages
Wineries for groups
Vulkanland
Tasting home-made products and tasting regional wine are two very important factors in the
Vulkanland gastronomy. Thus, the traditional Buschenschänken are of high importance for
the tasting of culinary delights and are usually frequented in the afternoon or evening.
Examples:
o Restaurants
o Buschenschänken traditional taverns offering home-made snacks and wine
o Cafés
o Wine stores in the region
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A2.1.1.2.c Facilities for nature experiences and outdoor activities
Northern Velebit National Park
Is the youngest of the Croatian national parks
Examples:
o Educational walking trails to make visit to the Northern Velebit National Park even
more interesting, employees of National Park have installed information boards
along some of the existing mountain trails and shepherd paths to inform you about
the natural and cultural heritage of the region
o Some of the most beautiful peaks are located in the National Park from them
there is a breathtaking view of the sea and islands as well as the endless expanse of
Lika region
o Premužić trail today considered as a masterpiece of trail building. The route is
laid out so as to provide the easiest possible access to the most rugged and
inaccessible sections of north Velebit – Hajdučki i Rožanski Kukovi. The 57 km route
runs along the mountain ridge from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije in central Velebit.
o The Gacka Valley a large karst valley fringed with mountain ranges of Velebit on
the coast side and with Kapela Mountain on the inland side. The valley is dominated
by the river Gacka which springs at the one end of the valley and sinks underground
on the opposite site. The springs resembling little lakes are very picturesque. To be
seen here are many old watermills – malenice, many of which reconstructed and
restored in a traditional style. There are also saw mills, fulling mills and cloth washing
troughs.
Idrija
Mountain huts and cabins, climbing areas, marked walking paths and cycling trails, natural
bathing spots
Examples:
o Hleviše and Pirnatova hut
o Rake water channel
o Scopoli᾽s memorial garden
o Lajšt bathing ground
Solčavsko
Examples:
o Nature etnographic trail in Logarska dolina
o Solčava panoramic road the route with the most beautiful views
o Exhibitions in Centre Rinka a walk into the lap of the Alps, butterflies, fossils etc.
River Kolpa
Examples:
o Hiking paths near the river Kolpa are the most beautiful around 30 hiking paths
and most of the routes are marked
o 15 cycling paths around the Bela krajina and 15 cycling paths around Kočevsko
o Beekeeping path in Žuniči near Adlešiči you can learn everything about bees and
beekeeping; length of the path: 200 m
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Vulkanland
The Vulkanland is focused on uitilizing natural circumstances for a better experience of the
region. Thus, the visitors are invited to get in touch with the defining natural aspects.
Eaxmples:
o Hiking route "Trails of the Volcanoes"
o Bike routes along the two major rivers Mura and Raab
o Public and private gardens "Lebensgärten"
o High rope course Riegersburg
A2.1.1.2.d Facilities for experiencing cultural heritage and activities
Northern Velebit National Park
In making are two new cultural attractions Visitor centre Krasno and Shepard dwelling in
the area of the National Park who have educational and demonstrational function
Examples:
o Forestry Museum Krasno The museum was opened in 2005 on the anniversary of
the 240 years of activities of the Forestry Office Krasno as the first forestry museum
in Croatia. Permanent collection includes 300 history exhibits related to the care and
cultivation of forests along with the planting production.
o Our Lady of Krasno Sanctuary Church was built in 18th century. It is believed that
Mother of God has shown her face in a flower and on that place the church was built.
Here are traditionally gather people on 15th August on the Feast of the Assumption.
o Fort Nehaj was built in 1558 under the supervision of Ivan Lenković, captain and
general of the Croatian Military Border. The builders used the material of destroyed
churches, monasteries and houses originally located outside the town walls. Fort
Nehaj today houses the Uskoks of Senj and the Senj Port Authority collections as well
as the permanent exhibitions Churches of Senj through History and Coats of Arms of
the Senj Nobility.
o Visitor Centre Krasno with this project the Northern Velebit National Parks aims to
open a modern visitor centre at the Park’s headquarters in the village of Krasno in
order to present the natural and cultural resources of the Park and its surroundings
to the ever growing number of visitors, to expand the tourist offer of Krasno and
Senj, and to attract even more tourists to this area, especially in winter when the
Park is not open to visitors. It is planed to be open in 2017.
Idrija
Examples:
o Antony᾽s main road
o Lace school
o Municipal museum
o Šurmajce homested
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Solčavsko
Examples:
o Nature etnographic trail in Logarska dolina
o Exhibitions in guesthouse Firšt Potočka zijavka, Zdravje bolnikov, Fidov gaj etc.
o Exhibitions in the frame of Centre Rinka a walk into the lap of the Alps, parish
garden, felt atelie etc.
o Exhibition Bicka and workshops for felt making
River Kolpa
Examples:
o Regional Musseum in Kočevje
o Regional Musseum in Metlika
o Oton Župančič Memorial Collection in Vinica
o Šokčev farm in Žuniči typical farm of Uskoks near the river Kolpa
Vulkanland
Almost every village scattered throughout the region offers its own cultural events, which
take place in accordance with the cycle of the year.
Examples:
o Cooperation "Museums and Collections in the Vulkanland"
o Workshops for basket-making weaving with willow, straw and split wood
o Numerous amateur theater groups showing their plays year round
o Local cultural events in accordance with the seasons
A2.1.1.2.e Sport and recreational facilities and activities
Northern Velebit National Park
It is an ideal destination for all those looking for active holidays and outdoor activities
mountaineering, hiking, trekking, and cycling. There are 30 mountain tracks crisscrossing the
Park, which provide numerous possibilities for exploring the area. Hikers are able to discover
some of the most beautiful and fascinating parts of this region.
Examples:
o This being a mountain park, nearly all of the proposed tours include a visit to at least
one of the mountain peaks, either located in the National Park or the neighbouring
Velebit Nature Park. All peaks provide spectacular vantage points, with those located
in the western regions of the Park offering stunning views of both the Kvarner Riviera
with the islands and some of the inland regions. Educational trails within the park
are: Premužić trail, Velebit Botanical Garden, Circular trail - “Wildlife path” and “In
the Footsteps of Man”.
o There are no dedicated cycling tracks within the National Park, however, there is a
network of public and forest roads that are well suited for cycling excursions.
o In Krasno there is a local ski resort that is open in the winter months when there is
snow. This place is a popular winter excursion site by many residents of this region.
o Fishing Gacka is world famous for its brown trout, which is a mecca of passionate
fisherman. Due to the abundance of food trout in Gacka grows five to seven times
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faster than in any other water in the world. That is why capital examples gackine
brown trout often grow up to 5 kg. The fishing season on the river Gacka starts on
March 1st and ends on October 31st.
Idrija
Examples:
o Sports and recreation centre and Lajšt bathing ground
o Bike park Javornik
o Ski centre Javornik
o Cross-country ski centre Vojsko
Solčavsko
Examples:
o Mountaineering mountain trails
o Hiking thematic trails
o Biking lack of bike trails
o crosscountry skiing lack of constant pists
River Kolpa
Examples:
o Canoeing on the River Kolpa
o Hinking on the marked paths
o Cycling on the marked paths
o Rafting on the river Kolpa
Vulkanland
Examples:
o Hiking
o Biking
o Swimming and relaxing in the thermal baths
o Golfing
A2.1.1.2.f Facilities of health and welfare centres and activities
Northern Velebit National Park
The nearest health centres (hospital) to Krasno are Gospic and Rijeka. Near the Krasna and
the surrounding area there is no health centers and welfare centers, but there are some
along the coast - Resort Novi Vinodolski, Thalassotherapia Crikvenica.
Idrija
Examples:
o Fitnes club Moj gib
o Beauty center Mistika
o Center of beauty and health Lidija
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Solčavsko
Examples:
o Mini wellness Potočka zijalka interesting small wellness point, designed as a cave
with local names regarding local stories
o Hotel Plesnik wellness point in renovation
o Other wellness offers mostly for their own guests
River Kolpa
In Osilnica (Hotel Kovač) there is wellness centre and the Appartmants Malerič in Podlog
have natural swimming pool and saunas
Vulkanland
The thermal springs stood at the beginning of the development of Vulkanland and are still
the most important resource for various treatments in the area
Examples:
o Bad Gleichenberg spa house and thermal bath
o Bad Radkersburg thermal bath
o Holistic health initiative the combination of preventive medicine, folk medicine
and home remedies, as well as medicine and pharmaceuticals in one cooperation
that offers events and workshops throughout the year
o Die Klause health center for integrative medicine initiated by the well-known Dr.
Dominik, a specialist in the treatment of burnouts, psychosomatic disorders and
chronical pains
A2.1.1.2.g Facilities of congress, business and educational centres and activities
Northern Velebit National Park
In the Headquarters of the National Park there is a congress hall with the possibility of
receiving up to two hundred people. There is also an information centre to provide
information about the region.
Idrija
Education centres, workshops, visits, modern study equipment that can be used for
conferences, working meetings and educational courses for a smaller as well as bigger groups
Examples:
o Kenda manor
o Hotel Jožef
o Gostišče Barbara
o Gostilna Mlinar
Solčavsko
Conference hall and smal congress centre in hotel Plesnik, education center in Center Rinka
River Kolpa
/
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Vulkanland
The congress and business facilities are mainly located in the cities and larger villages of the
Vulkanland and equipped for events with a maximum of 500 participants
Examples:
o Event-centre Feldbach
o Zehnerhaus Bad Radkersburg
o Mailandsaal Bad Gleichenberg
o Kulturhaus Straden
A2.1.1.2.h Facilities for handicraft, gastronomy etc. activities (workshops, degustation)
and personal growth and activities
Northern Velebit National Park
In Krasno in the Headquarters of the National Park there is a hall, which is used for any kind
of meetings, workshops and meetings of local people, scientists (conferences), and
craftsmen. Occasionally there also take place some meetings of local farmers, educational
workshops (mainly organized by the Park) and conferences of different associations.
Examples:
o Headquarters of the National Park - Conference and meetig hall
o Within the cheese factory Runolist in Krasno a small tasting room is built with a shop
of dairy products
Idrija
Culinary workshops, degustations, lace making
Examples:
o Local market Idrija
o Farm Pr Kendu
o Lace school International Centre of Idrija Lace
Solčavsko
Examples:
o Bicka - felt exhibition and space for workshops
o Center Rinka - culinary workshops pears dumplings and degustations
River Kolpa
Workshops how you prepare the Belokranjska pogača, how you make Easter egg or
napkin etc.
For groups degustation of wine (4-8 types wine) or homemade beer (8-12 types of beer)
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Vulkanland
Conveying the importance of a sustainable lifestyle is one of the main motivational factors
behind a Vulkanland initiative of opening producers' houses for visitors
Examples:
o Zotter choco shop theater and edible zoo hands-on explanation of the chocolate
processing and tasting of innovative and creative chocolate
o Vulcano ham world hands-on explanation of the ham producation process and
tasting of differently aged hams
o Pumpkin seed oil mills and tastings
o Wine tastings at vineyards or wine stores
A2.1.1.2.i Capacity for traffic to and at destination
Northern Velebit National Park
Krasno can be reached from the coast, taking a turn from main coast road in Sveti Juraj over
the mountain pass Oltari (22 km) or from the inland, from direction of Otočac via Švica village
(20 km) there is no organised public transport to Krasno, the closest public transport is
Senj or Otočac
You can reach Krasno by car, motorbike or bycicle
Idrija
You can reach Idrija by car, bus or bike
Solčavsko
poor public transport options, transport on demand with vans is possible three local vans
as a local tourist taxis
River Kolpa
You can reach River Kolpa by car, bus or train
Vulkanland
You can reach Vulkanland by car, train, taxi or shuttle service from airports
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A2.1.1.3 Analysis of current tourist events in EDEN destination
A2.1.1.3.a Analysis of the most recognizable tourist events in EDEN destination
Northern Velebit National Park
Events in Krasno and surrounding area are connected with cultural and traditional events.
Every city in the area has its own patron saint, which is honoured and celebrated on certain
day with some occasion - exhibitions, fairs, concerts.
Examples:
o The 15th of August is traditionally celebrated as the day obliged. In Krasno there is
the Shrine of Mother of God to which the believers from all over the region come on
pilgrimage (and even in the remote town of Senj) Holy Mass and in the Shrine is
gathering of the believers.
o The 11th of December is celebrated as International Mountain Day. The organizer of
the event is the Northern Velebit National Park. The day is marked with cultural and
artistic program (concert, presentation of a book or film) which traditionally ends
with the party.
o In June fair, which leasts for several days: Antonja u Krasnu (Antonja in Krasno). At
the fair there are numerous events such as "Rural Olympics" (sports events),
presentation of local products (dairy products, honey and meat products), and
concerts of local cultural and artistic groups, theatre performances.
o The beginning of June, on weekend, bicycle race takes place organized by the city of
Senj and the National Park. Bike race is a competition mountain bikinging, it starts at
Senju (0 m above sea level) and ends on Zavižan (1594 m.a.s.).
Idrija
Cultural, culinary, educational events, music, sports events
Examples:
o Idrija lace festival and Prfarski štrukljevc
o Festival of Idrijski žlikrofi
o Tango festival and Čipkarija (student festival)
o Europian geoparks week
Solčavsko
Throughout the year exhibitions and thematic events in the Rinka Centre multipurpose
centre for tourism and sustainable development.
