Successful Two Days of BRICS Living Lab in Dugopolje
29/05/2024
In winter and spring 2024, the Dugopolje Municipality and the Development Agency Team organized two days of BRICS Living Labs. The first day was held on February 23, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM at the premises of the Dugopolje Development Agency. The second day took place on May 21, 2024, in the Municipality of Dugopolje.
Both days saw the participation of local stakeholders, public managers, and citizens interested in effective solutions for tourism management and promotional strategies. The objective of the Living Labs were to capitalize on the experience gained through previous project analyses and best practices from study visits in order to design new management mechanisms and create appropriate pathways to enhance the capacity of each inner area to participate in cross-border initiatives.
Through the idea and co-creation phases, the Living Lab team identified solutions to create tourism management mechanisms based on real needs and unique solutions for tourism promotion. The Dugopolje project team appreciated the contributions of the participants in the two-day roundtable discussions.
It was incredibly inspiring to hear the participants’ ideas and suggestions, and to observe the current challenges shared by tourism operators from the Dugopolje area. Their goal was to collaboratively shape a new tourism package that would meet all the needs and expectations of visitors.
Regarding the Living Lab, the participants reflected on current initiatives such as the establishment of the Green Line that connects the City of Split with Dugopolje's tourist offerings, such as the Hidden Dalmatia visitor center. This initiative aimed to attract tourists from Split looking for active and exciting experiences, particularly younger generations seeking adventure packages. The Living Lab roundtable welcomed the quality of this initiative but also suggested ways to improve it. From experience, they know that visitors want not only to observe and taste tourism products but also to actively participate in their creation. For example, many want to take part in preparing the "traditional peka" rather than just watching and tasting it. So, the Living Lab provided important directions for future tourism package development.
The Living Lab also suggested operating the green market as a space for various events (e.g., Dalmatian cuisine night), aiming to attract visitors and provide an interactive experience of local products and traditions. Participants of the Living Lab identified other topics for future meetings, such as the problem faced by rental property owners in transporting visitors from their apartments to desired tourist locations.