Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Date of latest update: 2025-09-23

Description

Description (EN):

City of Subotica and City of Osijek will, through priority axis four, develop the tourism offer of the region, the cross-border region and only continue the previous cross-border projects that successfully preserved the common touristic, cultural and natural heritage. Pannonian architecture, indigenous plant and animal species and sustainable tourism are the focus of this project. A green, innovative project, infrastructure based on a green, natural solution is an indispensable approach in the realization of all investments of this project. Family tourism in the context of sustainable tourism and the creation of a unique, new, enriched tourist offer is the task that was put before the project partners. Zoos will be in charge of forming the base, infrastructure and places where we will create new tourist products, unique offers of the cross-border region. Playgrounds, petting zoos, outdoor classrooms will be places and oases for socializing, playing, learning, leisure, enjoying zoo visitors, tourists, families, families with children. We have not excluded children with special needs for whom this is a special oasis of peace and a place for stimulating sensory, visual and motor stimuli. Nature, the natural environment, animals that will be there for petting and observation is a completely new, innovative concept, where we return visitors, tourists to nature, because we want to preserve from oblivion not only Pannonian architecture, but we want to keep children outdoors and teach them coexistence with nature. Gardens, as a favorite place for tourists in both cities, will be places of content, and the tourist offer will be presented at fairs and interesting events. The promotion of the project will be task of the tourism organizations of the cities, which will make the project interesting and attractive for the target groups (kindergartens, schools, teachers, school-aged children, young people, families, families with children, tourism workers, travel agencies, educators, zoologists, biologists, initiatives/groups/associations for nature protection). Interesting and differently designed promo material, conferences, exhibition, large panels, vivid photos, manuals, journalists' trips, are just a few of the communication channels we will use to get this project to each of you.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The partnership assembled their project teams and began the implementation process. Multiple online and in-person meetings were organized in the 1st project period. Project activities: - LP organized the 1st partner meeting on November 16, 2024 in the ZOO of Palić. The meeting served the purpose to discuss first steps in project implementation and joint plans for the partnership. All partners attended the event and contributed to developing the project's communication strategy and aligned planned activities with the partnership's timelines to ensure smooth implementation. - 2nd partner meeting was held by PP4 in December 12, 2024 in Osijek. All partners attended the event to keep track of each partners' achievements and potential challenges. - The kick-off conference was also organized by PP4 in Osijek on December 12, 2024. All partners attended the event, which served the purpose to officially launch the project to the public and media and served as an important platform to present the planned activities and establish connections with relevant stakeholders. The partnership's participation helped raise awareness about the project's goals and specific role in enhancing family-oriented tourism infrastructure in the cross-border region. In period 1 the project's visual identity was developed by PP4 and the following visibility activities have been implemented: Project page has been added to the partners' website in multiple languages and from the beginning of implementation, news and developments concerning the project have been posted, including updates about project events: https://zoopalic.com/majestic-zoos/ https://unikom.hr/majestic-zoo https://visitsubotica.rs/info/projekti/majestic-zoos/ https://www.tzosijek.hr/aktualni-projekti-1429 Procurements: LP and PP3: The first tender for an external procurement expert for professional development and implementation of necessary tender procedures for both Serbian partners, LP and PP3 was successfully completed. A procurement plan was also defined based on which PP3 and LP began assembling the bills of quantities, technical specifications and terms of references for upcoming procurement procedures. It was a joint decision by the partners, that the preparation of local open tender procedure for construction in Palić ZOO is a priority. Relevant technical documentation and bills of quantities were prepared and translated to English language, and LP prepared the tender documentation for all three elements concerning the construction: petting zoo, children's playground and outdoor classroom. The tender procedure was launched in early February 2025. The site visit was also organized in February 2025. The deadline for submission of tenders is set for April 8, 2025. PP2: Launched two separate procurement procedures for construction elements. The tender for playground refurbishment was successful, resulting in signing a contract with Stribor d.o.o. The procurement for the petting zoo construction initially faced challenges as all received offers exceeded the project budget. The procedure was repeated which yielded better results with three offers received, one of which fell within the budget parameters. PP2 is currently in the final phase of offer evaluation for the procurement. In addition, PP2 successfully completed the procurement procedure for construction supervision of the children's playground refurbishment and signed a contract with the selected company. Also, PP4 successfully conducted procurement for construction supervision of the petting zoo enclosures. PP4: Completed two procurements in Period 1: Services for organization of Kick-off conference and development of the project's visual identity. The procurement procedures initiated in this period are essential steps toward delivering the project's key outputs - a modernized, inclusive children's playgrounds and a new petting zoo facilities. Implemented project activities directly contribute to the project's overall implementation by laying the groundwork for the physical infrastructure that will serve as a cornerstone for enhanced family tourism offerings in the border region. Cooperation among the partnership has been active and continuous throughout the implementation. LP received a total advanced payment of 371.842.30 eur on October 8, 2024. LP proceeded to transfer the funds to its' partners in the following order: PP2 - UNIKUM received advanced payment in a total amount of 155.402.10 eur on 15/10/2024. PP3 - Tourist organization of the City of Subotica received advance payment in the total amount of 43.811.08 EUR on 16/10/2024. Lastly, PP4 - TZ Osijek received advanced payment in a total amount of 31.074.35 on 21/10/2024.

