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[quote_box_center]

\n

If you want to get your delegates to experience a destination in the right way, then we\u00a0are definitely suggest that you consider the tradition and customs, adding cultural and\u00a0historical components, all this spice with local food and a few legends, and sprinkle\u00a0with a smile.

\n

SEEbtm magazine, for start, offers some of the suggestions of those things\u00a0you can take from the Southeast European region.

\n

[/quote_box_center]

\n

Slovenia

\n

Slovenia is well known by beekeeping,\u00a0it is the only European Union Member\u00a0State to have protected its native\u00a0bee, the Carniolan bee.

\n

This breed of\u00a0bee is regarded as the second most\u00a0widespread bee breed in the world.
\nAnother special feature of Slovenian beekeeping\u00a0is in the area of folk art \u2013\u00a0the art of painting beehive panels,\u00a0something\u00a0not known anywhere else\u00a0in the world. Excellent idea for team\u00a0building activity!

\n
\"The
The art of painting beehive panels
\n

In small place, called Idrija, in 16th century,\u00a0lacemaking in Slovenia began.\u00a0Today, there are still Idrija lace schools,\u00a0and their teachers could present\u00a0and teach delegates the methods\u00a0of lacemaking.

\n

Products that can be\u00a0made of it are cloths and napkins,\u00a0curtains\u00a0and bed linen, clothes and\u00a0ornaments\u00a0for clothes, even earrings,\u00a0necklaces\u00a0and gloves, as well as business\u00a0gifts or souvenirs.

\n

If you want to \u201ctaste\u201d the tradition,\u00a0try Slovenian potica. This baked dish\u00a0has always been a synonym for\u00a0festive\u00a0events in Slovenian families.\u00a0Local people can show you how to\u00a0make\u00a0sweet or salt potica, in addition\u00a0with their family story.

\n

Croatia

\n

The first thing that comes to mind at\u00a0the mention of Croatian tourism is\u00a0its 1,200+ islands. However, there is\u00a0a small place in Croatia that is rarely\u00a0talked about, an absolute must.
\nThe small town of Hum in Istra is the\u00a0smallest town in the world with its\u00a0population of 20.

\n

The families living\u00a0in this town have managed to preserve,\u00a0among other things, the traditional\u00a0production of medicinal Biska\u00a0rakija (local variety of brandy) made\u00a0of mistletoe, as well as the town\u00a0leader election process \u2013 by carving\u00a0the votes on a wooden stick called\u00a0rabos. This custom can also be used\u00a0for employees; they could vote for\u00a0the most interesting co-worker or\u00a0leader, or perhaps the weakest link\u00a0at the company.

\n

As for wines, from Istria, where is\u00a0the greatest number of family-run\u00a0vineyards\u00a0with their own labels, and\u00a0Dalmatia with a centuries long bond\u00a0between man and wine, you could\u00a0go to the north and visit original 13th\u00a0century cellars in Kutjevo.

\n

All the way,\u00a0you can meet the tradition of grapegrowing\u00a0and wine production. Don\u2019t\u00a0miss to try Croatian wines!\u00a0But, dare to participate in wine making\u00a0in the old way. Take your shoes,\u00a0jump into barrel with grapes and start\u00a0stepping.

\n

For souvenirs, delegates could try to\u00a0make children\u2019s wooden toys. Traditional\u00a0manufacturing in the region\u00a0of Croatian Zagorje involve men and\u00a0women\u00a0equally. The men in a family\u00a0take soft willow, lime, beech and maple\u00a0wood\u00a0from the region and dry,\u00a0hew, cut and carve it using traditional\u00a0tools; the women then apply\u00a0ecologically-\u00a0friendly paint in\u00a0improvisational\u00a0floral or geometric patterns.

\n
\"Children\u2019s
Children\u2019s wooden toys
\n

Souvenirs can be whistles,\u00a0cars, tiny\u00a0furniture, spinning dancers,\u00a0jumping\u00a0horses and flapping birds, almost\u00a0identical to those made more than\u00a0a century ago.

