Vinkovci continues the "Living the Destination" project: Focus on the local community and small landlords

The Vinkovci City Tourist Board continues the implementation of the project "Living Destination Vinkovci" through a new cycle of education aimed at key stakeholders of the local tourism system.

The project was launched in 2023 and in practice has developed into a model of systematic and functional cooperation between the tourist board as the destination manager and private landlords as the operational bearers of the tourist offer. It is this cooperation that has been set as the foundation for the further development of the destination.

"The 'Living Destination Vinkovci' project is a strong step towards the sustainable and authentic development of our destination. By connecting our local community, tradition, entrepreneurship and contemporary tourism trends, we are creating Vinkovci as a place where you don't just stay - but truly experience and live. The value of the project is confirmed by our stakeholders who are given a stronger platform to present themselves as a unique experience, while visitors highlight the warmth of the hosts and the sense of belonging that goes beyond the ordinary, classic tourist offer. I am glad that our stakeholders have recognized the value of this project, accepted the initiative and through this project we are growing together and creating long-term value for the entire community", said the director of the Vinkovci Tourist Board, Martina Matković.

The role of local residents in the quality of experience

The first training will be held on March 5, 2026 at the Vinkovci Business Incubator, starting at 16:30 PM, in collaboration with the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA). The topic of the workshop is the role of local residents in improving the quality of the experience in a tourist destination.

The emphasis will be on the interaction between locals and tourists, the specifics of the tourist-host relationship, and the expectations of modern guests when it comes to authenticity and quality of experience. Special attention will be paid to identifying and recommending valuable content to different guest segments.

He's a lecturer Zeljko Trezner, an expert in travel agency management and sustainable tourism, director of the Center for Responsible Tourism and advisor to UHPA. The education is designed through two working blocks (16:30 PM - 18:00 PM and 18:30 PM - 20:00 PM), and participation is free.

This workshop is aimed at strengthening awareness that the quality of a destination does not derive exclusively from infrastructure and accommodation capacities, but from the overall experience shaped by local residents through daily communication, recommendations and a personal approach.

Masterclass for small landlords: From problems to profitability

The second training will be held on March 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Admiral Hotel, in collaboration with the Interligo company. It is a specialized "Masterclass for Landlords 2026", intended for small private landlords.

The program covers practical topics such as avoiding the most common operational errors, managing crisis situations in the event of poor bookings, and improving the visibility of listings on online platforms. The focus is on concrete solutions and tools that enable landlords to operate more stably and profitably.

In the context of increasingly pronounced competition and changes in consumer behavior, this form of education contributes to the professionalization of the private accommodation segment, which plays an important role in the structure of the tourist offer of Vinkovci and the wider region.

Continuity of education as a model of destination management

The project "Living Destination Vinkovci" confirms that the development of continental destinations requires a long-term and structured approach. Instead of one-off activities, the emphasis is placed on continuous education and connecting stakeholders.

In this way, the Vinkovci Tourist Board further strengthens its role as a coordinator and initiator of development, while private landlords and the local community receive concrete tools for increasing quality and competitiveness.

The model that is being developed in Vinkovci can serve as an example of good practice for other touristic underdeveloped areas, especially in the segment of strengthening cooperation between the institutional and private sectors and integrating the principles of sustainability into the daily operations of the destination.