Project outputs: Enhanced Cultural and Tourism Experiences at 2 (ZOO) Sites(EN)
Organisations cooperating across borders in order to improve family tourism offer(EN)

Thematic information

Tourism

Priority: (VI-A_HR-S_4) Cooperating for more sustainable and socially innovative tourism and culture

Priority specific objective: RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 165 Protection, development and promotion of public tourism assets and tourism services

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Zoološki vrt Palić-Állatkert Palic

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 10083897

Address: Krfska , 24413 Palić, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://zoopalic.com/

Total budget: EUR 566 219.06

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 481 286.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 84 932.86

Turistička zajednica grada Osijeka

Name: Turistička zajednica grada Osijeka

Partner’s ID if not PIC: OIB: 42701857687

Address: Ulica cara Hadrijana, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: https://www.tzosijek.hr/

Total budget: EUR 124 297.42

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 105 652.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 644.62

Contractors:

Name: DWTE obrt za dizajn
VAT registration or tax identification number: 37810766494
Name: Mellifera d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 79330428794

Turistička organizacija grada Subotice

Name: Turistička organizacija grada Subotice

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 106571652

Address: Trg slobode , 24000 Subotica, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://visitsubotica.rs/

Total budget: EUR 175 244.32

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 148 957.67

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 286.65

Unikom d.o.o. za komunalno gospodarstvo

Name: Unikom d.o.o. za komunalno gospodarstvo

Department: Radna jedinica Zoološki vrt

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR07507345484

Address: Ružina, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Department address: Sjevernodravska obala, 31000 Osijek (Tvrđavica), Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.unikom.hr

Total budget: EUR 621 608.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 528 367.14

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 93 241.26

Contractors:

Name: Stribor oprema d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 53497347539
Name: Arhico d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 37398563143

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Tourist board of the city of Osijek

Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Partners and Projects info

Subotica Tourist Organization

Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Partners and Projects info

Unikom ltd

Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Partners and Projects info

ZOO Palić

Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Project acronym: Majestic ZOO-S