Examples:
o Festival of “Bicka” Sheep Wool presentation of the autochthonous Jezersko-
Solčavsko sheep breed, demonstration of sheering and wool manufacturing,
workshop for the manufacture of felting products, wool clothes fashion show,
cuisine from the highmountain pastures, cultural and musical program, etc.
o Solčavsko Days traditional ethnographical event - exhibitions of local products,
medicinal plants, autochthonous animals, presentations of various features,
entertainment and music program. Presentation and tasting of homemade culinary
specialties
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o Festival of Mountain Wood presentation of mountain forests, special trees and
features of mountain wood, presentations and workshops of wooden products,
culinary features offered by the forest, hikes and entertainment in nature, etc.
River Kolpa
A lot of events in our destination all year. But the traditional festivals we have from May to
September.
Examples:
o Vinska vigred in Metlika (May) the wine festival
o Jurjevanje in Bela krajina (June) the oldest folklore festival in Slovenia
o Tamburanje Va Kostele (August) the festival of tamburica
o Semiška ohcet in Semič (August) the traditional wedding ceremony
Vulkanland
Culinary tastings and handicraft presentations are the focus of the largest events in the
region as culinary art is the most important reason for the development of the region.
Examples:
o Schinkenfest (July) ham festival
o Biedermeierfest (June) tradition health resort Bad Gleichenberg
o Terra Vulcania (July) joint wine festival of all wine cooperations in the region
o Culinary autumn (September) culinary events and tastings on all weekends
A2.1.1.3.b Analysis of tourist events for seniors in EDEN destination
Northern Velebit National Park
No special customized events for seniors, all of the above events applies to them.
Idrija
Cultural, culinary, educational events, music, sports events
Solčavsko
There is no one special event for seniors, but almost every event has also contents regarding
tradition and other interesting things for seniors
River Kolpa
A lot of events in our destination all year. But the traditional festivals we have from May to
September.
Vulkanland
The same events as mentioned above are also very interesting for seniors as local promoters
are focusing on promoting events that are accessible for the whole family.
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A2.1.1.4 Analysis of current tourism products/experiences in EDEN
destination
A2.1.1.4.a Analysis of EDEN destination tourism products/experiences
Northern Velebit National Park
The main food offer is the original Lika potato and Lika lamb meat, as well as original Krasno
cheese. The offer of beverages comes down to various liqueurs and brandy. The whole area
is specific, climatic and landscape because of proximity to the sea, so it is special pleasure to
hike and walk on the mountain. The area is famous for its various manifestations, in addition
to the already mentioned; a significant is carnival in Senj.
Examples:
o Krasno cheese is the branded product in the area of Krasno. The way livestock breeds
in nature, on open ground (cows, goats and sheep), feeding on the pure mountain
meadows and stingy terrain give this cheese an uniqueness
o It is an ideal destination for all those looking for active holidays and outdoor
activities mountaineering, hiking, trekking and cycling. The best way to experience
the natural charms of Velebit Mountain is to pass (go on tour) with a local guide who
will show you also the hidden magic of Velebit Mountain.
o Senj is today an urban centre with an interesting cultural offer winter and summer
carnival, North Adriatic Klapa Singing Festival, The Uskoks Days, Senj Concert Nights.
The most known manifestation is summer carnival certainly one of the most
attractive summer entertainment events on the Adriatic. Six days and nights of
masquerades in the true sense of the word, they "rule" the city, justifying to the
maximum each and every attribute of its name.
o As Krasno cheese, it is famous “Lika lamb meat”. Special is because of original
breeding (kind) and the long tradition of breeding in the free form.
Idrija
Visits of museums (UNESCO heritage), lace making, hiking, biking
Examples:
o Idrija Municipial museum, Miners house, Kamšt water wheel etc.
o Antony᾽s main road
o Idrija lace school
o 22 thematic hiking and biking trails
Solčavsko
Programs for groups, mostly for school groups, ethno-animations and team building
programs for active co-workers in small companies
Examples:
o Ethno-animations mostly (tailor made) for smal groups
o Programs for primary school in Center Rinka and Logarska dolina
o Experiences guided walks in the nature
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River Kolpa
/
Vulkanland
The intangible cultural heritage shapes the thinking and actions of people in Vulkanland. It is
found in the use of natural health, landscaping in harmony with nature, the knowledge and
apply of old craft practices and in the cultural seasonal performance.
Examples:
o Wellness and selfness in the thermal spas Bad Radkersburg with the connected
nature park Mur floodplains and in the Gleichenberg Thermal Baths with the
connected nature Park Bad Gleichenberg
o Movement in nature with hiking paths to the theme of the volcanic country as wine,
geomancy, etc.
o Natural and cultural festivals through the year
o Courses to increase the quality of life and to learn traditionel crafts like basket
weave, gardening, etc.
A2.1.1.4.b Analysis of EDEN destination tourism products/experiences for seniors
Northern Velebit National Park
All these products and services also apply to seniors. No special elaborate program that
would refer only to them.
Examples:
o Krasno cheese
o Northern Velebit National Park an ideal destination for active holidays and
outdoor activities mountaineering, hiking, trekking, cycling
o Senj an urban centre with an interesting cultural offer winter and summer carnival, North Adriatic Klapa Singing Festival, The Uskoks Days, Senj Concert Nights.
o Lika lamb meat
Idrija
Visits of museums (UNESCO heritage of the mercury mine), lace making, hiking, biking, fly
fishing
Examples:
o Idrija Municipial museum, Miners house, Kamšt water wheel, etc.
o Antony᾽s main road
o Idrija lace school
o 22 thematic hiking and biking trails
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Solčavsko
One day excursions for seniors in Upper Savinja Valley ending in Logarska dolina
Examples:
o Upper Savinja Valley visit for seniors Mozirski gaj - flower park, museums,
exhibitions, churches, landscape park Logarska dolina
o Upper Savinja Valley visit for seniors degustations, guided tours, waterfall Rinka,
local lunch for smal groups
River Kolpa
/
Vulkanland
Guests will appreciate the gentle climate and the rolling hills. The gentle, elementary
interaction of the landscape shows a positive insiring effect. Guests appreciate the
friendliness of the people and the neat, small-scale landscape.
Examples:
o Wellness and selfness in the thermal spa Bad Radkersburg with the connected nature
park Mur floodplains and in the Gleichenberg Thermal Baths wirth the connected
nature Park Bad Gleichenberg
o Movement in nature with hiking ways to the theme of the volcanic country as wine,
geomancy, etc.
o Natural and cultural festivals through the year
o Courses to increase the quality of life and to learn traditionel crafts like basket
weave, gardening, etc.
A2.1.1.4.c Analysis of EDEN destination current services for seniors experiencing EDEN
destination
Northern Velebit National Park
Services that would be of interest to seniors transportation (taxi service), guided tours,
bike or canoe rentals (Gacka River), obtain fishing licenses
Examples:
o As mention, to get to the EDEN destinations there is no permanent public transport
(bus or rail), a private company for transport was established that functions as a taxi
service. The company has several vans and is working in the whole Krasno area,
National Park and the surrounding area.
o Recently private apartment owners in the area of Krasno and Otočac started to
exploit the increasing arrival of tourists and offer new content, and one of them is
the offer of renting bikes.
o Local population is increasingly turning to tourism, and to a sustainable way of
tourism that combines agriculture, experiencing the sea and the mountain peaks.
Many people see the potential in employment as tour guides, interpreters and
educators. So now the local tour agencies offer their guides for guiding special tours
(cycling, hiking, and walking) to show and those hidden corners of the Park and the
surrounding.
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Idrija
Visits of museums, lace making and culinary workshops, degustations
Examples:
o Idrija Municipial museum, Miners house, Kamšt water wheel, etc.
o Workshops of lace making at the Lace school
o Culinary workshops a Hotel Jožef, Kenda manor, etc.
o Degustation of dairy products at farms in Idrijske Krnice
Solčavsko
Examples:
o Center Rinka Tourist Information Centre
o TIC Logarska dolina Information point of the landscape park
RIiver Kolpa
/
Vulkanland
Various attractions that are great also when the weather is bad and are open year round
instead of only during high season
Examples:
o Events and attractions for joined enjoyment of grandparents with their grandchildren
o Tourist information centers in all municipalities
o Shuttle service in Bad Gleichenberg, lift to the Riegersburg, the best-known culture
destination
o Price reductions at the attractions
A2.1.1.5 Analysis of tourism organization form in EDEN destination
A2.1.1.5.a EDEN destination identification card
River Kolpa
EDEN destination River Kolpa identification card – Annex 4
Northern Velebit National Park
EDEN destination NPSV identification card - Annex 5
Solčavsko
EDEN destination Solčavsko identification card - Annex 6
Vulkanland
EDEN destination Vulkanland identification card - Annex 7
Brda
EDEN destination Brda Identification card – Annex 8
Idrija
EDEN destination Idrija identification card - Annex 9
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A2.1.1.5.b Organizational structure of the tourist offer in EDEN destination
Northern Velebit National Park
Tourist offer of EDEN destination is promoted through the promotion of the National Park Northern
Velebit and work of Senj Tourist Board, which is responsible for the promotion of Krasno and the
surrounding area.
Idrija
Idrija heritage centre has been established in 2011. Its purpose is to plan and to execute
development activities and tasks in the destination.
Solčavsko
Center Rinka - institute for tourism and sustainable development (public institution owned by
Municipality) is DMO and cooperate with RDO Savinjska and Šaleška valley and with other external
partners. Center Rinka connects all tourist offer in Solčavsko regarding promotion of the destination.
But mostly marketing activities are provided by private organisations - owners of the tourist facilities.
River Kolpa
In the destination River Kolpa we have the tourist agency Kompas Novo mesto d.o.o.
Vulkanland
At the moment there is no tourism association responsible for the promotion of the touristic offer of
Vulkanland. A process for the implementation of a touristic destination is currently underway and
will be completed by July 2016.
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A2.1.1.5.c Analysis of integration and joint activities in EDEN destination
Northern Velebit National Park
There is no organized network at the local level, which has the function of promoting products and
activities in the EDEN area. This function was taken over by Public Institution Northern Velebit
National Park. Things work in a way that the Park provides information on products and activities in
its info centre, on the website, in brochures. Park appears on fairs in the region and the whole
country, where represent itself and Krasno – the whole EDEN destination. Park is the organizer and
co-organizer of various events, exhibitions, symposiums, agriculture conferences.
Idrija
/
Solčavsko
Some promotional actions, fairs, exhibitions and presentations are organized by Center Rinka for all
tourist offers. But more or less only three to five privat companies participate in joint actions.
River Kolpa
/
Vulkanland
Currently there is no regular cooperation between Vulkanland and other EDEN destinations. 2016
start with EDEN55plusNW in cooperation between Vulkanland (A) - Solčavsko (SI) - Idrija (SI) - River
Kolpa (SI) - Sjeverni Velebit (HR).
A2.1.1.5.d Analysis of the current destination brand and sub brands in EDEN destination
Northern Velebit National Park
The entire National Park itself is a brand. It is known for its primeval natural beauty, many hiking
trails and the Botanical garden. We are currently working on the promotion of original products such
as Krasno cheese, honey from the rich valleys, the traditional liqueur and jam, original Lika potato
and cured meat products.
Idrija
/
Solčavsko
New brand Logarska dolina - Solčavsko is slowly becoming and connects two older brands Solčavsko
and landscape park Logarska dolina. Krajinski park Logarska dolina has its own logo and great
recognisability, but it is geografically limited and it belongs to the company Logarska dolina (Ltd.).
River Kolpa
/
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Vulkanland
The destination's brand is called "Steirisches Vulkanland". It's build upon the three pillars culinary art,
handicraft and vitality. SMEs willing to carry the brand have to fullfill a certain set of values and pay a
fee for the usage of the brand. Currently there are about 150 SMEs carrying the brand. These SMEs
meet on a regular basis to share know-how and educate themselves. There are no sub brands.
A.2.1.1.5.e Analysis of the marketing mix activities according to the 10Ps
Northern Velebit National Park
P1 - Product The most important products in EDEN destination: Lika cheese, cheese, Lika lamb meat, homemade brandy and liqueurs, honey, herbal teas and herbs.
P2 – Price
In these place only now people increasingly begin to appreciate the domestic products and to look at it as a possible brand (eg. Lika potato, which has gained the status of brand). Due to the crisis that has gripped Europe, including Croatian, the people living in these area are not able to live only from one mentioned thing (brand), so not even one product has been brought to its deserved status.
P3 – Place
Local products can be purchased at the place of production, usually it is a family farm, and in the information centre of the National Park. Some of the products, souvenirs, can be purchased at the National Park Information Centre and on the website.
P4 - Promotion
Products such as cheese, liqueurs, and herbal teas are promoted through fairs, brochures, providing information to tourists in info centres. Some of the products, souvenirs, can be purchased at the National Park Information Centre and on the website.
P5 - People
Manufacturers and suppliers of mentioned products are mainly family farm's. The only major company is Cheese factory Runolist which purchases the material (milk) for its cheese from the local people from the surrounding area Krasno and Otočac.
P6 - Processing The before mentioned products are often sold "on the doorsteps". So this can be done and legal, they need to have a special certificate and a license from the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
P7 – Physical evidences
The most famous brands in EDEN destination are mentioned Krasno cheese, Lika potatoes (which the biggest production takes place in the area of Gospić), Lika lamb and the National Park with its most famous site Zavižan. All the mentioned brands are used for promotional purposes to promote Krasno area or the surrounding region.
P8 – Partners network
The products are represented through fairs all over the country and abroad, representatives of these products are mostly the National Park and Lag-Lika (organization for the development of rural areas and rural products).