\n

Serbia

\n

All it takes to glimpse at the past and\u00a0find out what life in Serbia looked\u00a0like many years ago is a trip to one of\u00a0Vojvodina\u2019s ethno village. The Vojvodina\u00a0ethno village (called Salasi) are\u00a0homesteads with the farmhouse,\u00a0outbuildings,\u00a0and farming land that\u00a0are located far from settlements.
\nThe people living at these farms used\u00a0to get their water from wells dug\u00a0at the centre of the front yard that\u00a0still represent a distinctive feature\u00a0of the Salas. Today these places can\u00a0accommodate tourists and provide\u00a0them with a total experience in an\u00a0entirely preserved setting.

\n

\nFrom the north part of the country,\u00a0from the plains and endless landscapes,\u00a0one would be impelled to climb\u00a0some of Serbia\u2019s mountains.\u00a0In the villages of Zlatibor, the hosts\u00a0are always willing to show their guest\u00a0old trades that they have been\u00a0saving from oblivion for many years.\u00a0You can learn methods of making traditional\u00a0shoes and wool socks, essential\u00a0items for mountain winters.

\n

\nIn addition to learning old trades,\u00a0the participants can bring back with\u00a0them the souvenirs they make, as\u00a0well as buy handmade wool vests,\u00a0sweaters, and hats. Full attire for the\u00a0following winter!

\n
\"Sljivovica\"
Sljivovica
\n

Sljivovica is a homemade beverage\u00a0whose name is well known even among\u00a0foreigners, presented with the\u00a0brandy as part of welcome in nearly\u00a0every corner of Serbia.\u00a0However, there are places that deserve\u00a0special mention like Blace, where\u00a0Plum Days are celebrated every\u00a0year.

\n

This area is home of the best rakija,\u00a0and its invitation to pick plums and\u00a0prepare and taste rakija is open at\u00a0all times.
\nSo you should accept the invitation\u00a0and join the locals in the process of\u00a0making rakija. Of course, tasting it\u00a0also sounds like an excellent idea.

\n

Montenegro

\n

The most recognizable image of the\u00a0Montenegrin folklore are young men,\u00a0sitting\u00a0on each other\u2019s shoulders in\u00a0two circles\u00a0while girls dance next to\u00a0them.

\n

This image is the finale of a\u00a0Montenegrin\u00a0folk dance called Crnogorsko\u00a0Oro.

\n

Young people get close\u00a0and form a circle, after which they\u00a0begin to sing, usually poking fun at\u00a0someone on the other side and challenging\u00a0them to join the circle and\u00a0dance.

\n

The most courageous fellow\u00a0enters the circle and starts dancing\u00a0by imitating the eagle, aiming to win\u00a0over the girl who joins him by the\u00a0same,\u00a0if more elegant, imitation of\u00a0the bird.

\n

The spectators encourage\u00a0them and couples take turns.\u00a0Dressed in national costumes, the\u00a0young\u00a0people make a strong impression\u00a0on everyone watching.

\n
\"Crnogorsko
Crnogorsko Oro
\n

Montenegrins are known for making\u00a0the best kacamak\u00a0(local variety of\u00a0hasty pudding). You can challenge\u00a0tourists\u00a0to try and make a special sort\u00a0of the pudding called tucanik, an\u00a0old-times recipe. The basic ingredients\u00a0are potato and corn flour, and\u00a0the contestants can get their secret\u00a0recipes from their hosts. In addition\u00a0to winning the title, the goal is to\u00a0beat Montenegrins in making\u00a0their\u00a0traditional\u00a0meal.

\n

They say that the food is always good\u00a0in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so\u00a0you can never leave the country with\u00a0an empty belly. If you start your\u00a0day with coffee and Turkish delight,\u00a0then have burek with homemade\u00a0sour\u00a0cream for breakfast, a plate of\u00a0cevapi with onions for lunch, tufahije\u00a0and baklava for dessert, and on\u00a0top of it all treat yourself with homemade\u00a0rakija or a glass of beer, and then\u00a0coffee again in keeping with the\u00a0local\u00a0custom, you\u2019ll know why.

