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Međimurje - green destination
Aware of the natural and social limitations of life on a densely populated ‘island’ between two rivers, the people in Međimurje have always taken great care of their native land. Over the centuries, they have made it a fertile and pleasant place to live for themselves and the future generations, while preserving the extraordinary biodiversity of plant and animal life as well as the authentic lifestyle. Tourism based on these foundations started developing twenty years ago.
Today, Međimurje is rightfully known as the Croatian cradle of sustainable tourism. The region has been given the award by the Croatian Tourist Board for the most successful destination of sustainable, smart and innovative tourism in Croatia and the Green Destinations certificate with a silver designation.
Our principles
Ecological responsibility
Preservation of natural resources is a fundamental value in a modern society, and environmental sensitivity is an important factor in the overall attractiveness of a tourist destination. Green orientation of Međimurje County, both in relation to the use and management of the area and energy efficiency, is an important factor in overall development. Therefore, ecological responsibility is a fundamental principle of developing Međimurje as a tourist destination.
Corporate social responsibility
Being aware of the social responsibility of all stakeholders in tourism, we continually and persistently encourage business processes that will have a positive effect on the wider community and the environment. These activities need to be in the best interests of society, based on ethical behavior and in accordance with the law and other legal regulations.
A sense of place
Experiencing the special "atmosphere of a place" is one of the basic motives of a modern traveler. Preserving the unique "image and spirit" of Međimurje is crucial for local community and tourism competitiveness. Protecting authenticity as much as possible is a fundamental principle of tourism development in Međimurje.
Partnership
A tourist product comprises content and services created by a number of different institutions and providers. Therefore, the competitiveness of destinations necessarily implies networking and continuous communication between stakeholders, which includes horizontal and/or vertical collaboration as well as cooperation between the public and private sectors. Basing such a complex system on partnerships among all stakeholders is a fundamental principle of tourism development in Međimurje.
Innovativeness
A prerequisite for creating a competitive advantage is turning to smart development of the economy based on knowledge and innovation, and encouraging learning and creativity in various forms of tourist offer. It is also a fundamental principle of tourism development in Međimurje.
Culture of quality
Facing fierce competition in the tourist market imposes quality and personalized approach to guests as a basic assumption of successful business. Encouraging and ensuring the quality of overall tourist content and services is a prerequisite for being competitive in tourism. Culture of quality is, therefore, a key principle of doing business in Međimurje.
Travel responsibly
In order to have a pleasant trip in Međimurje without causing any inconvenience for the local community, please note the following recommendations:
At natural heritage sites
- you will be denied entry to a site without a valid ticket, if one is required
- it is not allowed to park outside designated parking areas
- camping is prohibited
- lighting a fire is prohibited
- throwing away cigarette butts onto the ground and littering is prohibited
- damaging equipment on a site is prohibited
- polluting air, soil and water is prohibited
- stay on the marked trail
- respect customs and tradition as well as the locals
In museums, galleries and interpretation centres
- don’t touch the exhibits
- eating and drinking is not allowed in the exhibition halls, museums, visitor centres
- smoking is forbidden
- taking photos or filming is only allowed with prior permission
- pets are not allowed in the museum/visitor centre
- take into account other people while taking a tour and sightseeing
In sacral buildings
- turn off the sound on your mobile phone
- don’t speak loudly
- smoking, eating and drinking, littering are prohibited
- pets are not allowed inside
- taking photos is not allowed
- keep quiet upon entering the church and don’t disturb others
- wear appropriate clothes (with shoulders and legs covered)
Access for all
Guided by the principles of humanity and sustainability, we strive to ensure equal access to our destination for tourists with reduced mobility while taking into account their possible mobility issues, hearing, sight, cognitive dimension and age. Tourist activities, services and products are adapted to all tourists in order to create a unique experience.
Therefore, tourist destinations are equipped with tactile strips, audio guides, maps and texts in Braille, audio guides, adapted text sizes, floor-level thresholds, lifts, platform lifts and sanitary facilities suitable for people with disabilities. We strongly believe that every visitor has the right to an authentic and unhindered experience of the diversity of the offer. Accordingly, we continually and persistently work to improve Međimurje as an accessible destination.
Feeling honoured
Međimurje County and its Tourist Board have put in a great deal of effort and dedication to create sustainable tourism content over the years, and their accomplishments have been recognized worldwide. As a result, Međimurje has been labeled a Green Destination. Međimurje became the first region in Croatia and the fourth in the world to receive this globally esteemed certificate for tourism sustainability!
The quality of the offer and the sustainable development of tourism in Međimurje have been recognized by the European experts in the field and reputable international institutions:
EDEN European Destinations of Excellence in the field of:
• Rural Tourism 2007
• Tourism and Local Gastronomy 2016
• Wellness and Health Tourism 2019
STA Swiss Tourism Award for the quality of digital promotion of sustainable tourism in 2016
FDI by Financial Times – Međimurje among the top 10 small European regions for its investment attraction strategy
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage – Međimurska popevka (traditional song)
The most notable national awards include the following:
• The most successful continental tourism destination in Croatia in 2019
• The most successful destination of sustainable, smart and innovative tourism in 2022