P9 – Budget for marketing activities
/
P10 – Sustainable approach and social
responsibility
/
Table 11: Marketing Mix Activities of Northern Velebit National Park
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Idrija
P1 - Product Heritage of the mercury
P2 – Price High quality of services for achieved price
P3 – Place Websites, social media and brochures
P4 - Promotion Websites, social media, brochures, faires
P5 - People Active seniors, mature travelers, special-interest travelers
P6 - Processing CIS is also travel agency
P7 – Physical evidences
/
P8 – Partners network
Municipal museum, Lace school, different societies and associations
P9 – Budget for marketing activities
/
P10 – Sustainable approach and social
responsibility
Energy concept of Idrija municipality, Inovative strategy of Idrija municipality
Table 12: Marketing Mix Activities of Idrija
River Kolpa
P1 - Product /
P2 – Price /
P3 – Place /
P4 - Promotion /
P5 - People /
P6 - Processing /
P7 – Physical evidences
Kolpa – feel the river (Kolpa – dotakni se zgodbe)
P8 – Partners network
/
P9 – Budget for marketing activities
/
P10 – Sustainable approach and social
responsibility
/
Table 13 Marketing Mix Activities of River Kolpa
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Solčavsko
P1 - Product
B&B, Half board, full board, meals, lunch, diner, degustations, sightseeing and nature observing, hiking, walking along alpine valleys or thematic trails, natur, outdoor activities (archery, guiding, animation, teambuilding programs…), exhibitions. There are still a lot of possibilities for new high quality products regarding interesting topics (fossils, paleolithic cave Potočka zijalka, thematic trails, storytelling...).
P2 – Price
Mostly low price for quality service. Higher prices could be achieved easier with a synchronised, linked and complementary offer and by offering full tourist products. Prices of single services (miniwellness, ethno-animation…) or products (wooden bowls, felt products...) are relatively high - good money for value but there are not enough customers. Customer oriented promotion could also sustain higher prices of certain innovative and quality service and products.
P3 – Place All products are accessible in the destination: informations in TIC and in tourist facilities, all products are in brochures also on websites, lot of them in social media, but there are just a few contracts with travel agencies
P4 - Promotion
Via websites and brochures. Promotion is mostly oriented towards raising of the destination's recognizability, to accommodation marketing and some single products. There is no wholesome approach to marketing promotion of integral products. The on-line media are not used to their maximum, the data are not updated and they are not keeping pace with the newest technology.
P5 - People
Main targets groups are not clearly defined for whole destination. Tourism offerers do connect, although they in most cases lack clearly defined aims. Local products and service suppliers are not synchronised very well, they are lacking strategic connecting with clear goals. Locals do not possess the know-how about the needs and wishes of their guests. However, they are very hospitable.
P6 - Processing There is now enough systematic management of key products in the destination. There is no desire to acquire quality certificates. The only quality certificate acquisition in progress is Green destination.
P7 – Physical evidences
Logarska dolina is a strong brand name. However, not all tourism workers in the destination connect with it, since the logotype is owned by Logarska dolina ltd. The destination name Logarska dolina - Solčavsko is still being introduced, but not used by all tourism offerers.
P8 – Partners network
Partnerships are mostly spontaneous but with no clear goal orientation. Slowly, a stimulated connection marketing of certain products is being introduced.
P9 – Budget for marketing activities
The funds for marketing activities for certain products are mainly private and distinguish greatly according to the interest and knowledge of a single tourism offerer. The pbulic funds are mainly oriented towards destiantion recognition.
P10 – Sustainable approach and social
responsibility
There is no document in the destination that would steer sustainable activities of tourims workers. In 2011 the Strategy of sustainable development of the tourist destination was prepared, but it was not accepted on the municipality level and is not obligatory for the offerers.
Table 14: Marketing Mix Activities of Solčavsko
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Vulkanland
P1 - Product Natural attractions, Culinary art, Handicraft, Vitality
P2 – Price
High quality products that are worth their price. SMEs are supported in their decision for quality instead of quantity through educational workshops and know-how transfer. Inhabitants and tourists need to understand the value of qualitative products and services. The Vulkanland promotes the value of fewer purchases, but higher quality and regional origin.
P3 – Place Directly at farms and production sites, websites mainly in German language, direct bookings at the attraction sites.
P4 - Promotion Websites and newsletters of individual attractionsm, articles in magazines and newspapers.
P5 - People
SMEs attracting tourists, Main target group: empty nesters, 45+ Main target area: Vienna Taxi companies Employees TIC
P6 - Processing Vulkanland initiatives for biological certifications, usage of available resources, holistic health, sustainable development, development of value systems for certification as Vulkanland SME, soil charta.
P7 – Physical evidences
Referencing importance of volcanic soil in product and service descriptions, hilly landscape reflects the volcanic past of the region and makes it easier for tourists to imagine the former eruptions.
P8 – Partners network
Active fostering of creation of cooperation networks (e.g. accomodation Vulkanlandurlaub, carpenter Vulkanland Tischler, ham Vulcano, gardens Lebensgärten, wineries Winzer Vulkanland…)
P9 – Budget for marketing activities
The cooperation networks try to earn financial support through projects. The co-financiation is done by the SMEs themselves. The Vulkanland supports the networks through project management.
P10 – Sustainable approach and social
responsibility
The Vulkanland developed chartas regarding the sustainable development and usage of available resources, e.g. soil charta, forest charta, home made delicacies, building culture, energy vision 2025, etc.
Table 15: Marketing Mix Activities of Vulkanland
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A2.1.2 DEMAND ANALYSIS (needs and expectations of seniors 55+) (Annex 21- 24)
A2.1.2.1 Analysis of demand in EDEN destination
A2.1.2.1.a Analysis of daily visitors and tourist arrivals and overnights in pilot EDEN
destination in the years 2013-2015
The indicators:
target markets,
target groups (after age, kind of groups),
season of arrival,
residence time at EDEN destination,
leisure activities,
daily expenditure etc.
Because the results are very different, we are presenting them in separate tables for each EDEN
destination.
Northern Velebit National Park
Daily visitors Northern Velebit National Park
2013 2014 2015
Number of daily visitors 15777 14360 16471
Target markets All all all
Target groups Organised groups 28% 30% 33%
Individuals 72% 70% 67%
Season of arrival
High season 86% 77% 76%
Low season 14% 23% 24%
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination 8h 8h 8h
Leisure and other activities
hiking
trekking
cycling
mountaineering
Daily expenditure in EUR 30 30 30
Table 16: Daily Visitors in Northern Velebit National Park
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Tourist arrivals and overnights Northern Velebit National Park
2013 2014 2015
Number of tourist arrivals 3616 3754 3850
Number of overnights 6828 6321 6193
Target markets All all all
Target groups
Organised groups 8% 9% 11%
Individuals 92% 91% 89%
Season of arrival
High season 73% 71% 67%
Low season 27% 29% 33%
Residence time in days at EDEN destination 2 2 2
Leisure and other activities
hiking
trekking
cycling
mountaineering
Daily expenditure in EUR 50 50 50
Table 17: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Northern Velebit National Park
Idrija
Daily visitors Idrija
2013 2014 2015
Number of daily visitors 18110 16922 17702
Target markets Slovenia, Italy, France, England, Spain, Belgium, Netherland, Croatia Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, USA
Target groups
Organised groups
/ 60,79% 58,35%
Individuals 39,21% 41,65%
Season of arrival
High season may - september
Low season october - april
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
/ / /
Leisure and other activities
Heritage (mine, lace)
Nature (hiking, biking)
Culinary
Daily expenditure in EUR 50 50 50
Table 18: Daily Visitors in Idrija
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Tourist arrivals and overnights
Idrija 2013 2014 2015
Number of tourist arrivals 5098 4838 5972
Number of overnights 12216 12885 14525
Target markets Slovenia, Italy, France, England, Spain, Belgium, Netherland, Croatia Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, USA
Target groups Organised groups / / /
Individuals / / /
Season of arrival
High season may - september
Low season october - april
Residence time in days at EDEN destination
2,4 2,7 2,4
Leisure and other activities
Heritage (mine, lace)
Business
Nature (hiking, biking)
Culinary
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Table 19: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Idrija
Solčavsko
Daily visitors Solčavsko
2013 2014 2015
Number of daily visitors 100.000 95.000 98.000
Target markets Celje, Ljubljana, Maribor, Primorska Avstrija, Hrvaška,
Target groups Organised groups 10% 9% 9%
Individuals 90% 91% 91%
Season of arrival
High season june - september
Low season november - march
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
3 - 5 hours 3 - 5 hours 3 - 5 hours
Leisure and other activities
hiking
mountaineering
biking
sighteseeing
guided tours
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Table 20: Daily Visitors in Solčavsko
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Tourist arrivals and overnights Solčavsko
2013 2014 2015
Number of tourist arrivals 10315,2 9256,8 9752,4
Number of overnights 22738,8 20787,6 22062
Target markets Germany, Austria, Benelux, Croatia
Germany, Austria, Benelux, Croatia
Germany, Benelux, Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Poland), Croatia
Target groups
Organised groups
/ / /
Individuals / / /
Season of arrival
High season july - august
Low season november - march
Residence time in days at EDEN destination
2,2 days 2,25 days 2,26 days
Leisure and other activities
hiking
mountaineering
biking
sighteseeing
guided tours
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Table 21: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Solčavsko
River Kolpa
Daily visitors River Kolpa
2013 2014 2015
Number of daily visitors / / /
Target markets Slovenija (Dolenjska, Štajerska, Promorska Ljubljana, Notranjska…), transit tourists (Avstrija, Nemčija, Nizozemska…), Hrvaška
Target groups
Organised groups
/ / /
Individuals / / /
Season of arrival
High season july, august
Low season other months
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
/ / /
Leisure and other activities / / /
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Table 22: Daily Visitors in River Kolpa
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Tourist arrivals and overnights River Kolpa
2013 2014 2015
Number of tourist arrivals / / /
Number of overnights / / /
Target markets Slovenija (Štajerska, Promorska Ljubljana, Notranjska…), transit tourists (Avstrija, Nemčija, Nizozemska, Belgija…)
Target groups
Organised groups
10% 10% 10%
Individuals 90% 90% 90%
Season of arrival
High season july, august
Low season other months
Residence time in days at EDEN destination
/ / /
Leisure and other activities leisure
bussines
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Table 23: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in River Kolpa
Vulkanland
Daily visitors Vulkanland
2013 2014 2015
Number of daily visitors
Despite intense research (Steiermark Tourismus, Land Steiermark, Thermenland tourism board etc) no statistic facts&figures on daily visitors available.
Target markets
Target groups Organised groups
Individuals
Season of arrival
High season
Low season
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
Leisure and other activities
Daily expenditure in EUR
Table 24: Daily Visitors in Vulkanland
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Tourist arrivals and overnights Vulkanland
2013 2014 2015
Number of tourist arrivals 252.458 258.589 274.433
Number of overnights 1.094.176 1.098.168 1.091.919
Target markets
AT 91,5%, DE 4%, CH 0,9%, IT 0,8%, NL 0,5%, HU 0,5%, RU 0,5% Rest 1,3%
AT 91,5%, DE 4%, CH 0,9%, IT 0,8%, NL 0,5%, HU 0,5%, RU 0,5% Rest 1,3%
AT 92%, DE 4%, CH 0,9%, IT 0,8%, NL 0,5%, HU 0,5%, Rest 1,3%
Target groups Organised groups / / /
Individuals / / /
Season of arrival
High season May - October
Low season December - February
Residence time in days at EDEN destination
4,3 4,3 3,9
Leisure and other activities
Cure/ medical recreational holiday
Business travel
Group exkursions with guided program
Wellness/Spa
Culinary and active individual tourism
Daily expenditure in EUR 135 137 138
Table 25: Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Vulkanland
A2.1.2.1.b Analysis of senior daily visitors in EDEN destination in the years 2013-2015
In-depth indicators:
target markets,
niche target groups,
season of arrival,
residence time in hours at EDEN destination,
leisure activities,
expenditure in EUR,
behaviour expectations etc.
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Northern Velebit National Park
Senior daily visitors 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior daily visitors 7070 7820 8842
Target markets / / /
Niche target groups all all all
Season of arrival
High season 86% 78% 78%
Low season 14% 22% 22%
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
7h 7h 7h
Leisure and other activities
hiking
trekking
cycling
mountaineering
Daily expenditure in EUR 35 35 35
Behaviour – expectations of seniors mostly food mostly food mostly food
Table 26: Senior Daily Visitors in Northern Velebit National Park
Idrija
Senior daily visitors 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior daily visitors
6,7 6,1 6,3
Target markets Slovenia, Italy, France, England, Spain, Belgium, Netherland, Croatia Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, USA
Niche target groups Women, cuples
Season of arrival
High season may - september
Low season october - april
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
/ / /
Leisure and other activities
Heritage (mine, lace)
Culinary
Nature (hiking, biking)
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Behaviour – expectations of seniors Quality and diverse offer, quality stuff for a reduced price,
Table 27: Senior Daily Visitors in Idrija
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Solčavsko
Senior daily visitors 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior daily visitors / / /
Target markets Slovenija, Croatia
Niche target groups Senior association
Season of arrival
High season june - september
Low season november - march
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
3 - 5 hours 3 - 5 hours 3 - 5 hours
Leisure and other activities
Sighteseeing
guided tours
Hiking
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Behaviour – expectations of seniors
/ / /
Table 28: Senior Daily Visitors in Solčavsko
River Kolpa
Senior daily visitors 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior daily visitors / / /
Target markets / / /
Niche target groups / / /
Season of arrival
High season / / /
Low season / / /
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination / / /
Leisure and other activities / / /
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Behaviour – expectations of seniors / / /
Table 29: Senior Daily Visitors in River Kolpa
Vulkanland
Senior daily visitors 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior daily visitors
no statistic facts&figures on senior tourists available
Target markets
Niche target groups
Season of arrival
High season
Low season
Residence time in hours at EDEN destination
Leisure and other activities
Daily expenditure in EUR
Behaviour – expectations of seniors
Table 30: Senior Daily Visitors in Vulkanland
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A2.1.2.1.c Analysis of senior tourist arrivals and overnights in EDEN destination in the
years 2013-2015
In-depth indicators:
target markets,
niche target groups,
season of arrival,
residence time at EDEN destination,
leisure activities,
daily expenditure in EUR,
behaviour travel mode, expectations etc.