\n

For making good Bosnian coffee,\u00a0you\u2019ll need the coffee pot and cups,\u00a0traditionally\u00a0made and decorated by\u00a0caldron makers. While taking sips of\u00a0coffee\u00a0at the shops on Bascarsija, these\u00a0hosts are always willing to demonstrate\u00a0their trade.

\n

When in Macedonia, you can learn\u00a0the carefully kept secret of making\u00a0the one-of-a-kind Ohrid pearls, whose\u00a0appeal is said to have enticed\u00a0even\u00a0Queen Elizabeth.
\nToday only two families make the original\u00a0pearls, staying true to the handmade\u00a0process, and they use only\u00a0natural\u00a0materials.

\n

You can observe\u00a0their\u00a0creative process at their shops,\u00a0as well as try on pearl necklaces, earrings,\u00a0and other jewellery, and take\u00a0with you at least a couple of photos,\u00a0if the luxury pearls are out of your price\u00a0range.

\n

JOIN THE LOCAL FESTIVALS

\n

Large crowds, many people in one place, food\u00a0smells, loud music, noise and energy \u2013 all these\u00a0are inevitable elements of festivals. Every country\u00a0in the world has its small or big festivals.

\n

Some are international and some are traditional,\u00a0and these you can\u2019t find anywhere else.\u00a0When travelling or organising an event in a particular\u00a0country, choose the dates when those unique\u00a0festivals take place.\u00a0Take a moment to go out among\u00a0people, feel the excitement\u00a0in the air and try\u00a0to blend in and be one\u00a0of the locals.

\n
\"Kurentovanje
Kurentovanje in Ptuj
\n

Slovenia

\n

Something interesting to attend in Slovenia is definitely Kurentovanje\u00a0in Ptuj.
\nKurent is traditional carnival figure, they hold a jezevka, a\u00a0thin wooden bat with real hedgehog spikes at the top end,\u00a0wear sheepskin coats and 5 cow bells tied around their\u00a0waist. In this way, Kurent announce that winter is saying\u00a0goodbye and that spring is coming.

\n

Croatia

\n

To feel the local atmosphere, one should definitely visit a\u00a0thousand year old celebration of the Dubrovnik Patron, Saint\u00a0Blaise Day, on the 3rd of February. The evening before,\u00a0as all the church bells in the city ring and white doves are\u00a0released as symbols of peace, worshippers gather for a ritual\u00a0healing, to preserve them against illness.

\n

On official day,\u00a0the relics of St Blaise are carried in Stradun and the streets\u00a0of Dubrovnik in a huge procession.

\n

Serbia

\n

If you know next to nothing about Serbia, you should lend\u00a0your ears to the sounds of the trumpet and join the sevenday-long festival in Guca.

\n

You\u2019ve probably visited different\u00a0film, music, or similar festivals, but this traditional instrument\u00a0can be truly heard only at this event.

\n

Montenegro

\n
\"Boka\u2019s
Boka\u2019s night
\n

On the coast of Montenegro, in the Bay of Kotor, near the\u00a0historic\u00a0town of Kotor, take the best place by the water and\u00a0watch\u00a0the masquerade ships.

\n

This ceremony on the water,\u00a0Boka\u2019s night, is an event that gathers tens of thousands of\u00a0visitors,\u00a0in which participants have the task to decorate their\u00a0boat better, more beautiful and original then others.

\n

After\u00a0the parade of boats follows the announcement of the winners,\u00a0with magnificent fireworks and festivities in the Old City.

\n
\"Vevcanski
Vevcanski Carnival
\n

Macedonia

\n

Thousands of tourists visit the small village of Vevcani at\u00a0the time of celebrating Saint Vasil Day.\u00a0During the Vevcanski\u00a0Carnival, the locals organise various\u00a0performances accompanied by traditional music, zurlas\u00a0(authentic wooden\u00a0instrument), drums, and exclamations.

