ABOUT PROJECT
Zagorje Bike
Project on alignment of tourist routes in the Krapina-Zagorje County was conducted in two phases:
Phase I. (2013-2015)
Krapina-Zagorje County, in cooperation with the association Ruralni tandem, launched the project “Network of cycling tourist routes of the Krapina-Zagorje County,” which included the alignment of 21 cycling routes of total length of 688 km. In addition to the aligned cycling routes, 4 cycling maps were made as well as the web portal www.zagorjebike.com.hr.
Goals of the project:
- Developing a network of cycling, tourist and recreational routes, designed with integrity, in the area of the Krapina-Zagorje County., while taking into account – at the same – the integration of the existing cycling routes and creation of the alignments / directions of the new cycling routes where necessary, in order to avoid the major state and county roads and to include less busy, picturesque parts of the local roads and paths,
- Promotion of cultural, historical and natural features of the entire area of the Krapina-Zagorje County, including all of its cities and municipalities, through networking of the offer with newly created and aligned cycling routes, that contributes to linking (networking) and complementation (enrichment and diversity) of the tourist offer of the cities and municipalities in the Krapina-Zagorje County,
- Improving the quality of tourist offer and efficiency of tourist potential of the Krapina-Zagorje County throughout the year,
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle and environmental protection,
- Expansion of sports, particularly recreational, and at the same time tourist offer of the County through designed one and multi-day cycling options and itineraries.
Results of the project:
- A network of tourist-recreational, but also sports, cycling routes adapted to the widest range of users, with particular emphasis on recreational cyclists, families with children and young people,
- A network of cycling routes that connects the most important sites / attractions and tourist resources in the area of the Krapina-Zagorje County (accommodation / nursing homes / residential, healthcare (bathing – spa), cultural, historical, religious, natural, rural, entertaining and similar) into an offer, designed with integrity and clearly defined in terms of tourism.
- Electronic and printed informational / promotional material on the network of tourist and recreational cycling routes in the form of maps and guides with photos / photo documentation.
- Online information / promotional material on the network of cycling routes on the internet and on social media sites.
- Geo-Database (GPS track log) of spatial data required for cycling routes.
The project “Network of cycling tourist routes of the Krapina-Zagorje County” was launched by the Krapina-Zagorje County and it was co-financed by the Croatian National Tourist Board.
Phase II.(2015-2016)
As the leading partner, Zagorska razvojna agencija d.o.o. (Zagorje Development Agency) launched the project “Development of selective forms of tourism at the cross-border tourist destination – RIDE & BIKE” in the period from February 2, 2015 until April 30,2016. The project RIDE & BIKE, of total value of 395,846.60 EUR, was approved within the framework of the Operational Program Slovenia-Croatia 2007-2013 and it was partially funded from the European Regional Development Fund.
Goals of the project:
- strengthening of the cross-border destination identity
- complete development of rural integrated tourist products based on specific forms of tourism (cycling and equestrian tourism)
- increasing the of existing tourist facilities
- increasing the number of tourists and visitors
- creation of new cross-border tourist products with a focus on cycling and equestrian tourism
- strengthening the cooperation between tourist suppliers
- preservation of cultural and natural heritage
- improving the quality of life and employment opportunities of the rural population
- increasing the awareness of sustainable tourism
Results of the project:
- aligned and digitized equestrian and cycling cross-border trail
- 2 new and 1 upgraded website
- launched specialized training for tourist guides and tenderers of tourist services and products in rural area
- designed promotional material
- presentation at three specialized tourist fairs and one conducted study tour
- arranged 18 rest areas (9 resting places for cyclists and 9 resting places for horses)
- made application for smartphones
- prepared pilot model on cycling services
The project RIDE&BIKE was partially funded from the European Regional Development Fund.
Phase III. (2018-2021)
Interpretacija prirodne i kulturne baštine za aktivan odmor (RIDE&BIKE II)
Duration of the project: 1.9.2018. – 28.2.2021.
Project budget: 875.472,55 €
ERDF funds: 744.151,66 €
Partners:
Zagorje Development Agency
Tourist Board of Krapina-Zagorje County
Tourist board "Sava-Sutlanska dolina i brigi"
Development Agency Kozjansko
Development agency Sotla
Public institute for culture, sports, tourism and youth activities in Sevnica
Glavni cilj projekta RIDE&BIKE II je razvoj selektivnih turističkih proizvoda temeljenih na interpretaciji prirodne i kulturne baštine kroz uspostavu sustavnog upravljanja razvojem održivog aktivnog turizma.