Northern Velebit National Park
Senior tourist arrivals and overnights 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior arrivals 3416 3553 3650
Number of senior overnights 6408 5925 5902
Target markets / / /
Niche target groups all all all
Season of arrival
High season 78% 76% 72%
Low season 22% 24% 28%
Residence time in days at EDEN destination 2 2 2
Leisure and other activities
hiking hiking hiking
trekking trekking trekking
cycling cycling cycling
mountaineering mountaineering mountaineering
Daily expenditure in EUR 50 50 50
Behaviour – expectations of seniors accommodation and food
Table 31: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Northern Velebit National Park
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Idrija
Senior tourist arrivals and overnights 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior arrivals / / /
Number of senior overnights / / /
Target markets Slovenia, Italy, France, England, Spain, Belgium, Netherland, Croatia Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, USA
Niche target groups Women, cuples
Season of arrival
High season may – september
Low season october – april
Residence time in days at EDEN destination
/ / /
Leisure and other activities
Heritage (mine, lace)
Culinary
Nature (hiking, biking)
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Behaviour – expectations of seniors / / /
Table 32: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Idrija
Solčavsko
Senior tourist arrivals and overnights 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior arrivals / / /
Number of senior overnights / / /
Target markets Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia
Niche target groups associations, individuals and couples
Season of arrival
High season july - august
Low season november - march
Residence time in days at EDEN destination 2,2 days 2,25 days 2,26 days
Leisure and other activities
hiking
sighteseeing
guided tours
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Behaviour – expectations of seniors / / /
Table 33: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Solčavsko
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River Kolpa
Senior tourist arrivals and overnights 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior arrivals / / /
Number of senior overnights / / /
Target markets / / /
Niche target groups / / /
Season of arrival
High season / / /
Low season / / /
Residence time in days at EDEN destination / / /
Leisure and other activities / / /
Daily expenditure in EUR / / /
Behaviour – expectations of seniors / / /
Table 34: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in River Kolpa
Vulkanland
Senior tourist arrivals and overnights 2013 2014 2015
Number of senior arrivals
no statistic facts&figures on senior tourists available
Number of senior overnights
Target markets
Niche target groups
Season of arrival
High season
Low season
Residence time in days at EDEN destination
Leisure and other activities
Daily expenditure in EUR
Behaviour – expectations of seniors
Table 35: Senior Tourist Arrivals and Overnights in Vulkanland
A2.1.2.2 Demand analysis of seniors in four EDEN destinations (Annex 10 – 12, 25)
A2.1.2.2.a Trends of target group seniors 55+
Identification Cards for Senior Organizations
In chapter A2.1b the analysis of senior organizations identification cards is presented.
Results from Questionnaires
440 seniors from Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia participated in this survey. The most strongly
represented is Slovenia with 31.3%. From all seniors, 56.1% are female and the majority (45.3%) is
aged between 60 and 70 years. More than half (63.0%) of the seniors asked live with their partners
and on the other hand, only 0.7% live in a care home. The personal monthly income is by the
majority (29.1%) between 500 and 800 EUR. The highest number of Italian seniors has the personal
monthly income between 1,000 and 1,500 EUR, Austrian seniors between 800 and 1,000 EUR and
Slovenian and Croatian seniors between 500 and 800 EUR. So it can be said that there are differences
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between seniors living in different countries. On average, they are going on a daily trip more than
three times per year (37.2%) and once per year on a several days trip (43.3%). Croatian seniors travel
for one day trip two times per year, all other more than three times per year. This could be linked to
their average personal monthly income. On the other hand, on average, Austrian seniors go on a
several days trip two times per year, whereas all other nationalities go once per year. Those having
the personal monthly income under 500 € travel in average once per year, those between 500 and
800 EUR two times per year and those having the personal monthly income more than 800 EUR more
than three times per year. The results for several days trip are similar - the frequency of the trip is
higher with higher personal monthly income. For the majority (43.8%), the main trip organizer is the
travel agency and sometimes they also organize their trip alone. 91.9% go on a daily trip for the
whole day and the several days trip lasts in average (35.7%) more than five days, followed by three
days trips (24.0%). For the daily trips the groups usually (28.8%) contain up to 50 persons and on the
other hand the several days trips usually (34.6%) have up to 10 persons. They were asked about the
destination they travel to and the majority stays in their domestic country for a daily trip and for a
several days trip they go to Croatia (29%) and Italy (20%).
We wanted to know what affects the seniors most, while making decisions about the trip. For both,
daily trips and several days trips the most important are the destination and how interesting the
program is. According to the nationality, for both, daily and several days trips, destination is the most
important for Croatian and Italian seniors and interesting program for Austrian and Slovenian
seniors. Almost all trips for seniors do include transport, museums, galleries, nature and meal. The
most attractive for them are three star hotels and neither low nor high quality restaurants. There are
some differences between nationalities and according to the personal monthly income. In average
Austrian seniors sleep in four stars hotels and Croatian seniors in two stars hotels. Croatians do also
prefer inn’s over restaurants. Those seniors having personal monthly income under 500 EUR usually
eat in an inn and those with personal monthly income over 500 EUR in a restaurant. With increasing
personal monthly income also the preferred quality is getting higher.
In order to prepare good packages for seniors, we needed to know what are they willing to do and
what not. We found out that the duration of willingness to walk and cycle is decreasing with age. In
majority, Croatian seniors are willing to cycle up to half an hour, Italian half an hour to one hour and
Slovenian and Austrian seniors one to two hours. They would likely attend “handcraft” and “herbs
and edible plants” workshops. Male population would like to participate in “handcraft” and “wine
/spirits” workshops, while the female population would most likely attend culinary workshops. Only
Slovenian seniors prefer culinary workshops over handcraft workshops. Under “other” they wrote
basket weaving, felting, recreation, painting, hygiene, jerseys, crochet, culture, yoga, health,
dancing/movement, music, sport. If we take a look at degustation, they would likely attend
traditional dishes and desserts degustation, as well as cheese degustation. Only Slovenian seniors
prefer dried meat products and cheese degustation over traditional dishes and desserts. The most
important for seniors is the quality of guided tours, as well as the transportation to the destination.
For Austrian seniors, the quality of accommodation is also of great importance, whereas for the
Croatians this is the quality of the catering services. The prices of daily and several days trips are
important for the majority of the seniors. For Austrian seniors, the prices are neither important, nor
unimportant, for Croatian seniors very important and for Italian and Slovenian seniors important.
This could be linked with personal monthly income of seniors. The importance of the several days
trips prices is decreasing with the increasing amount of the personal monthly income. Half (50.2%) of
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the seniors asked are prepared to pay up to 50 EUR for a daily trip and 42.1% up to 100 EUR. Croatian
seniors are in majority prepared to pay up to 50 EUR and on the other hand Austrian seniors up to
100 EUR. For a two days trip, 33.2% are prepared to pay up to 100 EUR, followed by 27.6% who are
prepared to pay up to 200 EUR and 25.1% who are prepared to pay up to 150 EUR. In majority
Croatian seniors are prepared to pay up to 100 EUR for two days trip, Italian and Slovenian up to 150.
For a three days trip 35.9% are prepared to pay up to 300 EUR and 22.9% up to 200 EUR. The lowest
preparedness is by Croatian seniors – up to 150 EUR. The higher is the personal monthly income, the
more money seniors are prepared to give for all three durations of trips. What is the most important
type of promotion for seniors? It is the mouth to mouth propaganda, followed by printed media and
websites. For Austrian seniors the promotion in the newspaper for seniors is really important. The
local added value is important (39.1%) for the majority and for Croatian seniors it is very important.
A2.1.2.2.b Trends specific to the selected target groups – women and couples 55+
(questionnaire for seniors - needs and expectations, travel mode (in pairs, groups, individual),
organization of trip, season of trip, type of accommodation, type of catering offers, the interests of
certain activities, residence time, consumption per day and for individual offer elements etc.)
Women 55+
workshops (felting, culinary, wood, music,
dancing, slow flowers, life gardens),
ethno-animation program,
guided tours in nature (hiking) with
sensual animation,
natural and cultural heritage visitation
(experiences in nature),
short wellness experience, yoga,
meditation, aromatherapy,
visit of cultural interesting points and
exhibitions,
tastings of food by farms (panorama road
visitation) and producers,
more free time,
a mandatory inclusion of a photographer,
responsible for making unique moments
last forever,
…
Couples 55+
guided tours in nature (hiking) with
sensual animation,
natural and cultural heritage visitation,
ethno-animation programs,
cultural events visitation,
thematic road visitation with degustations
of local products on farms and by
producers – presentation of production,
culinary evenings, workshops and vine
tasting,
visiting the organic farm - presentation of
new farming,
cultural program: music, dance, local
theatre, plays…,
more additional workshops (wood,
making baskets, music, dancing…),
more free time,
wellness and suitable mobility included in
the program,
…
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A2.1.3 ANALYSIS OF TOURISM RELATED SMEs IN PILOT EDEN
DESTINATIONS (Annex 26)
A2.1.3.1 Analysis of SMEs in pilot EDEN destination
63 representatives of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) participated in this survey, 41.3%
from Austria, 34.9% from Slovenia and 23.8% from Croatia. More than half of them (54.1%) had
completed vocational school. The highest percentage of them offers an accommodation. Results
showed that Slovenian representatives are the strongest in accommodation and catering activities,
while Austrian representatives’ focuses a greater deal on tourist activities and manufacturing. The
majority (54%) of SMEs have up to three employees and are located either in small towns with less
than 50,000 people (34.9%) or in small villages with population of less than 500 people (33.3%). We
wanted to know which target group is the most important for the participating SMEs. The survey
showed us that these are families, followed by groups. Families seem to be of great importance for
accommodation and catering services, as opposed to tourist activities and other service/product
groups. SME’s were asked to mark the factors, which they believe attract visitors to visit them. The
highest ranked were kindness, hospitality and professionality. 27.9% of SMEs offer tastings and
26.2% workshops. Austrian SMEs offer the highest percentage of degustation (38.5%) and workshops
(46.2%). Slovenian, and especially Croatian SMEs, could learn from Austrian SMEs and include
tastings and/or workshops in their offer. SMEs with a manufacturing process offer the highest
percentage of both degustation (60%) and workshops (35%). One of the goals of this project is to
establish networks of SMEs, so we wanted to know, if they are already a part of any network.
At first we took a look at SMEs who offer accommodation services. 38.5% of them have up to ten
rooms and only 3.8% have more than 30 rooms. This means that 34.6% dispose with up to 30 beds.
50% of Austrian SMEs who provide accommodation have up to 30 rooms. On the other hand, most
Croatian SMEs (37.5%) offering accommodation disposes with up to 5 rooms. Slovenian SMEs have
up to 10 rooms (66.7%). The average price for an overnight stay with breakfast is between 20 and 40
EUR. Half of Austrian SMEs that took part in this survey offer overnight stay with breakfast at
between 40 and 50 EUR per person. On the other hand, 75.5% of Croatian SMEs’ price is up to 20
EUR and Slovenian SMEs’ price ranges from 20 to 40 EUR (58.3%). This also shows the difference
between the countries and their incomes and life standards. Breakfast is offered by the highest
percentage, namely 34.9% of all SMEs taking part in this survey. Visitors in most cases (65.4%) stay in
the accommodation facility for two nights, so according to these results the best tourist offer would
be a three days package. Among all SMEs, which offer catering services, 34.5% are restaurants. The
majority (44.8%) can serve up to 60 guests, followed by those 24.1% that can cater for more than 80
guests. All restaurants and inns have the space for at least 60 people. On the other hand, tourist
farms, wineries and coffee shops all have the space for 60 people at most. The average price for
breakfast is between 5 and 8 EUR, for lunch between 10 and 15 EUR and for dinner up to 15 EUR.
There are differences among the nationalities and types of catering facilities. 42.4% of SMEs
participating offer cultural activities, followed by 33.3% who offer physical activity. Most Austrian
SMEs offer physical activities, Croatian SMEs both physical and cultural activities and Slovenian SMEs
mostly offer cultural activities. Visitors usually stay with SMEs either (24.2%) up to two hours or up to
five hours. The average price for the activities is up to 5 EUR (30.8%). The cheapest activities are
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physical activities, which cost on average up to 5 EUR, followed by cultural activities for up to 10 EUR.
Most SMEs who offer culinary activities charge between 15 and 20 EUR for them. The most
expensive is event management that costs from 15 EUR onwards. 32.1% of the SMEs can accept
more than 50 people per activity. From all the SMEs representatives who have a manufacturing
process, 73.3% of them show their manufacturing process to visitors. In enterprises with
manufacturing process people do stay for up to two hours (50%). The same percentage of SMEs
(24.1%) can accept up to 20 visitors and more than 50 visitors per degustation/workshop.
