1. 08. 22.

Within the framework of the CROSSDEST project, the team of the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation took part in a professional study visit hosted by the Development Centre Murska Sobota, one of the key regional development institutions and the official Slovenian partner of the project.

The visit was organised with the support of the Slovenia–Hungary Interreg Programme, which promotes cross-border cooperation and strengthens economic and social ties between the two countries.

The occasion was especially valuable, as the Development Centre Murska Sobota is also the operator of the Expano Visitor Centre, one of the most innovative tourism and promotional hubs in the Pomurje region. The Pannon EGTC team received first-hand insights into how local producers and tourism service providers can be successfully integrated into a shared regional value chain.

Expano – where regional values meet tourism

One of the highlights of the visit was the Expano Visitor Centre. Beyond its interactive exhibition space, particular attention was given to the local product shop, offering high-quality, premium Slovenian products representing the region. The operation of the shop and the coordination of local producers are also managed by the Development Centre Murska Sobota.

The management shared their plans to include Hungarian local products in the future, which will further strengthen cross-border cooperation and create tangible economic opportunities on both sides of the border.

Why is this important for the border region?

The experience in Murska Sobota clearly demonstrates that:

  • integrating local products into tourism can strengthen the regional economy in a sustainable way,
  • local food a-nd craft products offer visitors a more authentic and unique experience,
  • the model implemented by the Development Centre Murska Sobota provides a long-term, effective approach to involving producers in the tourism value chain,
  • Slovenian–Hungarian cross-border cooperation — especially with Interreg support — significantly contributes to increasing the competitiveness and visibility of border regions.

The CROSSDEST project aims to support sustainable tourism development with a strong emphasis on local products. The good practices observed in Murska Sobota offer valuable inspiration and a solid professional basis for further joint activities.

Continued cooperation

In the upcoming months, Pannon EGTC will continue to work closely with its Slovenian partner, particularly in the fields of producer involvement and joint tourism development. The results of the study visit fit well with the project’s objectives and support the creation of an innovative, cross-border model integrating local producers into tourism.