Photo by ICDM project

On April 9, 2024, Zala County Self-Government (Lead partner) organized the opening conference of the ICDM project (“Development of an Innovative Cycling Destination Model in the Slovenian-Hungarian Border Region”), which took place in the Balance Resort Thermal Hotel in Lenti.

The event began with a welcoming speech by Imre Pácsonyi, Vice President of the General Assembly of Zala County. On behalf of the Lead Partner (Zala County Self Government), Helga Kovács, project manager, introduced the project, its content, background and objectives. The event continued with a presentation by Miklós Berencsi, Project Director of the Centre for Development of Active and Ecotourism, on the development directions of active tourism. He first introduced the structure and operation of the development centre, and then touched upon the challenges currently faced by active and ecotourism. He proposed solutions, with a particular emphasis on making tourist sites accessible to all target groups. Afterwards, Tibor Polgár and Péter Halinka, directors of the Nyugat-Pannon Nonprofit Ltd. took the floor and talked first about the cultural heritage-based thematic routes – for example the Velo Martini cycling pilgrimage route – and then about the implementation of a history based project. Uroš Rozman, project manager of the Regional Development Agency for Koroška, shared Slovenia’s good cycling practices and presented in detail the investments, completed trails and resting places on the Slovenian parts of the Drava Bike route, which crosses four countries. Andej Klasinc, President of the Society for Roman History and Culture Ptuj, gave a presentation on the Roman heritage of the city of Ptuj. He stressed the importance of the city’s Roman past and the need to continue the work on it, in addition to the preservation of traditions and cultural heritage. Afterwards, the audience was introduced to the concept and history of pilgrimage tourism from its beginnings to the present day by Priest Péter Déri. As a good example, he mentioned the village of Csehimindszent, the birthplace of Cardinal József Mindszenty. The village is a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholic believers. Finally, Tamás Méri, co-founder of Access4You, closed the day by presenting the Access4You European certification system and the difficulties and opportunities related to the travel of people with disabilities. The opening conference was concluded with remarks about all presentations.