Last few questions were dedicated to the senior visitors. They do return for a day trip once per year
in majority of cases (35.6%) or they do not return in the same year (32.2%). 44.4% of the seniors that
travel for several days return once per year. 36.7% of SME said that usually senior groups are
organised by an individual organizer. The average size of a day-trip visitor group is up to 10 people
(31.7%), followed by up to 20 people (21.7%). The average size of a several-days visitor group is also
up to 10 people (43.9%), followed by groups of up to 20 (29.3%) and up to 30 people (19.5%). The
SMEs believe that the majority of their visitors would attend handcraft workshops (2.96), followed by
culinary workshops (3.74). If we take a look at the degustation, SMEs believe that the majority of
their visitors would attend dried meat products degustation (4.2), followed by wine degustation
(4.4), spirits degustation (5.38) and cheese degustation (5.56). In their opinion the most important
for seniors is the quality of experience, followed by quality of catering, guided tours and
accommodation. The most important type of promotion was found to be, according to the SME
representatives, mouth to mouth publicity (1.82). The least important type of promotion for target
group 55+ seem to be fairs (5.78), followed by posters (5.75) and social media (5.53). Croatian SMEs
find promotion on websites and social media more important than Austrian and Slovenian
representatives.
44.3% of SMEs that took part in this survey have their facilities adjusted for people with disabilities.
The facilities are adjusted for motorically disabled people, for hearing and visually impaired people,
as well as mentally disabled individuals. Most SMEs’ facilities are adjusted to motorically disabled
people. SMEs with a manufacturing process have the highest percentage of adjustments for people
with disabilities. In the SMEs’ opinion, the local added value of products is very important (77.0%) to
their senior visitors. Slovenian SMEs regard it as the most important.
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A2.1.4 ANALYSIS OF INCOMING TRAVEL AGENCIES (ITAs) AND
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (TICs) ON EXISTING OFFER OF
PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS PRODUCTS FOR SENIORS (Annex 27)
A2.1.4.1 Analysis of ITAs and TICs in pilot EDEN destination
21 incoming tourist agencies/tourist information centres (ITA/TIC) participated in this study, 7
incoming tourist agencies, 9 tourism information centres and 5 agencies for adrenalin sports. More
than half of them (52.4%) are located in Slovenia, 28.6% in Croatia and 19.0% in Austria. A little less
than half of them (47.6%) are located in EDEN destinations. The majority are small agencies with up
to 3 employees. The most popular season in EDEN destinations is summer. In Slovenia, spring is also
an important time of the year for tourists and in Austria, this would be autumn. There is the high
percentage of domestic tourists in EDEN destinations (66.7%). ITA/TICs in Austria claim that they
have only domestic tourists, Slovenian have more domestic than international tourists and Croatian
more international than domestic tourists. ITA/TICs who are located in EDEN destinations have more
domestic tourists and those being located outside the EDEN destinations have more international
tourists. The most important for ITA/TICs are the Germans, followed by Austrians and Slovenians.
According to the types of tourists, the most common are families and the least common are
individuals. Usually they travel in their own organisation to the EDEN destinations (81.0%) and the
trips are booked by tourist agencies (47.6%) or individual organisers (42.9%).
ITA/TICs were asked why do visitors come to their region and the majority said it is because of the
kindness and hospitality of the local people and providers, as well as their professionallity and
distinct offer in the several days experiences. The most attractive for the tourists are qualitatively
regulated recreational trails with beautiful views and special experiences. In Croatian EDEN
destinations the most attractive features are qualitatively regulated recreational trails, in Austrian
the vast offer of production, products or services with local added value, as well as well-arranged
thematic and other educational paths and in Slovenian the special experiences. What are the tasks of
ITA/TICs? The most frequent answer was “forwarding information to trip organizers and tourist
agencies that bring the tourist groups to the destination” and the “Organization of a guiding service
and the provision of guides”. The majority of ITA/TICs answering this questionnaire are selling tourist
programs. The smaller percentage is selling also tourist services like tickets. ITA/TIC representatives
think that similar providers at their EDEN destination do need some encouragement in order to start
building a network. In Austria all providers within similar industry are part of a network and the
ITA/TICs said that in most cases, this happens based on their own initiative. In Croatia and Slovenia
the providers need an encouragement to do so. 41.2% said that there are up to 500 beds in their
EDEN destination and 23.5% that there are up to 2000 beds. The average price per person for bed
and breakfast in EDEN destinations in three stars accommodations is between 30.00 (33.3%) and
50.00 € (28.6%). All ITA/TICs from Austria said, that the average price per person for bed and
breakfast is up to 50.00 € On the other hand, none of Croatian ITA/TICs chose the amount over 30.00
€. The difference between countries and their economic situations can be seen in these results. If we
take a look at prices for half board in three star accommodations, the prices are in average up to
40.00 €. In accommodations with higher level of quality, four star accommodations, the average
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price per person for bed and breakfast is between 50.00 € (27.4%) and 60.00 € (36.4%) and for half
board between 70.00 (36.4%) and 90.00 € (27.3%). The average price for lunch and as well as dinner
in EDEN destinations is up to 15.00 € (63.2%). 45,0% of ITA/TIC representatives said that the average
price per person for a guided tour in nature at the EDEN destinations is more than 45,00 € and 20,0%
that it is up to 15,00 €. Surprisingly all six Croatian representatives said that guided tours in nature at
the EDEN destination cost more than 30.00 €. On the other hand, none of Austrian representatives
chose the price over 20.00 €. By drawing up a tourist offer, the majority collaborates with hotels,
tourist farms, restaurants and inns. The majority of ITAs representatives asked do usually collaborate
with providers of cultural experiences, workshops, degustation and local customs - ethno animation.
Representatives of TICs usually collaborate with hotels, tourist farms and providers of experiences in
nature when drawing up a tourist offer. In ITA/TICs in EDEN destinations the highest demand is in
giving information (2.95) and accommodation reservations (4.43). In addition to the latest, the
highest demand in ITAs is on guided tours at the destinations as well as guided tours in nature, in
TICs giving information and selling souvenirs, and in others also giving information and tourist
guidance at the destination. All three countries listed giving information and reservation of
accommodation among the top three services. In Austria they also organize culinary activities, in
Slovenia they sell a lot of souvenirs and in Croatia they organize guided tours at destinations. Tourists
do usually stay in EDEN destinations according to ITA/TICs representatives up to seven hours for a
daily trip (47.6%) and up to three overnight stays (40.00 %) for several days’ trips. The groups that
travel in EDEN destination usually contain between 30 and 50 people. The importance of the senior
target tourist group in EDEN destinations is up to 30%. In Austrian EDEN destinations the importance
of the senior target tourist group is the highest with up to 50%. Do senior visitors return to the EDEN
destinations for a day trip or a several days trip in the same year? The results say that they do not
(daily trip – 50%, several days trip -75%).
ITA/TIC representatives have also been asked to answer questions about what kind of degustation or
workshops seniors would likely attend. In their opinion they would most likely attend handcraft,
wine/spirits and culinary workshops, as well as workshops on dried meat products and cheese
degustation. The most important for senior tourist is the quality of catering services, followed by the
quality of guided tours and experiences. When it comes to the types of promotion, they also think
that mouth to mouth propaganda is the most important and that the websites are on the second
place. 38.1% of ITA/TIC facilities are adjusted for people with disabilities. They have lifts and paths for
people with motoric disabilities. All ITA/TIC facilities, which are located in Austria, are adjusted for
people with disabilities. The offer in EDEN destinations is adjusted for people with physical
disabilities and those with intolerances, allergies and similar medical conditions.
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A2.1.5 WORKSHOP FOR PROJECT PARTNERS (to learn good practices
of other EDEN destinations – BENCHMARK ANALYSIS)
A2.1.5.1 Workshop – benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations
Workshop for project partners took place on May 20th 2016 in Solčavsko. Participating EDEN
destinations were presented, as well as some other EDEN destinations as examples of good practice.
All of the participating partners introduced themselves and presented their work. The programs for
both study tours, in Solčavsko and Vulkanland were presented and discussed. Example of
questionnaires for seniors, SMEs and ITA/TIC was made before the workshop and than discussed
with partners. Participants could also experience a part of the program for tourists.
A2.1.5.1.a Agenda for Workshop - Benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations
Time Contents
9.00 – 9.30 Welcome reception of participants and local traditional breakfast
9.30 – 10.00 Solčavsko - In the Lap of the Alps (the exhibition and film)
10.00 – 11.05 Introduction in EDEN destination benchmark analysis and presentation of pilot EDEN destinations (Solčavsko, Vulkanland, Idrija, Sjeverni Velebit, Kolpa) (every destination has 10 minutes for presentation – see template and EDEN destination identification card) Presentation of other partners (Agencija M, AUSER, ProVital)
11.05 – 11.20 Coffee break
11.20 – 12.10 Presentation of the EDEN Network and good practices in some other EDEN destinations in Europe Summary and discussion
12.10 – 12.50 Introduction in: - SMEs program – Solčavsko and Vulkanland, - Questionnaires for seniors, SMEs and ITA/TICs;
12.50 – 14.30 Lunch – local traditional specialities
14.30 – 16.00 Field presentation of Storytelling guided walk and ethno animation in the EDEN destination Solčavsko
16.00 – 17.30 Field presentation of Solčava Panoramic Road – study tour through the local story and developing project
17.30 Conclusion of the program and departure
Table 36: Agenda for Workshop in Solčavsko
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A2.1.5.1.b Presentation of Benchmark analysis of EDEN destinations (Annex 28 – 34)
Several examples of good practices in EDEN destinations were presented. Those EDEN destinations
were:
Bohinj, Slovenia
Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park, Austria
Idrija, Slovenia
Kolpa River, Slovenia
Northern Velebit National Park, Croatia
Solčavsko, Slovenia
Steirisches Vulkanland, Austria
Wild Taiga, Finland
A2.1.5.1.3 Report of Workshop for project partners - Benchmark analysis of EDEN
destinations (Annex 35)
The workshop was successfully implemented and the basis for future work was set. The whole report
is in the annex (Annex 35).
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A2.1.6 TOURISM RELATED SMEs STUDY TOURS (develop, implement
and evaluate 2 SMEs study tours – 1 - Solčavsko, 2 - Vulkanland)
A2.1.6.1 Develop the model and two programs for study tours in Solčavsko
and Vulkanland
A2.1.6.1.a Develop the model for SMEs study tours (Annex 36 - 37)
A short template (model) was designed, which serves as a foundation for developing and managing a
study tour and containes all the data needed to prepare the programme for it. The organizers in
Solčavsko and Vulkanland got this template and they needed to fill out all the missing data. When the
table was filled out, they had all the information needed to implement a good study tour.
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Date:
Destination:
Target group:
Number of participants:
Number of participants at each EDEN destination:
Nr. of persons
EDEN destination, Nr. of SMEs:
EDEN destination, Nr. of SMEs:
EDEN destination, Nr. of SMEs:
- Names of representatives - -
- - -
Organizer:
Coordinator:
Tour guide:
Local tour guide:
Bus carrier:
Included providers:
1. day 2. day Providers Providers
In the reflection by creating the content and selection of SMEs: - EDEN concept – small groups, in-depth experience, local added value etc. - Philosophy of EDEN destination, - Target group – women from Italy – culinary, workshops (filc, hruševi
dumplings), degustation (milk and meat products), culture (etno animation), nature (experience guiding), wellness/selfness
- All SMEs data (Why this SME?)
Solčavsko study tour programm for representatives of SMEs:
1. day: Activities
2. day: Activities
Available financial resources:
Total available financial resources:
The implementing costs: Total costs:
Travel costs:
Guiding:
Insurance:
Local guiding, accommodations, meals, entrance fees:
1. day: 2. day:
Table 37: Template for SMEs study tour
A2.1.6.1.b Develop the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko (Annex 38)
The first study tour for SME representatives took place on 5th and 6th of September 2016 in
Solčavsko, Slovenia.
Agencija M was together with Marko Slapnik in charge for the program and the execution. The
program for both days is presented below.
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Monday, 5th of September 2016
7.15 Departure from Restaurant nad Motel Pri Lešniku, Dupleška cesta 49, 2000 Maribor
8.30 Departure from Mozirski gaj, Hribernikova ulica 1, 3330 Mozirje
9.30
Arrival at Solčava, Center Rinka multipurpose centre for sustainable development of Solčavsko
Welcome drink and degustation of local culinary
Presentation of the region Solčavsko – Harmony of three valleys short film and permanent exhibition “ Solčavsko – a walk into the lap of Alps” (www.solcavsko.info)
11.30 Experience guided walk through the Landscape park Logarska dolina (www.logarska-dolina.si)
14.00 Lunch with local dishes in Logarska dolina
15.30 Special views from the Solčava Panoramic Road the route with the most beautiful views (www.solcavska-panoramska-cesta.si)
18.00 Accommodation at the tourist farm, relaxing time
20.00 Dinner with local cusine and ethno evening interactive performance
Tuesday, 6th of September 2016
8.00 Traditional breakfast and fresh morning walk
9.00 Felt making – workshop with wool of local jezersko-solčava sheep breed
10.00 Culinary workshop for making local specialities pear dumplings
11.00 Storytelling guided walk and ethno animation
13.30 Lunch with local specialities in the Landscape park Robanov kot
15.45 Evaluation and discussion
16.30 End of program and departure
Table 38: Program for Study Tour in Solčavsko
A2.1.6.1.c Develop the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland (Annex 39)
The second study tour for SME representatives took place on 8th and 9th of November 2016 in
Vulkanland, Austria.
Spirit of Regions was in charge for the program and the execution. The program for both days is
presented below.