Project ID: HR-RS00076

Project start date: 2024-08-15

Project end date: 2027-02-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Subotica Osijek Secession
Tourist Route - S.O.S. (EN) | The partners in the project were the Tourist Organization of the City of Subotica, the City of Osijek, the City of Subotica, the Regional Development Agency of Slavonia and Baranje doo for international and regional cooperation. Project S.O.S. (Subotica Osijek Secession Tourist Route) is worth 1,066 million euros and was supported by the European Union through the Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation program between Croatia and Serbia 2014-2020. The idea is that the route will reveal to tourists the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, and thus promote tourism through the cooperation of the Osijek-Baranja County and the North Bačka District. The project aimed to develop, integrate, manage and promote a joint cultural tourist product based on the Secession through the revitalization of cultural heritage and the establishment and promotion of a new route and cultural heritage connecting Osijek and Subotica. The cross-border impact of the project is the development of a new cross-border tourist product, a common tourist route that connects the art nouveau heritage of both cities. Our project will lean on already established experience of project partners in creating joint tourism products and cross border tourism routs. (EN), Implementation of nature conservation rescue center and animal health monitoring system with cross-border cooperation (EN) | The monitoring of watery habitat is not solved in the current system of KNPI (currently there are 4 monitoring: public roads; sample territories; predatory birds; general bird monitoring). The project wants to build up the standard monitoring of watery habitats as well, and join national and international databases.
Both countries are very lucky to be located in the territory of bird migration, this part of Europe is very special, highly protected. Joint work in this field results more effective and better systems, moreover joint development ensures standard structure and the project can serve as a best practice.
With the cooperation of cross-border institutions, especially zoos more efficient monitoring and animal saving can be managed. Involving people with proper and wide information about protected animals, and how to treat sick animals we can achieve a great cooperation in the region.
Analysis of migratory birds (transportation and provision of sick animals, collecting dead animals and analyze the cause od sickness or death), recording data, and
statistics. Works: repatriation bird cages, improvement of special laboratories. Our project will use results and best practices of the project to ensure well being of animals in children zoo's. (EN), Two zoos (EN) | As part of the IPA cross-border cooperation program of the Republic of Hungary and the Republic of Serbia, the project HUSRB/0901/221/168 Two European zoos in the function of education and environmental protection was implemented. The cross-border partner of the zoo and the main bearer of the project was the City of Segedin, while Vadašpark Seged, and elementary schools Ivan Milutinović, Majšanski put, Miroslav Antić, Sečenji Ištvan, J.J. Dragon and I.G. Kovačić from Subotica and Palić. The project was implemented on October 1, 2010. until 30.09.2011. The value of the project is €139,860.00. In the period of one year, several activities were carried out. The most extensive was the exchange of school children. It consisted of 18 one-day sessions during April and May when children from Szeged and Subotica visited Vadašpark and Palić Zoo. In total, over 6,500 children participated in the program. All participants were provided with transportation, food and program activities in the garden. Children of different ethnic, demographic and social origins, aged from 8 to 15 years, were included. Our project will use best practices established in the work with children and using ZOOs as educational facilites. (EN), Along Miller’s Route in Cross-Border Area (EN) | The City of Osijek was the leading partner of the project "Roads of millers in the cross-border area", which is financed from IPA Hungary-Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Program. The main goal of the project was to strengthen and develop the cultural tourism in the cross-border area through the promotion of cultural and traditional heritage. The specific goal was to increase the tourist attractiveness of the city of Osijek, Osijek-Baranja County and Baranya County in Hungary by improving the tourist infrastructure, creating thematic tourist routes, and increasing the number of tourists in the target region. The main activities of the project were the construction of a mill on the Drava River in Osijek, the reconstruction of a mill in the village Orfű and the creation of a cross-border route connecting old mills and crafts and the industrial and cultural heritage of the region. In addition to the City of Osijek, the project partners were the Mill Stone Foundation from Orfű, the Tourist Board of the City of Osijek, Ecological Association Vodenica and Regional Development Agency of Slavonia and Baranja.
Total value: 416.398,00
Funded by: Interreg IPA Hu-Hr
Our project will use best practices in using heritage (historical, ethical and natural) as a driving force in creating cross-border tourism products. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 487 369.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 264 263.81

