University of Georgia/University of Zagreb
Country:
Croatia
Award Date:
2002
Award Amount:
$99,996.00
Cost Share:
$104,599.00
Other Funds:
$10,000.00
Other Partners:
Pilar Institute
This partnership is collaborating with rural communities and local governments to increase employment, income, and economic sustainability in rural towns and villages in Croatia. Partners are building upon the traditional elements of the rural community such as handicrafts, architecture, agriculture, food, history and culture, as the basis for economic growth and tourism in towns beyond the coastal areas of Croatia. A delegation of 11 participants visited the University of Georgia (UGA) to discuss models of successful tourism-based growth. Representatives of government, entrepreneurs, and the University of Zagreb (UZ) attended workshops that UGA conducted in Croatia on sustainable development and tourism. Partners have been working with local officials in Zumberak to create a Center for Rural Outreach to serve a tourism development and information center. UZ and UGA have conducted collaborative research in areas such as tourist trends and zones, restoration of houses and crafts, and landscape assessment.