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Thuesday, 8th of November 2016
9.00
Arrival in Feldbach
Power-Breakfast with regional products, produced around Feldbach
Mr. Josef Ober, chairman of the LEADER region Steirisches Vulkanland and mayor of Feldbach gives lecture about rural development, strategy and philosophy of the innovative region, EDEN-Destination (at Tabor-Feldbach – www.vulkanland.at; www.tabor-feldbach.at)
13.00 Styrian lunch at a typical restaurant Gasthof Hödl-Kaplan and check-in at Hotel Hödl-Kaplan and Hotel Pfeilers
15.00 Departure to Schloss Kornberg for a visit of a popular advent exhibition with handmade works of art at the castle (www.schlosskornberg.at)
16.00 Roman Schmidt talks about the importance of using the correct language for the valorisation of the region example Lava Bräu (www.lavabraeu.at)
17.15 Guided tour and tasting at Vulcano ham manufactory in Auersbach (www.vulcano.at)
18.30 Regional Culture program wine tasting and blues concert in the wine cellar at Herrenhof Lamprecht (www.jazzliebe.at)
Wednesday, 9th of November 2016
9.00 Guided tour and tasting at Zotter chocolate theatre near Riegersburg (www.zotter.at)
Visit of a small organic farm of Wilma and Karl Kaufmann “Raabauer Eisvogel” (www.raabauer-eisvogel.at)
Visit of a flower farm and making flower arrangements “vom Hügel” by Margit de Colle (www.lebensgaerten.at)
17.00 Typical Styrian hearty snack at Buschenschank Ehrenhöfer discussion round
19.00 Departure
Table 39: Program for Study Tour in Vulkanland
A2.1.6.2 Prepare the evaluation questionnaires for study tours in Solčavsko
and Vulkanland
A2.1.6.2.a Design the questionnaire for Evaluation group to evaluate the implemented
program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko and Vulkanland (Annex 40 - 41)
According to the program, the questionnaire for evaluation group was designed, in order to observe
and mark the behaviour of guests and providers in Solčavsko and Vulkanland. First the questionnaire
for study tour on Solčavsko was made and than this one was adjusted for the study tour in
Vulkanland.
A2.1.6.2.b Design the questionnaire for representatives of participated SMEs to evaluate
the implemented program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko and Vulkanland (Annex 42 - 43)
The questionnaire for the representatives of SMEs on those two study tours was also designed
according to the program. Some questions were the same or similar to those for evaluation group,
but the majority was focusing on their experience, perceptions and expectations. First the
questionnaire for study tour on Solčavsko was made and than this one was adjusted for the study
tour in Vulkanland. Additionally we made a questionnaire also for the providers (SMEs who hosted
us), in order to get their feedback and opinion about the project and program.
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A2.1.6.3 Implement the programs for study tours in Solčavsko and
Vulkanland
A2.1.6.3.a Implement the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko (Annex 44)
Study tour for representatives of participating SMEs in Solčavsko took place on 5th and 6th of
September 2016. 28 persons took place on the study tour. 6 representatives of EDEN Destination's
SMEs in Austria, 6 from Croatia and 8 from Slovenia. The project evaluation group was represented
by Olga Pregl (Vedoma), Sanja Marija Pellis (CID), Daniela Adler Neubauer (Vulkanland), Vedran
Katalinić (NVNP), Sebastiano Truglio (Auser) and Tanja Lešnik Štuhec (ProVITAL).
A2.1.6.3.b Implement the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland (Annex 71)
Study tour for representatives of participating SMEs in Vulkanland took place on 8th and 9th of
November 2016. Also on this study tour 28 persons were present. 5 representatives of EDEN
Destination's SMEs in Croatia and 15 from Slovenia (6 from Idrija, 6 from Solčavsko and 3 from
Kolpa). The project evaluation group was represented by Olga Pregl (Vedoma), Nina Erjavec (CID),
Daniela Adler Neubauer (Vulkanland), Vedran Katalinić (NVNP), Francesca Borgna (Auser) and Tanja
Lešnik Štuhec (ProVITAL).
A2.1.6.4 Evaluate the implemented programs for study tours in Solčavsko
and Vulkanland
A2.1.6.4.a Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko by Evaluation group (Annex 45 - 46)
Evaluation group has given the highest points for quality to:
study tour program,
organization of study tour
implementation,
coordinator’s role in the study tour ar
destination,
TA’s role in the ST implementation,
tourist bus driver,
tourist guide,
choosen SME services in Solčavsko in
general,
local guide in Vulkanland,
etho-animation program in Solčavsko,
catering offer,
nature experience,
providers kindness,
local added value,
final discussion with partners.
Lovest points were given to the promotional materials.
One of the questions was what has inspired or disturbed guests in Solčavsko. In Evaluation group
opinion guests were inspired by:
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ethno-animation with shepard and his authenticity – for foreign visitors a translated summary of
the stories,
interpretation of cultural and natural heritage,
peace,
provider’s friendliness and hospitality, personal stories of the farmers,
local cuisine and products,
authenticity and homeliness,
diverse range of offer.
Under disturbtions they wrote that guests didn’t understand everything (stories in Slovenian
language and summed up in foreign language). There was too much food and they had higher
expectations from the highest graded provider.
Evaluation group think that following providers or activities should be a part of the program for
target group:
Women 55+
workshops (felting, culinary, wood, dancing, music),
Ethno-animation program,
guided hike with sensual animation,
a mandatory inclusion of a photographer, responsible for making unique moments last forever,
yoga, meditation, aromatherapy,
music and dance program,
hike to Rinka waterfall,
panorama road visitation,
more free time.
Couples 55+
guided tours,
Ethno-animation program,
culinary evenings,
culinary workshops,
wellness and suitable mobility included in the program,
music program and dance,
hike to Rinka waterfall,
guided hike with sensual animation,
panorama road visitation,
more additional workshops (wood, making baskets, music, dancing…),
more free time.
For foreign guests the Ethno-animation should be summarised in their language. There also should
be some brochures, which support and explain the Ethno-program in foreign languages. Hike to
Rinka waterfall should be deepened in the terms of consciousness - to feel the nature. Campfire in
the evening and wellness services should be added to the program. Between the attractions water
should be offered to guests, especially in summer and to older ones. A small booklet could be given
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to guests at the beginning of the program, where they could also write down their thought,
impressions, like a small diary.
A2.1.6.4.b Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko by participated SMEs (Annex 45 - 46)
Representatives of SMEs have given the highest points for quality to tourist guide and the lowest
points to the organization of study tour implementation.
Representatives of SMEs were inspired by:
humans and beautiful nature,
cooperation and hospitality of the local providers and the cooperation of the locals with
tourists and guides,
interpretation of the heritage,
typical products,
perfectly organized Ethno-animation,
authenticity of the program,
brochures on the bus and singing together in the morning.
On the other hand, they said that they didn’t have time to enjoy the area alone and they didn’t
understand the language. The provider with the highest ranking has disappointed the majority of
guests. They also didn’t like the accommodation offer. It was not authentic enought. There were to
big portions of food.
In their opinion, all parts of the study tour program are appropriate for target group 55+. Some more
time in the nature should be added, to activate the soul and to be in movement, as well as wellness
services.
A2.1.6.4. c Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Solčavsko by SME providers (Annex 45 - 46)
Representatives of SMEs have given the highest points for quality to cooperation with tourist bus
driver and tourist guide and on the other hand the lowest points for quality to study tour program.
Representatives of SMEs were inspired by:
homely food,
beautiful ambient and authentic experience of nature,
openness of local people and homeliness
ethno inserts and ethno-animation,
holistic offer,
offer and possibility to buy local products,
workshops for making pear “žlikrofi” and local wool products,
the character od the shepherd and stories from the Robanov Joža and oral tradition.
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SMEs from Solčavsko think that guests have missed tea during the culinary workshops, because it
was cold. They also think there was not enough time for all of the attractions and that there should
be more animation, especially in bad weather.
They would include further elements in each of two programs:
Women 55+
workshops (felting, culinary),
Ethno-animation program,
degustation’s and demonstrations of local handicraft,
guided tours and hikes, as well as experiential guiding tours and ethno-guiding,
nordic walking,
wellness and sauna,
cultural evening with folk songs,
a calm tempo of the program with light cuisine,
visiting exhibitions and churches,
carriage rides.
Couples 55+
Culinary afternoons or evening by different providers on separate days,
guided tours,
Ethno-animation program and guiding,
culinary workshops,
guided journey on the panoramic Solčava trail – organized transport and animation,
wellness and soft mobility included in the program,
visiting exhibitions and churches,
for men – presentation of sheep breeding and local cuisine,
for women – felting,
more additional workshops (wood, making baskets, music, dancing…),
carriage rides,
separate workshops for men and women.
A2.1.6.4.d Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland by Evaluation group (Annex 45 - 46)
Evaluation group has given the highest points for quality to:
organization of study tour implementation,
tourist bus driver,
tourist guide,
local guide in Vulkanland,
providers kindness,
local added value.
The lovest points were given to the promotional materials.
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One of the questions was what has inspired or disturbed guests in Vulkanland. In Evaluation group
opinion guests were inspired by:
providers positive thinking about their work and by their stories of success,
the philosophy and vision at Vulkanland (cooperation, networking, to see positive sides of life),
number of good practices, which could be tried out at home,
Eisvogel and Slow flowers (women),
Lava Bräu, Vulcano and Zotter (men),
the pride of providers not only for their own products but also for the region,
sharing experiences
Under disturbtions they wrote that guests were tired because of a long drive and were complaining
about the weather (it was very cold). They also said that the food portions should be smaller for
target group 55+ and there should be more warm dishes.
Evaluation group think that following providers or activities should be a part of the program for
target group:
Women 55+
natural heritage, experiences in nature,
visit of cultural interesting points,
tastings and workshops (slow flower),
visiting the castle,
Zotter factory,
visiting the organic farm,
Vulcano,
Eisvogel,
a short wellness experience,
life gardens,
Advent exhibition.
Couples 55+
guided tours and degustations (Vulcano, Zotter, Lava Bräu),
cultural event and vine tasting,
Eisvogel,
Schloss Kornberg,
natural and cultural heritage,
visiting the organic farm,
local products tasting
presentation of new production, farming,
cultural program: music, dance, local theatre, plays…
The providers in Vulkanland, as also ITA/TIC should be more prepared for the foreign tourists, who
do not speak German. It could be the opportunity for their young generation to learn foreign
languages and to be able to present their family business to foreign tourists in their language. In the
pilot testing tours, some wellness and recreational (outdoor activities) offer should be added to the
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program, as also and folklore event for the evening. Some typical Styrian village or town should be
presented, as well as the traditional “warm” food.
A2.1.6.4.e Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland by participated SMEs (Annex 47)
Representatives of SMEs have given the highest points for quality to bus driver.
Representatives of SMEs were inspired by:
chocolate Factory Zotter,
orientation of local producers to the bio production,
the importance of the vision and positive thinking for the development of Vulkanland,
kind people,
cooperation between providers – that they sell also products from other providers
(“competitors”),
landscape,
clothes and performance of local guide Gabrielle Grandl,
Vulkanland philosophy,
Presentation of Mayor Ober.
On the other hand, they were surprised that the majority of promotional material is only in German
language and that for the tour the Feldbach Centre was choosen, which has a lot of traffic.
They said that wellness services, aromatherapy, yoga and/or meditation should be added to the
program for the target group 55+. The program should have more free time or activities like
relaxation, short walks and wellness. They also suggested a slow food offer.
A2.1.6.4f Evaluate the program for SMEs study tour in Vulkanland by SME providers (Annex 47)
SMEs providers have given the highest points for quality to study tour program preparation –
communication, study tour program and cooperation – receiving information from the study tour
coordinator.
SMEs providers think that guests were inspired by:
individual designation,
philosophy of Vulkanland,
mood and emotion by the producers,
degustation of warm soup and juices,
culinary and cultural offer,
diversity of the local products,
history of the enterprises,
regionality and marketing.
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On the other hand, they think that guests were disturbed by public transport to and in the region, by
the internationalisation, no reductions for seniors, not barrier-free facilities and long distances
between providers, as well as small offer of activities in nature.
A2.1.6.5 Report on SMEs study tour in Solčavsko and in Vulkanland
SMEs study tours were implemented in September and November 2016 and each time 20 SME
representatives, 6 members of Evaluation group, guide and driver were on a tripe.
Both study tours were excellent implemented and SMEs representatives from Austria, Slovenia and
Croatia have seen examples of good practices in Solčavsko and Vulkanland. They realized a lot about
operating of similar SMEs and about marketing the SMEs offer to target groups of 55+. In Vulkanland
they noticed the importance of the vision and positive thinking for the common development of the
region Vulkanland.
The representatives of SMEs - the guests were inspired by:
Solčavsko
etno-animation with shepard and his
authenticity (for foreign visitors a
translated summary of the stories is
obligatory),
interpretation of cultural and natural
heritage,
peace,
provider’s friendliness and hospitality,
personal stories of the farmers,
local cuisine and products,
authenticity and homeliness,
diverse range of offer.
Vulkanland
providers positive thinking about their
work and by their stories of success,
the philosophy and vision at Vulkanland
(cooperation, networking, to see positive
sides of life),
number of good practices, which could be
tried out at home,
providers: Eisvogel and Slow flowers
(women); Lava Bräu, Vulcano and Zotter
(men),
the pride of providers not only for their
own products but also for the region,
sharing experiences.
The representatives of SMEs – the guests were disturbed by:
Solčavsko
understanding of etno-animation stories (stories should be implemented in Slovenian language
and summed up in foreign language),
too much food (smaller portions and better distribution of meals throughout the day),
thirst (in sunny days water should be offered between visiting atractions).