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 264 263.81. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Building petting zoo in Osijek's ZOO - EUR 325 000.00 - country: Hrvatska (HR), town: Osijek, Osječko - baranjska, Osječko-baranjska županija (HR025)
I1.2 - Building of petting zoo in Palić ZOO - EUR 403 400.00 - country: Serbia (RS), town: Palić, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (RS12), Severnobačka oblast (RS125)
I1.4 - Refurbishing playground in Palić ZOO - EUR 140 000.00 - country: Serbia (RS), town: Palić, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (RS12), Severnobačka oblast (RS125)
I1.5 - Creating outdoor classroom in Palić ZOO - EUR 19 977.00 - country: Serbia (RS), town: Palić, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (RS12), Severnobačka oblast (RS125)

Deliverables:

Petting ZOO in Osijek’s ZOO
Petting ZOO in ZOO Palić
Playground in Osijek’s ZOO
Playground in ZOO Palić
Outdoor classroom in ZOO Palić
Open door events
Project visual
Different joint family tourist package tours
Thematic workshops
Labeling of restaurants, hosts, attractions
Certification of local tourism workers/stakeholders in Osijek and Subotica through Interprate Europe
Web site(s)
Joint promotional material
Promotion on tourism fairs
Promotional events
Promotional movie
Exhibitions
Wooden informational panels
Digital tools for promotion of destination
Closing conference
Press conferences
Promotional campaing

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion EU Strategy for the Danube region – Our project directly contributes to PA3 – SP 1. Protection, rehabilitation, and promotion of the Cultural heritage of the Danube Region and SP 2. Promote sustainable tourism in the Danube Region and capitalize on EUSDR projects in the areas of culture, nature, and tourism by combining elements of ethnology, indigenous animals, and small-scale nature-based infrastructure in ZOOs to enhance offer of family tourism in the Danube region.
EuropeanGreenDeal European Green Deal – project delivers on EU Green Deal promise of creating jobs and growth while at the same time improving health and wellbeing of people and especially families with children by involving them in outdoor education on importance of preservation of nature and harmonious relationships with nature and animals
Other Agenda 2030, with all 17 goals, includes three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. It permeates many of its segments when we talk about this project, its goals and what the project looks at and what it needs to achieve. Through goal 8 Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and dignified work for all (The service sector makes up almost 50% of Serbia's GDP and represents an important backbone of the economy in Serbia and records constant growth as well as a trade surplus. Although this growth is largely influenced by the development of the ICT sector, the structure of the service sector in Serbia is still largely made up of services that do not require special skills and knowledge. Tourism sector in Serbia, as well as on a global level, is on the rise, which is extremely important for considering goal 8.9 (sustainable tourism). In 2016, the number of tourists increased by 13% compared to the previous year and still records an exceptional growth!) .The City of Subotica adopted the City Development Plan for 2023-2032, where the priority goal is defined through Development Direction 3. - Local economic and economic development - Increasing the volume and level of the tourist offer and measures to achieve the priority goal (completion of investments in Palić, arrangement of the city center, facade, improvement of tourist infrastructure, development of human capacities in tourism and development of the Tourism Development Plan - currently being developed).
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region, which consists of 4 pillars: Blue growth (fisheries and aquaculture), environmental quality (transnational habitats and biodiversity) connecting regions (maritime transport, inter-modal connections with the hinterland, energy networks) and sustainable tourism (sustainable and responsible tourism management). Horizontal aspects apply to all four pillars: capacity building, development and research, small and medium enterprises, climate change and disaster risk management.
Other Croatian Strategy of sustainable tourism by 2030 through its priority area 1.3 and strategic goal 1 “Annual and regional more balanced tourism” puts emphasis on development of specialized forms of tourism offer and structured product development particularly on so called “city breaks”. By enhancing nature-based offer in cities of Osijek and Subotica the project directly contributes to achieving goals of the strategy. Additionally master plan for the development of tourism in Osijek – Baranja County for the period 2017. – 2025. as priority areas for development lists city breaks and eco-tourism which our project strives to support and develop.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Hrvatska (HR), Osijek

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 077 - Visitors of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-23

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

27 / 27 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

94 / 94 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Enhancing family-oriented tourism offer in cross – border region through investment in improving and promoting nature - based solutions, regional identity, inclusive and smart tourist solutions

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer