JemsDevelopment of the joint cycle tourism product and activation of the natural and cultural heritage along the future EuroVelo 18 (#SavaRoute)
Priority Axis 4: Cooperating for more sustainable and socially innovative tourism and culture
Operation start date: 1 March 2026
Operation completion date: 29 February 2028
Budget: EUR 805.690,27
Number of partners: 5
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The overall objective of this project is to collaboratively create a new, green, smart, and sustainable tourism product along the Sava River, new certified EuroVelo cycling route, promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Brod-Posavina, Vukovar-Srijem County in Croatia, as well as Sremska Mitrovica and the Srem County in Serbia. In doing so, the project will contribute to the socio-economic development and strengthen local communities in the cross-border region.
The main outputs of the project are:
– #SavaRoute tourism product
– #SavaRoute tourism development in cross-border area.
Beneficiaries:
Ministry of tourism and youth, Government of the Republic of Serbia (RS) as Lead Partner will be responsible for creating a Status-quo report, Joint strategic framework for the Sava route (Product plan) development, establishing an innovative Product Club platform for #SavaRoute, creating and developing the #SavaRoute mobile application, organizing an introductory Conference for the proposed project in Serbia, promoting (design and printing of promotional materials, online campaign) to raise the visibility of the proposed project and its results.
Ministry of the sea, transport and infrastructure, Government of the Republic of Croatia (HR) as Project Partner will take active participation in the preparation of the Status-quo report, review of the route mapping for Sava Route and Traffic study on the territory of Croatia in order to install adequate signalization and conduct route improvement (surface quality) for the secure cycling along Sava. Also, MMPI in line with its responsibilities, competencies, and capacities, will be responsible for a Joint marketing plan of the Sava route, development and delivery of training programs, organization of the International Symposium on Cycling (tourism) and final Conference of the proposed project in Croatia. Besides that, MMPI will provide technical expertise and administrative support in all project activities.
Vukovar – Srijem County (HR) as Project Partner will build a highly attractive Pump track park along the Route Sava in the Municipality of Andrijaševci, the only Municipality in Vukovar – Srijem County with already physically builded bicycle road paths. This additional tourism product will be the place where all the bicycle fans and tourists, who will be travelling through the #SavaRoute, will be able to find an additional content and entertainment. With this project, improved tourist offer will result in attracting a larger number of foreign visitors which in turn will lead to a greater satisfaction of local inhabitants. A richer tourist offers and larger number of visitors will additionally encourage local inhabitants for starting their own business in tourism and thus generate new jobs. Besides, Vukovar – Srijem County will be responsible for stakeholder consultation meetings, organization of workshops for the Product club, organization of promo tour, production of promo movie, online campaign and design promo material and different equipment installation that will enhance Vukovar – Srijem County tourism offer.
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences (HR) as Project Partner as Project Partner will analyses best possible pathways while reducing ecological damage and promoting sustainability by using geographic information systems, spatial analytic tools and environmental impact assessments. Considering that the participation of the local community is essential for the success and sustainability of the project, the faculty will engage in workshops to gather local perspectives and ensure that the new tourism product #Sava Route responds to the demands of the local community. The faculty ensures that the beneficial results of the project last beyond its initial implementation by promoting and educating the public about the benefits of cycling and sustainable tourism. As a result, the faculty acts as an organization for the comprehensive and long-term development of cycling tourism along the Sava River. Besides, The Faculty will be responsible for the Traffic study project of the new EuroVelo 18 and Route mapping on the territory of Brod-Posavina County and Vukovar-Srijem County.
Tourist Organization of Sremska Mitrovica (RS) as Project Partner will introduce a rent-a-bike services and enhance the cycling tourism, as well as support the sustainable transport in the destination of Sremska Mitrovica. TOSM will implement activities and conduct a marketing campaign to promote the tourism offerings of the area, informing visitors about bike rental locations while also introducing them to the tourist attractions and activities available in Sremska Mitrovica. TOSM will also participate in capacity-building activities and the development of digital tools.