Vulkanland
a long drive to the destination;
weather (it was very cold – the program should be adapted to the wather);
too much food;
not enough warm dishes.
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In the opinion of all guests and SMEs providers, all parts of the study tour program are appropriate
for target group 55+ but EDEN destinations Solčavsko and Vulkanland should upgrade the programs
for seniors 55+ in the following areas:
translation - the Ethno-animation in Solčavsko should be summarised in guests language; the
providers in Vulkanland, as also ITA/TIC should be more prepared for the foreign tourists, who
do not speak German (brochures should be in foreign languages),
more free time in the nature for relaxation and recreational (outdoor activities – short walks)
offer should be added in both EDEN destinations,
wellness services, aromatherapy, yoga and/or meditation should be added to the program in
Solčavsko and Vulkanland,
the food portions should be smaller and there should be more warm traditional dishes in
Vulkanland, a slow food offer was suggested,
water should be offered to guests, especially in summer and to older ones,
folklore events for the evening should be added in Vulkanland and some typical Styrian village or
town should be presented.
Following providers or activities should be a part of the program for target group:
Women 55+
workshops (felting, culinary, wood, music,
dancing, slow flowers, life gardens),
ethno-animation program,
guided tours in nature (hiking) with
sensual animation,
natural and cultural heritage visitation
(experiences in nature),
short wellness experience, yoga,
meditation, aromatherapy,
visit of cultural interesting points and
exhibitions,
tastings of food by farms (panorama road
visitation) and producers,
more free time,
a mandatory inclusion of a photographer,
responsible for making unique moments
last forever,
…
Couples 55+
guided tours in nature (hiking) with
sensual animation,
natural and cultural heritage visitation,
ethno-animation programs,
cultural events visitation,
thematic road visitation with degustations
of local products on farms and by
producers – presentation of production,
culinary evenings, workshops and vine
tasting,
visiting the organic farm - presentation of
new farming,
cultural program: music, dance, local
theatre, plays…,
more additional workshops (wood,
making baskets, music, dancing…),
more free time,
wellness and suitable mobility included in
the program,
…
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A2.1.7 TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REPRESENTATIVES
OF PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS SMEs
A2.1.7.1 Develop the program and materials, agenda and evaluation
documents for training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs
Three workshops for representatives of SMEs are planed in each country (Austria, Croatia and
Slovenia). First two will be implemented in January and February 2017 and the third one in June
2017. The aim of this workshops is to inform potential partners with the project progress, to show
them the results from researches and wtudy tours, as well as teach them how to adjust their offer for
seniors 55+ or which service are suitable for this target group.
A2.1.7.1.a Develop the program and materials for training and capacity building for
representatives of SMEs (Annex 48 - 50)
Workshop coordinators from each country, project coordinator and partner ProVITAL have aligned
the ideas about the workshop and the main topics were set. Invitation was prepared in English and
each workshop coordinator had to translate it into their language. A template for the two pilot
testings for couples and women was created and made as google doc, so that all coordinators could
put in their data after discussing it with the SMEs in their country.
A2.1.7.1.b Prepare and coordinate the agenda for training and capacity building for
representatives of SMEs in all pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 51 – 52, 72 - 73)
Then main topics, which should be part of the workshops, were set. Each workshop coordinator has
prepared the agenda for their workshop in cooperation with ProVITAL. All agendas were planned
thoughtfully and with the agreed main topics. In each country important national persons were
invited to talk about the topics. Detailed agendas are in the Annexes.
A2.1.7.1.c Prepare the documents for training and capacity building for representatives of
SMEs in all pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 53 - 60)
For all workshops similar presentations are prepared to show the participants the status quo of the
project, the results of research and study tours, as well as present them their acitive participation in
the workshops. In order to encourage the participants to cooperate, worksheets and team tasks are
prepared. Through these feedbacks we will get good information for further work in the project. All
participants will sign the participant lists. In order to establish the network of SMEs, letter of intent is
composed and will be signed voluntarily by the workshops participants.
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A2.1.7.1.d Prepare the evaluation documents for training and capacity building for
representatives of SMEs in all pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 61)
The workshop will be evaluated with help of meeting evaluation document, which will be filled out
by all participants. It will give us the feedback and useful information for further work in the project.
A2.1.7.2 Implement and evaluate the training and capacity building for
representatives of SMEs in pilot EDEN destinations
A2.1.7.2.a Implement the training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs (Annex 62 – 67)
Workshops in Croatia:
13th of January 2017
24th of January 2017
26th of June 2017 Workshops in Slovenia:
18th of January 2017
31st of January 2017
21st of June 2017 Workshops in Austria:
17th of January 2017
3rd of February 2017
27th of June 2017
All workshops were implemented successfully and resulted the information and feedbacks needed
for the development of tourism packages and the model.
Figure 17: Workshop in Austria on 3rd February 2017
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Figure 18: Workshop in Krasno on 13th of January 2017
Figure 19: Workshop in Idrija on 18th of January 2017
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Figure 20: Materials from workshops in Austria
A2.1.7.2.b Evaluate the training and capacity building for representatives of SMEs –
participants and providers group (Annex 68 – 70)
First two parts of Step 5 (9 steps all together) in this project are completed. In Croatia, Slovenia and
Austria first two workshops for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) were implemented
successfully. The third workshops was done in all three countries in June 2017.
Representatives of SMEs heard on the workshops about the philosophy of the EDEN destinations, the
status quo of the project, as well as the results of questionnaires and study tours. Every EDEN
destination has presented their touristic activities after joining the project EDEN55plusNW and their
planned activities. Through the guided team work the SME representatives were motivated to
participate actively and to point out the strengths of their region, as well as to create the programs
for the two pilot testings’ and three days touristic packages. The model of green economy was
designed for each destination with the help of SMEs, They had the opportunity to express their
opinion and to create great experiences for tourists together with their partners. Two pilot programs
were created, including two out of three countries. They will be implemented in April and May with
Italian seniors 55+. Participants were curious about the outcomes of the survey as well as the study
tours, on which also some of them took place. We were satisfied with the response, as there were
more participants in each country than expected.
One of the most important outcomes of the second workshop was the creation of SMEs network by
singing the “Letter of intent” by the SMEs representatives. This kind of commitment will hopefully
keep the network alive also after the project ends and the network could get bigger and stronger and
more successful through the years. The main goal of the network is to give the SMEs the opportunity
to present themselves on the market together, as one powerful community of different tourism
providers. This could improve their visibility on the market and enable them to create the
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comprehensive experience for customers. The network of SMEs is only one of four networks that will
be created during the project. The other three are the networks of senior organisations, ITA/TICs and
EDEN destinations. Coordinators of each network have prepared network strategies, as well as the
“Letters of intent”, which will be signed for all four networks.
We can conclude that we managed to implement six well organised workshops and raised the
interest by the SMEs. Hopefully the enthusiasm will stay present till the end of the project, as well as
afterwards. The next big step is to organize and implement the two pilot testings’, which will give us
further information needed to prepare the best possible experiences for seniors 55+.
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A2.2 DESIGNE OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY
MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) –
INTERCONECTING THE FOUR EXISTING NETWORKS
A2.2.1 NETWORK OF CROSS-BORDER PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS
DEVELOPMENT
A2.2.1.1 Preparation of network development model for cross-border pilot
EDEN destinations (Annex 74)
In order to improve the transnational cooperation between 5 EDEN destinations from Austria,
Croatia and Slovenia, Pilot EDEN destination Network was established. The main purpouse of this
network is to develop a recognizable tourism products for seniors 55+, in order to increase the
tourism flow in low/medium seasons.
A2.2.1.2 Networking of cross-border pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 75)
The Network of pilot EDEN destinations consists out of five EDEN destinations, represented by following organisations:
Verein zur Förderung des Steirischen Vulkanlandes / Association for the Promotion of the Styrian Vulkanland, Austria
Javna ustanova NP Sjeverni Velebit / Northern Velebit National Park Public Institution, Croatia
Center za idrijsko dediščino / Idrija Heritage Centre, Slovenia
Center Rinka, an institute for tourism and sustainable development of Logarska dolina, Slovenia
Development and information center Bela krajina, Slovenia
The established network will support:
good further cooperation between Pilot EDEN destinations ;
good further cooperation with cross-border network of senior organisations, a cross-border
network of tourism related SMEs and a cross-border network of incoming travel agencies and
tourist information centres (ITA/TICs) for the purposes of service quality and marketing of
tourism products for seniors aged 55+;
sharing the examples of good practices, up-grading the knowledge about tourism product
development;
common marketing and implementing activities of developed tourism products for seniors in
cross-border pilot EDEN destinations will be supported at the regional, national and European
levels.
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A2.2.2 NETWORK OF SENIOR ORGANISATIONS IN PILOT EDEN
DESTINATIONS DEVELOPMENT
A2.2.2.1 Preparation of network development model for senior
organisations in pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 76)
One of the four networks created in this project is the network of senior organisations. They present
the target group for the designed tourism programmes in EDEN destinations. The programmes are
tailored to the needs and expectations of seniors and will be disseminated with help of senior
organisations. The network will be the hub to convey information between the elderly and the
tourism service providers.
A2.2.2.2 Networking of senior organisations in pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 77)
The organisations are committed to promote active ageing and to improve the quality of life of the
elderly. All the members of the network organize some tourist activities, as a mean to achieve their
goals, and they agree in saying that tourist initiatives have to be properly designed in order to
respond to the elderly’s needs and expectations.
The network is, indeed, focused on collecting data about seniors’ needs – to be processed by tourism
service providers in order to create senior-friendly products, connecting EDEN destinations - and
then to disperse information about senior-friendly tourism initiatives.
Members of the network are:
Università delle Liberetà – AUSER Trieste (Italy)
Percorsi solidali AUSER (Italy)
Circolo Pino Burlo – AUSER (Italy)
Filo d’Argento – AUSER (Italy)
Sterischer Seniorenbund (Austria)
The members of the network will gather the data about the needs and expectations of the seniors
55+ and forward them to the other networks, as well as disseminate the pr
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A2.2.3 NETWORK OF TOURISM RELATED SMEs IN PILOT EDEN
DESTINATIONS DEVELOPMENT
A2.2.3.1 Preparation of network development model for SMEs in pilot EDEN
destinations (Annex 78)
The main focus of this network is working together to offer services of high quality, to cooperate in
developing common offers and exchanging their know-how about the expectations of seniors related
to the tourism. The established network of SMEs will extend outside the project area. This will, in the
medium term, lead to a high-quality, specialized, sustainable, in-depth and custom-developed supply
and marketing-targeted solicitation of seniors aged 55+ in EDEN destinations. The established
network will support the internationalization, will support the members in exchange their
expectations, upgrading their knowledge and in increasing the turnover.
A2.2.3.2 Networking of SMEs in pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 79)
The network consists of autonomous members from all five EDEN destinations, who have common
long-term goals which connect each other. With the help of the other networks the can create and
offer tailor made programmes for seniors. Each SME is unique and can offer something different to
their guests, but they should cooperate in order to offer the comprehensive offer to the tourists. Till
the end of the project, the network contains 64 SMEs.
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A2.2.4 NETWORK OF ITAs AND TICs IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS
DEVELOPMENT
A2.2.4.1 Preparation of network development model for ITAs and TICs in
pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 80)
Incomimg Tourist Agencies and Tourist Informational Centers not only from the five EDEN
destinations, but also from their surroundings have been addressed to participate at this network.
Whit their help the information about the EDEN destinations and tailor made tourist programmes
will reach wider audience and they will be a kind of spoke person for the potential “buyers”. They will
get all the information about the programmes and services in each EDEN destination and they just
need to assemble the right programm out of given options and to contact the coordinators of SMEs
in the destinations.
A2.2.4.2 Networking of ITAs and TICs in pilot EDEN destinations (Annex 81)
13 ITA/TICs have signed the “Letter of intent” and are now members of the ITA/TIC network. The
majority, ten of them, are from Slovenia, two from Austria and one from Croatia:
Tourist office Idrija and Tourist agency, Slovenia
TIC Rinka, Slovenia
RIC Bela Krajina / TIC Črnomelj, Slovenia
Agencija M, d.o.o., Slovenia
OBT, d.o.o., Slovenia
Gor turizem, d.o.o., Slovenia
Pohorje Turizem, d.o.o., Slovenia
Interflach turiszem, d.o.o., Slovenia
Zavod ta turizem, kulturo, mladino in šport Bled, Slovenia
Kompas Novo mesto, d.o.o., Slovenia
Spirit of Regions, Austria
Turismusverband Feldbach, Austria
Trek Croatia, Croatia
Their job after the project ends is to design the packages or other special offers with help of the
collected data in the project. There is a network of SMEs from all five destinations, which they can
use while preparing packages or making suggestions to potential “customers” – tourists. They got the
contact data and can contact each SME in with their help prepare the best possible experience for
specific target group. It’s really important that all members of the network communicate with each
other and carry out the activities regarding the EDEN destinations together (marketing activities,
program preparation, workshops,…).
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A2.2.5 DESIGNE OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY
MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) –
Stage 1
A2.2.5.1 Design of Tourism product transnational mobility model for
seniors in pilot EDEN destinations with interconection of four existing
networks (TPTMMSE) (Annex 82)
At the beginning of the project, a Model of Project EDENplusNW – WP2 and WP3 was designed. Last
four steps of this Model are presenting the Transnational Mobility Model for Seniors in Pilot EDEN
Destinations (TPTMMSE).
