Osijek develops family tourism through the MAJESTIC ZOO's and Family Welcome projects

Family tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of modern tourism, and its importance is growing further with changing guest expectations.

Families today are looking for safety, content, educational value and an experience that includes all generations. That is why more and more destinations are switching from bids on systematic planning and quality standardization.

In this context, Osijek is profiled as one of the first destinations to implement such an approach through specific projects, certification and infrastructure development.

MAJESTIC ZOO's as a framework for development

The development of family tourism in Osijek is taking place within the framework of the MAJESTIC ZOO's project, which aims to improve and promote family tourism in the cross-border area of ​​Croatia and Serbia, with an emphasis on public tourist spaces such as zoos.

The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA Croatia–Serbia 2021–2027 Programme, and is being implemented in partnership between ZOO Palić as the lead partner and Unikom doo, the Tourist Organization of Subotica and the Tourist Board of the City of Osijek.

Through the project, the zoos in Osijek and Palić are being developed into inclusive and modern tourist attractions, adapted to families, children and visitors with different needs. The focus is on creating additional value through education, interaction with nature and the development of outdoor content.

Family Welcome - certification as a quality tool

One of the key elements of the MAJESTIC ZOO's project is the introduction of Family Welcome certification - the first independent quality certification system in family tourism in Croatia and the region, the presentation of which was held on March 10, 2026 in the Astro Garden playroom and restaurant.

This is the first independent quality certification system in family tourism in Croatia and the region, aimed at standardizing and further improving the offer for families with children.

Osijek is the first city in which the certification process has begun, while Subotica is also included in the project, which further strengthens cross-border cooperation and exchange of experiences.

The certification system encompasses various tourism entities and is based on clearly defined criteria such as safety, quality of service, content for children, inclusiveness, and opportunities for joint activities.

An important role in the implementation is played by the Osijek Tourist Board, which coordinates the process and encourages the involvement of local stakeholders.

"We gathered around thirty key stakeholders to whom we presented the Family Welcome project and the possibility of inclusion in the certification process. The tourist board will finance applications for ten stakeholders, because it is precisely this minimum number that allows the destination City of Osijek itself to acquire the status of a holder of the Family Welcome certificate," emphasized Tajana Rogulja, director of the Osijek Tourist Board.

"It was developed to provide tourism stakeholders with a clear and structured framework for developing a quality and diverse offer, while at the same time providing guests at the destination with a reliable indicator of standards and content that meet the needs of family travel," emphasized Željka Balja, founder of Family Welcome certification.

The certification stems from years of monitoring family tourism trends and the development of a specialized portal of the same name, and is now being implemented for the first time through the project as a concrete tool for managing destination quality.

Cooperation between Osijek and Subotica through zoos

The special value of the project lies in connecting tourism, education and nature protection. The cooperation between Osijek and Subotica is further strengthened through their zoos - Osijek Zoo and Palić Zoo - which play a key role in the implementation of the activities.

The project includes investments in infrastructure such as outdoor educational spaces, accessible playgrounds and so-called "petting zoo" contents, which enable direct contact with domestic animals and further enrich the visitor's experience.

The emphasis is also on sustainability, through the integration of green infrastructure and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, including elements of Pannonian architecture and indigenous species.

Osijek ZOO as an example of implementation

The development of the project is also visible through specific content at the Osijek Zoo, where open Slavonian village - an educational and recreational space that interprets the traditional Slavonian way of life. The space contains themed habitats with domestic animals such as horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry, providing children in particular with an experience that goes beyond a classic visit to the zoo.

In addition, inclusive facilities such as a children's playground with sensory elements have been developed, further emphasizing accessibility and inclusion as an important element of the family offering.

Systematic destination development model

Through the MAJESTIC ZOO's project and the introduction of the Family Welcome certification, Osijek is developing a model that combines quality standardization, stakeholder education and investment in infrastructure. Such an approach enables not only the development of individual attractions, but also the strengthening of the destination as a whole, with clear market differentiation according to the family tourism segment.

In this context, Osijek is positioning itself as an example of how family tourism can be developed strategically – with the support of EU funds, local stakeholders and clear quality standards.