The key result of the project is the contribution to the increase in the number of visitors in the cross-border destination, while the direct outcomes of the project are:
- organized cross-border offer through defined 2 tourist cross-border products based on smart integration of protected natural and cultural heritage
- developed RIDE&BIKE standards with 10 standardized tourist service facilities
- developed awareness of key stakeholders about the importance and possibilities of tourism valorization of natural and cultural heritage and their smart integration with the offer of active tourism
- strengthened capacities for management and marketing of RIDE&BIKE tourist products
- promoted cross-border RIDE&BIKE tourist offer
The RIDE&BIKE II project was partially financed by the European Fund for Regional Development
Zagorje Ride
RIDE&BIKE II
The project Interpretation of Natural and Cultural Heritage for Active Holidays – RIDE&BIKE II is being implemented within the framework of the INTERREG V-A Slovenia-Croatia 2014–2020 cooperation program. The total value of the project is EUR 875,472.55, of which EUR 744,151.66 is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The project is being implemented during the period from 2018 to 2021, and it involves six project partners.The main goal of the project is the development of selective tourism products based on the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage through the establishment of a systematic management of sustainable active tourism. The project's innovativeness is reflected in the improvement and realization of joint cross-border objectives.
Concrete project results will include, among other things: the development of standards for hospitality and accommodation services intended for cyclists and riders, 4 newly mapped equestrian and 4 newly mapped cycling trails, the establishment of innovative interpretive points with rest areas for cyclists, riders, and horses, the organization of cross-border equestrian and cycling events, the organization of workshops for tourism providers in the hospitality and accommodation sector, the organization of cycling and equestrian professional excursions for tour operators, specific innovative thematic souvenirs, and the promotion of joint tourism products through information channels.
A key result of the project is its contribution to increasing the number of visitors to the cross-border destination (by 3,600 visitors), while the direct outcomes of the project are:
- organized cross-border offer through the definition of 2 cross-border tourist products based on the smart integration of protected natural (NATURA 2000, other forms of nature protection) and cultural (castles and manors, museums, old town centers – registered heritage) heritage
- developed RIDE&BIKE standards with 10 standardized tourism service facilities (hospitality, accommodation, etc.)
- developed awareness of key stakeholders about the importance and possibilities of tourism valorization of natural and cultural heritage and their smart integration with the offer of active tourism
- strengthened capacities for management and marketing of RIDE&BIKE tourist products
- promoted cross-border RIDE&BIKE tourist offer
All the mentioned results will improve the management of natural and cultural heritage as well as its valorization and integration for tourism purposes, which will significantly increase the sustainability of the new RIDE&BIKE tourist products and enhance the attractiveness of the cross-border tourist destination.
| Project Title | Interpretation of Natural and Cultural Heritage for Active Holidays |
| Acronym | RIDE&BIKE II |
| Lead Partner Organization | Zagorska razvojna agencija d.o.o. |
| Partner Organizations | Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board Sava-Sotla Valley and Hills Tourist Board Kozjansko Development Agency Sotla Development Agency Public Institute for Tourism, Culture, Sports and Youth Activities Sevnica |
| Involved Regions | Croatia: Krapina-Zagorje County, Zagreb County Slovenia: Savinja Region, Lower Sava Region |
| Implementation Period | 01.09.2018. – 28.02.2021. |
| Total Project Value | 875.472,55 EUR |
| Approved ERDF Funding Amount | 744.151,66 EUR |
RIDE&BIKE
The project Development of Selective Forms of Tourism in the Cross-Border Tourist Destination – RIDE&BIKE was implemented within the framework of European Territorial Cooperation during the period 2015–2016. The total value of the project amounted to EUR 395,846.60, and IPA funds, i.e. funds from the European Regional Development Fund, amounted to EUR 336,469.59. Through the implementation of project activities, the following results were achieved: 1 equestrian trail and 2 branches were mapped, 1 cycling trail was mapped, 1 equestrian trail and 2 branches were marked, 2 websites were created and 1 was upgraded, 20 educational sessions for target groups were conducted, promotional materials were developed, participation at 3 fairs was organized and carried out, 18 rest areas were constructed, a smartphone application was developed, and a pilot model for cycling tourism marketing was created.
The Tourist Board of Krapina-Zagorje County carried out the following activities: establishment of a cross-border equestrian trail connecting Slovenian centers with the center of Krapina-Zagorje County, mapping and GPS marking of the cross-border equestrian trail, development of rest areas along the equestrian trail that meet the needs of horses and riders for rest (shelters and all necessary horse facilities), ensuring long-term maintenance of the equestrian trail, publication of electronic promotional materials about the cross-border equestrian route (maps, navigation system), preparation of proposals for joint cross-border “tourist packages” and their publication on websites and delivery to tour operators, and establishment of a network of tourism providers for the needs of equestrian tourism.
| Project Title | Development of Selective Forms of Tourism in the Cross-Border Tourist Destination |
| Acronym | RIDE&BIKE |
| Priority | Economic and Social Development / Tourism and Rural Development |
| Lead Partner Organization | Zagorska razvojna agencija d.o.o. |
| Partner Organizations | Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board Sava-Sotla Valley and Hills Tourist Board Kozjansko Development Agency Sotla Development Agency Public Institute for Tourism, Culture, Sports and Youth Activities Sevnica |
| Involved Regions | Croatia: Krapina-Zagorje County, Zagreb County Slovenia: Savinja Region, Lower Sava Region |
| Implementation Period | 01.02.2015. – 30.04.2016. |
| Total Project Value | 395.846,60 EUR |
| Approved ERDF Funding Amount | 336.469,59 EUR |