Figure 21: TPTMMSE
The expected activities of project EDEN55plusNW model are as following:
STEP 1 - to present pilot EDEN (destinations) to partners, so that all coordinators will know each
other’s unique nature and cultural heritage, providers and tourism organization;
STEP 2 - to identify (identification cards and questionnaires) what pilot EDEN (destinations) and
it’s providers and information centres, as well as incoming tourist agencies offer for the chosen
target group of seniors 55+ – supply for target group 55+ and what are the expectations of senior
organizations – demand of target group 55+;
STEP 3 – to share good practices of SMEs between pilot EDEN (destinations) (study tours for pilot
EDEN SMEs) – to know each other and to summarize knowledge and competences;
STEP 4 – to identify chains of: providers - SMEs, senior organizations - SO, information centres
and incoming agencies - ITA / TICs in pilot EDEN (destinations) and then prepare letters of
cooperation in cross boarder networks of pilot EDEN (destinations) and sign them;
Step 1: Presentation of pilot EDEN partners
Step 2: Identification cards and questionnaries – Demand and Supply of pilot EDEN for seniors 55+
Step 3: Study tours for SMEs
Step 4: Networks – pilot EDEN, SMEs, ITA/TIC, SOs
Step 5: 3 Workshops for SMEs in 3 pilot EDEN countries
Step 6: Program development for Women and Couples
Step 7: Pilot testing of Programmes for Women and Couples
Step 8: Data Procesing
Step 9: Upgrading of TPTMMSE Model and Programmes for Women and Couples
TPTMMSE
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STEP 5 – to develop guidelines for pilot EDEN (destinations), in order to know what are the main
USPs of pilot EDEN (destinations) integral green economy and guidelines for SMEs, to know how
to be prepared for target group 55+; to create a network of providers (SMEs, ITAs/TICs) in each
pilot EDEN (destination), who will plan and develop comprehensive quality and challenging
experiences for the seniors 55+; and finally to develop custom tailored tourism products for
seniors 55+;
STEP 6 - the main activities of Tourism product transnational mobility model for seniors in pilot
EDEN (destinations) – TPTMMSE are to identify and develop tourism programmes for senior
women and couples with Google docs five-document tool, which will allow participating actors in
cross border pilot EDEN (destinations) follow and monitor each activity constantly;
STEP 7 - to implement and check the suitability of developed programmes for senior women and
couples pilot testing for women and couples with three types of evaluations: evaluators of
Evaluation group (6), evaluators of involved SMEs in pilot EDEN (destinations) (10-12) and
evaluators of participant guests in pilot testing programs (12);
STEP 8 – to analyse all three groups of evaluation questionnaires for each pilot testing tour
(women, couples) and to summarize the findings, which are the basis for upgrading the Tourism
product transnational mobility model for seniors in pilot EDEN (destinations) – TPTMMSE and
Programmes for women and couples 55+;
STEP 9 – to upgrade the Tourism product transnational mobility model for seniors in pilot EDEN
(destinations) – TPTMMSE and Programmes for women and couples 55+ with the help of the
findings and experiences made by pilot tasting tours.
TPTMMSE consists out of five Google docs, which could be filled out by all partners at the same time
and are used as a management tool for the programs. All the data needed for designing the
programs, as well as organising and implementing the tour is in these Excel sheets.
1. Table with basic information
Figure 22: Google docs five-document tool -Table with basic information
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2. Table with all activities included in the programme (itinerary)
Figure 23: Google docs five-document tool – Activities table
3. Tables with provider’s/SME’s information for each destination separately
Figure 24: Google docs five-document tool – Table with provider’s/SME’s information
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4. Table with the calculation of the programme
Figure 25: Google docs five-document tool – Calculation’s table
5. Table with the information about the participants
Figure 26: Google docs five-document tool – Participant’s table
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A2.3 DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER IN-DEPTH TOURISM
PRODUCTS FOR SENIORS AGED 55+ IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS
In order to test the designed tourism programmes, seniors 55+ from Italy went on a five days pilot
testings to pilot destinations. Two programmes were made, one for women and one for couples.
Seniors were accompanied by the evaluation group, which was composed out of six representatives
of project partners or external experts. Programmes were designed with the help of Google docs
five-document tool. By designing the programmes, attention was given to the activities that are
special for each destination. One of the main goals was to show the participants why those EDEN are
special and to wake an interest in them, to come back in the future. The basis for designing the
programmes were the study tours to Solčavsko and Vulkanland, as well as the information gathered
from identification cards and questionnaires.
To get the needed information, three questionnaires for each EDEN were designed – one for seniors,
one fort he evaluation group and one fort he providers (SMEs). The answers gave the feedback of
what is good and where the improvements need to be made. This information was used as a basis for
three days programmes for seniors 55+, which were designed for the market.
A2.3.1 DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER IN-DEPTH TOURISM
PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN 55+ (Annex 83)
First pilot testing tour was designed for women. It was implemented between 24th and 28th of April
2017. Women 55+ have visited Vulkanland (Austria), Solčavsko (Slovenia) and Idrija (Slovenia).
Twelve women 55+ and six representatives of evaluation group took part.
Figure 27: 5-days pilot testing programme for women
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A2.3.2 DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER IN-DEPTH TOURISM
PRODUCTS FOR SENIORS 55+ (Annex 84)
Second pilot testing tour was designed for couples. It was implemented between 24th and 28th of
April 2017. Women 55+ have visited Vulkanland (Austria), Solčavsko (Slovenia) and Idrija (Slovenia).
Six couples 55+ and six representatives of evaluation group took part.
Figure 28: 5-days pilot testing programme for couples
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A2.4 UPGRADING OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY
MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (TPTMMSE) AND
TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR TWO SUB-GROUPS FOR SENIORS 55+ -
WOMEN AND COUPLES ACCORDING TO EVALUATION RESULTS OF WP3 (Annex 85)
With the help of pilot testings and further analysis, Tourism product transnational mobility model for seniors in pilot EDEN destinations – TPTMMSE and Programmes for seniors 55+ in five cross border pilot EDEN (destinations – Northern Velebit NP, River Kolpa, Idrija, Solčavsko and Vulkanland) in three countries (Croatia, Slovenia and Austria) were upgraded. The 5 days programmes have been tested by Italian seniors (women and couples). With the findings of three evaluation groups (Seniors, professional Evaluation group and representatives of involved SMEs), the programmes for women and couples 55+ have been upgraded and for each pilot EDEN two 3 days programmes have been developed (one for women and one for couples). We can summarize the main findings:
Less is more (less but more in-depth activities);
Tailor the activities to the specific target group, include the diverse providers for the indepth experiences of the destination – local added value with clear theme;
Adjust the quality of tourist services to the target group (accommodation, catering, guiding etc.);
Communication with providers (and promotion materials) in the language of the target group;
Provide local transportation – soft mobility, local guiding and ethno-animation groups;
Arrange th signalization in the nature and on the road. All programmes for women and couples are ready for promotion and selling. The ITA / TIC network members are willing to promote, sell and coordinate the provider’s chain of prepared programmes for women and couples 55+, as well as to organise tailormade programmes for other target groups.
A2.4.1 UPGRADING OF TOURISM PRODUCT TRANSNATIONAL
MOBILITY MODEL FOR SENIORS IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS
(TPTMMSE)
All partners agree that the designed Tourism Product Transnational Mobility Model for Senios in Pilot
EDEN Destinations is suitable also at the end of the project and doesn’t need to be upgraded. It was
well structured and provides all the needed information for every one involved in the organisation in
implementation of the programmes. It could be used in all EDEN destinations and for all kind of
target groups.
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A2.4.2 UPGRADING OF IN-DEPTH CROSS-BORDER TOURISM
PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN 55+ IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (Annex 86 - 102)
The report of Testing programmes for women consists of several documents, which together comprise the evaluation of pilot testing for women. Reports by:
Tourist guide - how the programme for women was carried out – Luka Hrvatin
Coordinator for the group of women – how the target group - women 55+ evaluated the
implemented programme - Francesca Borgna
Coordinator of WP2 – Summary of reports for women - Tanja Lešnik Štuhec Evaluation of questionnaires for women:
Evaluation group for: Vulkanland, Solčavsko and Idrija
SME’s for: Vulkanland, Solčavsko and Idrija
Women 55+ for: Vulkanland, Solčavsko and Idrija
A summary of the findings shows the following expectations of women 55+ traveling on several days’
trips:
Quality and comfortable accommodation (single rooms with bathroom) with elevator; porters, if
there are several floors; excellent and if possible, free internet connection at the
accommodation;
Small meals, several times a day; stronger breakfast and lunch, lighter dinner; in the case of
tastings, lunch is not necessary; free time one hour before dinner; organized dinner in the house
of lodging, so that the guests can decide for themselves how long they stay in the company of
other guests; menus should be traditional, but the dishes should not be repeated;
Not too intense program (less and deeper - one tasting or workshop in the morning and one in
the afternoon), but also not too superficial program; leisure time for enjoying the nature and
cultural heritage, a tailored recreational program with regard to guests' ability; offering water
and refreshments several times a day;
Provide content and promotional tools in the guests language (guided tour / website / brochures
/ TV and radio in the hotel / menus); map of the area for basic orientation in the language of the
guests;
A professional guide and driver communicating in the language of the group and fewer entries
and exits from the bus;
Ensure the possibility of purchases even in the case of a holiday;
Presentation of handicrafts and farming;
Food and other tastings (visits to the panoramic road and providers);
Workshops (gastronomy, cooking, music, dance, hand skills with flowers, herbs, gardening);
Ethno-animation program also with local theatre and dancing folklore groups;
Nature and cultural heritage visits (in-depth experiences of nature and cultural heritage -
sightseeing of the museums and exhibitions with an interactive note) and alternative cultural
programmes in the case of a bad weather or holidays;
Guided tours in nature (hiking) with adventure animation;
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Competing in the local games (bowling, shepherds games etc.);
Wellness programmes and shorter walks, yoga programmes, meditation, aromatherapy,
swimming pool;
Photographer responsible for unique impressions that stay forever ...;
They are willing to pay for such a program approximately 100 – 120 EUR per day and aspect also
additional activities which should be charged separately;
Three to five days programmes are well suited for women 55+.
With these findings of three evaluation groups (seniors, professional Evaluation group and
representatives of involved SME’s), the programmes for women 55+ were upgraded. The
programmes are in the Annexes 98 - 102.
A2.4.3 UPGRADING OF IN-DEPTH CROSS-BORDER TOURISM
PRODUCTS FOR COUPLES 55+ IN PILOT EDEN DESTINATIONS (Annex 103 - 119)
The report for testing programme for couples consists of several documents, which together
comprise the evaluation of pilot testing for couples and was carried out in three pilot EDEN
destinations at the end of May.
Reports of:
Tourist guide - how the program for couples was carried out – Luka Hrvatin
Coordinator for the group of couples – how the target group evaluated the implemented
program - Francesca Borgna
Coordinator of WP2 – summary of reports for the target group couples - Tanja Lešnik Štuhec
Evaluation of questionnaires for couples from:
Evaluation group for: Northern Velebit NP, River Kolpa and Idrija
SMEs for: Northern Velebit NP, River Kolpa and Idrija
Couples 55+ for: Northern Velebit NP, River Kolpa and Idrija
We can say that the program was very well implemented. Each destination has shown its most
exposed attractions, upgraded by providers included in the SMEs Network made for couples 55+. We
all learned a lot and with this knowledge, the programmes and its implementation (SMEs, ITA/TIC)
will be upgraded.
A summary of the findings show the following expectations of older couples traveling on several days
trips:
Quality and comfortable accommodation (double rooms with bathrooms) with elevator; porters,
if there are several floors;
small meals, several times a day; stronger breakfast and lunch, lighter dinner and not too late; in
the case of tastings, lunch is not necessary; free time one hour before dinner;
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organized dinner in the house or close to the lodging, so that the guests can decide for
themselves how long they stay in the company of other guests; menus should be traditional, but
the dishes should not be repeated; silent music at the meals time;
Not too intensive program (less and deeper - one tasting or workshop in the morning and one in
the afternoon), but not too superficial program; leisure time for enjoying nature and cultural
heritage, a tailored recreation program with regard to the guest's abilities; offer of additional
activities outside the program charged extra; offering water and refreshments several times a
day;
Provide content and promotional tools in the guest’s language (guided tour / website / brochures
/ TV and radio in the hotel / menus); map of the area for basic orientation in the language of the
guest group;
A professional guide and driver communicating in the language of the group and fewer entries
and exits from the bus; enough stops for the toilet;
Ensure the possibility of purchases even in the case of a holiday;
Presentation of handicrafts and farming (eco farms); in the case of several providers it is better
and less time consuming to present their offer in one traditional and beautiful location;
Culinary evenings, workshops and tastings of wine, spirits, tee, beer etc.;
Workshops for couples (gastronomy, cooking, music, dance, hand skills);
Ethno-animation program also with local theatre and dancing folklore groups;
Nature and cultural heritage visits (in-depth experiences of nature and cultural heritage -
sightseeing of the museums and exhibitions with an interactive note) and alternative cultural
programmes in the case of a bad weather or holidays;
Guided tours in nature (hiking) with adventure animation;
Wellness programmes for couples and shorter walks, yoga programmes, meditation,
aromatherapy, swimming pool;
Alternative programmes for meditation / hiking / tastings (adjust the difficulty to the guests'
ability);
Soft mobility in the destination;
Photographer responsible for unique impressions that stay forever ...;
They are willing to pay for such programme approximately 140 – 160 EUR per day and aspect
also additional activities which should be charged separately;
Three to five days programmes suite well also for couples 65+.
With the findings of three evaluation groups (seniors, professional Evaluation group and
representatives of involved SMEs), the programmes for couples 55+ were upgraded. The
programmes are presented in Annexes 103 - 107.
