This international project, with a total value of EUR 1,574,628.34, of which EUR 428,359.50 is contributed by Lošinj, is part of the Interreg Slovenia-Croatia programme aimed at developing sustainable and regenerative tourism and enhancing cooperation between local communities, while adding new experiences to the tourism offer by drawing on the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area.
During a period of 30 months (starting on 1 March 2026), 20 km of hiking trails and 10 km of cycling trails are to be restored in the Nerezine area, with work being carried out on existing routes at the foothill of the Osoršćica mountain, by the Halmac and Tržić shepherds’ dwellings with preserved traditional architecture, ponds, caves, natural vegetation and wildlife habitats.
The work includes clearing up and expanding the corridor, removing debris and weeding, repairing dry-stone walls, and local improvement and reinforcement of the trail surface. New amenities will also be added, including 1 photo point, 5 information boards, directional and safety signs, maps on entrance points and 2 rest stops with a total of 4 benches and 2 tables, with the trails connecting to the Osoršćica mountaineering trail and effectively linking Nerezine with Osor.
The project will include the development of a comprehensive strategy for a common marketing approach and advertising under the 5 Green Trails* brand, with information tailored to target visitor groups. Various educational workshops and lectures will be organised for partners and local community representatives, first of which is scheduled to be held on 16 and 17 April in Mali Lošinj to showcase good practices from Croatia and Slovenia, with a focus on sustainable tourism and the example of the island of Lošinj – winner of the Gold Award for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
As part of the project, in addition to restoring the trails, Lošinj will secure 5 e-bicycles and 2 charging stations, map out the road cycling route from Trbovlje to Mali Lošinj and plan the cycling route. Also, a digital totem – multilingual digital platform will be installed at the e-bicycle rental points, which will connect the subpages of all partners and provide information on the cycling route, new tourism products and the general tourism offer.
Once the project is concluded, a joint festival is planned to be held under the name “5 STAR OUTDOOR FESTIVAL”, which will aim to inform the public of the newly restored trails and new products offered.
Essentially, the goal of the project is to facilitate the transition towards sustainable and regenerative tourism, enhance the resilience of tourist destinations, and improve the management and protection of the natural environment. By linking tourism with the cultural and creative sector, the project will help develop new experiences of active and experiential tourism, drawing on local tradition and cultural heritage, and create sustainable solutions for providing new spaces for outdoor activities. Particular emphasis is placed on engaging the local community in developing tourism products and fostering circular business models in tourism. The project brings together partners from Croatia and Slovenia, including the Municipality of Trbovlje, Kočevje Public Institute for Tourism and Culture, Labin Tourist Board, Island Development Agency (OTRA) and Mali Lošinj Tourist Board.
