Međimurje on the world tourism scene: film with Hazen Audel awarded in Berlin

Tourist film "Međimurje is equally yours", starring world-renowned adventurer and TV host Hazen Audel, won the Golden City Gate Award in the sustainability and region categories. The award was presented at one of the most prestigious international tourism film festivals, traditionally held in Berlin.

This is a festival that has been gathering tourism organizations, production companies and destinations from all over the world for decades, and the awards represent an important confirmation of quality and creativity in the promotion of tourist destinations. The film was directed by Denis Perčić, and through the story of Međimurje, it brings a strong message of inclusion, togetherness and sustainable tourism.

A story about inclusion and community

The film "Međimurje is Just Yours" brings a different approach to promoting the destination. The story centers around Hazen Audel, known for the popular documentary series Primal Survivor and Survive the Tribe, in which he explores the most remote parts of the world and learns traditional survival skills. In Međimurje, however, he found himself in a completely different role.

In the film, he meets people with disabilities and special needs who symbolically guide him through the destination and help him navigate nature and everyday situations. This twist conveys a strong message – tourism should be accessible to everyone, and community is the most important element of any destination. Through this story, Međimurje is presented as a destination that develops tourism in accordance with the principles of inclusion, sustainability and respect for the local community.

The county prefect addressed the guests at the premiere. Matija Posavec, congratulating him on the award, with a message about how great a way of promotion these materials are: "The greatest value of any film is the feeling of emotion that is transmitted to the viewer. In this film, the emotions were not created by artificial intelligence, but are authentic. The story of our little Međimurje and its luxurious diversity is told in a short time with so much emotion that the Berlin awards committee recognized it. The film carries strong messages about equal opportunities for all, about solidarity and togetherness, about inclusion that lives in every area of ​​human activity, including our tourism," said County Prefect Posavec, adding that our community lives by the principle of the saying that a nation is only as strong as its weakest link: "Respect, inclusion, and care for the weak are part of our mentality, which is also evident in the cooperation of Međimurje County with all stakeholders in the community, and the launch of projects that bring inclusion into every pore of our society, whether it concerns people with disabilities, those growing up, or people of advanced age.", the prefect emphasized.

Hazen Audel and the authenticity of Međimurje

Hazen Audel's stay in Međimurje is part of a broader project to develop inclusive and sustainable tourism, implemented by the Međimurje County Tourist Board. The project is being implemented through the international programs Interreg Danube and Interreg Central Europe, with the aim of promoting tourism accessible to all. During his stay in the region, Audel repeatedly emphasized how surprised he was by the authenticity of Međimurje.

He particularly emphasized that this is an area where a strong cultural identity has been preserved and where tourism has not been subjected to excessive commercialization. It is precisely this authenticity, according to him, that makes Međimurje special compared to many popular world destinations.

He was also impressed by the way of life of the local population, their strong connection with nature, as well as the local gastronomy and wine culture. During his stay, he met numerous food and wine producers and got to know the daily life based on tradition and knowledge passed down through generations. Audel emphasized that Europe is not only Paris or Italy, but also small, authentic regions like Međimurje that preserve their own identity.

Promotion of sustainable tourism

The project in which the film was created is part of a broader strategy for the development of tourism in Međimurje, which is based on sustainability, preservation of natural heritage, and involvement of the local community.

Director of the Međimurje County Tourist Board Rudi Grula  presented a new, long-term program for the development of inclusive tourism in Međimurje, which becomes part of the broader strategic orientation of the destination:The private and public sectors are investing in adapting accommodation, cultural and sports facilities so that all visitors – regardless of age, physical limitations or life circumstances – can experience the region equally. The emphasis is on removing physical and communication barriers and creating a safe and stimulating environment for people with disabilities.", Grula pointed out.

Removing architectural and other barriers is only one part of this process, while changing the perception of tourism and raising awareness of the importance of inclusivity is equally important. Hazen Audel's participation in the project has proven to be a powerful communication tool, as his audience around the world follows the topics of nature, culture and sustainable lifestyle.

Međimurje as an example of destination development

He directs, shoots and edits the film Denis Percic, which was attended by members of the Society of Persons with Physical Disabilities of Međimurje County - DOSTI, the Association of the Blind of Međimurje County, the Association for Down Syndrome of Međimurje County, DG Sport Prelog, Marina Prelog, Balloon Club Zagreb, HGSS - Station Čakovec, Treasury of Međimurje, Terme St. Martin, and the tourist boards of Prelog, Mura i gorica, Sveti Martin na Muri, Srce Međimurje, Štrigova, Čakovec, then the SRD Čikov Žabnik, the OPG Ema Prokeš from Črečani, the OPG Zadravec Oporovec, the SRC Mladost from Gornji Mihaljevac, and numerous local tourism stakeholders who contributed to the authenticity and strong message of the film.

The award at the Golden City Gate festival further confirms that Međimurje is successfully building a recognizable tourist identity based on authenticity and sustainability. At a time when there is increasing talk about the negative consequences of mass tourism, examples like Međimurje show how it is possible to develop a destination that remains true to its values.

A key role is played by the local community, preserved nature and cultural heritage that is not adapted to tourists, but stems from the real way of life of the region. This approach is increasingly being recognized by international experts, as well as by a global audience for whom authentic experiences are increasingly important when choosing a destination.

The award-winning film "Međimurje is Just as Yours" is not only a promotion of a region, but also an example of how tourism can convey values ​​such as inclusion, togetherness, and respect for the local community.