That interpretation can serve as a key tool for the preservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage which was demonstrated by numerous experts at the conference "Heritage in the Function of Tourism", organized by the Public Institution Pleternica in collaboration with the City of Pleternica, on the occasion of World Tourism Day – as reported by the City of Pleternica.
The conference was held on September 27, 2024, at the Interpretation Center Museum of Bećarac, which is a strong guardian of the heritage of Slavonia and an important segment in tourism development, as it significantly contributes to attracting visitors and enriching the tourism offer.
"We have top-notch speakers, people who can best demonstrate with their own examples how they do this in their institutions. The first part of the professional session took place in the Museum of Bećarac hall, followed by a field trip to the ethnological village Stara Kapela. We combined theory and fieldwork in a beautiful setting that preserves tradition and heritage, where participants had the opportunity to wear traditional farming attire and get a traditional hairstyle," said Jasna Hoffmann, the director of the Public Institution Pleternica.
The mayor of Pleternica, Marija Šarić, emphasized the connection between tourism and the development of the local economy in Pleternica, as well as the necessity of cooperation and the exchange of experiences to continue that development.
-The town of Pleternica is a proud holder of projects based on cultural and natural heritage. Through European funds, we are trying to build centers that present cultural and natural heritage and turn them into tourism attractions in order to attract numerous visitors to Pleternica, who stay here, to enjoy, spend their money and thus help the development of the local economy. At the same time, we are aware that without such professional conferences, we cannot keep up with the times. It is essential to connect and exchange experiences because when we work in partnership with others, we all grow together," said Šarić.
The County Mayor of Požega-Slavonia County, Antonija Jozić pointed out the exceptional potential of the entire County, which must be put into the function of sustainable tourism.
"I am proud of everything that the Public Institution Pleternica and the Town of Pleternica are doing to preserve heritage. I would like to emphasize that our County is an area of exceptional natural and cultural potential in terms of sustainable tourism development, and these potentials and resources must be put into use. If we look at our entire County, from Pakrac, Lipik, and, for example, the Lipizzaner stud farm, whose breeding is listed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, to the first coin minting facility, the Slavonian banovac coin, and all the way to Sovsko Lake, which has exceptional natural and cultural heritage, the Nature Park Papuk, but here is also the Bećarac Museum, where is Bećarac also listed on UNESCO’s list. Concluded Jozić. (text: Požeški.hr, photo: Jasna Hoffmann)