On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, an important educational workshop was held in Zadar, gathering key stakeholders of the tourism industry of Zadar County. The workshop, titled "Creating Experiences at the Level of the Zadar County Tourist Board and Leading Programs", took place at the Kolovare Hotel, and its goal was to educate and guide local service providers toward innovative approaches in creating tourist experiences. This event played a significant role in the continuation of long-term efforts for the development of tourism in Zadar County, which will contribute to strengthening the region's competitiveness in the global market.

The workshop was organized into two parts, to cover the specific needs of different subregions within Zadar County. The morning session was dedicated to stakeholders from the archipelago, the city of Zadar, and the Nin and Biograd Riviera, while the afternoon session focused on representatives from the city of Pag, the Paklenica Riviera, and the rural areas. This division allowed for a more detailed approach to the specifics of each subregion, to better understand the challenges and opportunities for the development of tourist experiences in different parts of the county.

Expert Presentation: Zoran Kasum and the Development of Tourist Experiences

Expert lecturer Zoran Kasum from the renowned company Hotel & Destination Consulting guided participants through the fundamental guidelines for successfully creating tourist experiences, using extensive experience gained on the global scene. Kasum presented the participants with the Handbook for Creating Tourist Experiences in Zadar County, developed by the Zadar County Tourist Board. This handbook contains key information and tools that enable tourism professionals to create authentic, competitive, and attractive experiences.

The handbook is not just a theoretical framework, but a practical tool for stakeholders who want to enhance their offerings. Kasum emphasized the importance of incorporating specific local characteristics into the development of each experience, ensuring that the offerings are original and based on authenticity. In this context, it is important to connect historical, cultural, and natural heritage with modern tourism trends to create experiences that not only satisfy tourists but also deeply connect them to the destination.

A special emphasis was placed on tools that allow the assessment of experience quality, ensuring that every tourism product meets high standards. Kasum explained in detail how the self-assessment process is used, through which stakeholders can analyze their services and programs, and thus continuously improve quality and attract a broader audience. The interactive part of the workshop allowed participants to exchange experiences and share suggestions for further steps in developing tourist experiences across the entire county.

Tourism Experience Development Strategy in Zadar County

This workshop was not just an opportunity for exchanging experiences and learning new methods, but also represented a continuation of the strategic approach to tourism development in Zadar County. The Zadar County Tourist Board has been conducting activities for several years aimed at transforming traditional tourist products into modern tourist experiences. This approach aims to create an offering that not only attracts visitors but also engages them on a deeper level, enabling them to connect with the local population and culture.

The main purpose of this initiative is to enable all stakeholders in tourism, from small family businesses to large travel agencies, to use the same tools and approaches in creating their offerings. Additionally, one of the key goals is to build the competitiveness of Zadar County as a destination that offers innovative and authentic experiences and to create sustainable tourism that will benefit all stakeholders in the long term – from tourists to local communities, entrepreneurs, and event organizers.

The Zadar County Tourist Board has developed a framework for the development of top tourist experiences, which includes clearly defined guidelines for creating and promoting these experiences. Through this process, the goal is to create recognizable brands that will attract tourists looking for more than just ordinary tourist offerings – they seek experiences that allow them to deeply understand and connect with the destination.

Why is Experience Key in Modern Tourism?

In today's tourism, experience has become the key factor that motivates visitors. Tourists no longer seek only places to stay or simple activities; they seek experiences that allow them to experience the destination in an authentic way. Interaction with the local population, enjoying authentic food and drink, and participating in cultural and historical events have become the primary motives for travel. Moreover, tourists are increasingly looking for the opportunity to connect with the destination through their senses, enjoying the sounds, smells, and visual experiences provided by the surroundings.

This approach to the tourist experience means that traditional forms of tourism, such as day trips or passive sightseeing, are no longer enough. Today's tourists seek deeper experiences that allow them to interact and form personal connections with the destination. This means that tourist destinations must evolve, creating offerings that not only satisfy the basic needs of visitors but also engage them in every aspect of their travels. Such approaches are already driving positive changes in Zadar County, which aims to be recognized as a destination offering much more than just the beauty of the coast or historical landmarks.

Encouraging Cooperation Among Stakeholders

One of the key aspects of the workshop was encouraging cooperation among all stakeholders in tourism. In addition, the workshop provided an opportunity to align different interests and strategies to ensure consistency in the quality of tourist experiences across the region. Creating partnerships among tourism businesses, event organizers, and local communities is crucial for the further development of tourism in Zadar County, as only through joint efforts can high-quality and sustainable tourism offerings be achieved.

Cooperation between local authorities, travel agencies, accommodation facilities, and restaurateurs will enable the creation of synergies that will enrich the tourist offer and provide visitors with comprehensive experiences. The integration of different aspects of the destination – from history, culture, and natural beauty to modern amenities – is key to creating lasting competitiveness in the market.

This workshop represents only one step in the process of modernizing and improving tourism in Zadar County. Given the global trends and changing demands of tourists, it is important that such educational meetings continue so that all stakeholders can adapt their offerings and remain competitive in the global tourism market.