Contact person(s):
Anita Bálint - balint.anita@vasmegye.hu

Program website:

Project description:

The project aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of rural tourism actors in the Slovenian–Hungarian border region by placing a nature- and culture-oriented approach at the forefront. The partnership achieves this through the development of a methodological process that not only supports tourism development but is adaptable to other economic sectors as well. By increasing the attractiveness of rural areas and strengthening cross-border cooperation, the project contributes to improving the quality of life of local communities.

A central component of the implementation is the creation of the Rural Tourism Vision for the Future, a long-term strategic framework that defines development directions for stakeholders, including opportunities in slow, active and digital-detox tourism. The project establishes the Slovenian–Hungarian Rural Tourism Academy, which offers a structured programme of training and knowledge transfer for local service providers, accommodation operators, gastronomy actors, event organisers and small producers.
The knowledge gained through the Academy is tested in a pilot programme where diverse tourism enterprises apply newly learned methods to their own operations and receive tailored development recommendations. Measuring and evaluating the results of the pilot ensures that the project generates tangible progress and strengthens long-term market visibility for participating businesses. The entire process concludes with a transferable methodological handbook that serves as a practical guide for other regions wishing to implement coordinated rural tourism development.
The project responds to the challenge that tourism service providers in the region have so far operated largely in isolation, lacking structured platforms for cooperation, and therefore creates a new environment for continuous cross-border dialogue and knowledge exchange.
This cooperation helps the previously underrepresented rural tourism sector to gain a renewed identity and stronger market position within the region. The project also recognises that combining different branches of rural tourism – such as local products integrated into active experiences or digital-detox programmes linked to nature-based activities – offers far greater value than developing these areas separately. Through the coordinated execution of its activities, the project not only fosters economic efficiency but also promotes long-term sustainable development across the rural areas of the Slovenian–Hungarian border region.

Project partnership:

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vas County (VMKIK) - Lead Partner

Pomurska gospodarska zbornica (PGZ) – PP2

Pomurje Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PGZ) – PP2

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Zala County (ZVKIK) – PP4

Pomurje Tourist Board (PTZ) – PP5

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