\n

Everyone present is wearing a mask and imitating the devil,\u00a0demons, and other archaic mythical characters from the\u00a0past.

\n

The post Recipes for extraordinary events appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "[quote_box_center]\nIf you want to get your delegates to experience a destination in the right way, then we\u00a0are definitely suggest that you consider the tradition and customs, adding cultural and\u00a0historical components, all this spice with local food and a few legends, and sprinkle\u00a0with a smile.\nSEEbtm magazine, for start, offers some of the suggestions of those things\u00a0you can take from the Southeast European region.\n[/quote_box_center]\nSlovenia\nSlovenia is well known by beekeeping,\u00a0it is the only European Union Member\u00a0State to have protected its native\u00a0bee, the Carniolan bee.\nThis breed of\u00a0bee is regarded as the second most\u00a0widespread bee breed in the world.\nAnother special feature of Slovenian beekeeping\u00a0is in the area of folk art \u2013\u00a0the art of painting beehive panels,\u00a0something\u00a0not known anywhere else\u00a0in the world. Excellent idea for team\u00a0building activity!\nThe art of painting beehive panels\nIn small place, called Idrija, in 16th century,\u00a0lacemaking in Slovenia began.\u00a0Today, there are still Idrija lace schools,\u00a0and their teachers could present\u00a0and teach delegates the methods\u00a0of lacemaking.\nProducts that can be\u00a0made of it are cloths and napkins,\u00a0curtains\u00a0and bed linen, clothes and\u00a0ornaments\u00a0for clothes, even earrings,\u00a0necklaces\u00a0and gloves, as well as business\u00a0gifts or souvenirs.\nIf you want to \u201ctaste\u201d the tradition,\u00a0try Slovenian potica. This baked dish\u00a0has always been a synonym for\u00a0festive\u00a0events in Slovenian families.\u00a0Local people can show you how to\u00a0make\u00a0sweet or salt potica, in addition\u00a0with their family story.\nCroatia\nThe first thing that comes to mind at\u00a0the mention of Croatian tourism is\u00a0its 1,200+ islands. However, there is\u00a0a small place in Croatia that is rarely\u00a0talked about, an absolute must.\nThe small town of Hum in Istra is the\u00a0smallest town in the world with its\u00a0population of 20.\nThe families living\u00a0in this town have managed to preserve,\u00a0among other things, the traditional\u00a0production of medicinal Biska\u00a0rakija (local variety of brandy) made\u00a0of mistletoe, as well as the town\u00a0leader election process \u2013 by carving\u00a0the votes on a wooden stick called\u00a0rabos. This custom can also be used\u00a0for employees; they could vote for\u00a0the most interesting co-worker or\u00a0leader, or perhaps the weakest link\u00a0at the company.\nAs for wines, from Istria, where is\u00a0the greatest number of family-run\u00a0vineyards\u00a0with their own labels, and\u00a0Dalmatia with a centuries long bond\u00a0between man and wine, you could\u00a0go to the north and visit original 13th\u00a0century cellars in Kutjevo.\nAll the way,\u00a0you can meet the tradition of grapegrowing\u00a0and wine production. Don\u2019t\u00a0miss to try Croatian wines!\u00a0But, dare to participate in wine making\u00a0in the old way. Take your shoes,\u00a0jump into barrel with grapes and start\u00a0stepping.\nFor souvenirs, delegates could try to\u00a0make children\u2019s wooden toys. Traditional\u00a0manufacturing in the region\u00a0of Croatian Zagorje involve men and\u00a0women\u00a0equally. The men in a family\u00a0take soft willow, lime, beech and maple\u00a0wood\u00a0from the region and dry,\u00a0hew, cut and carve it using traditional\u00a0tools; the women then apply\u00a0ecologically-\u00a0friendly paint in\u00a0improvisational\u00a0floral or geometric patterns.\nChildren\u2019s wooden toys\nSouvenirs can be whistles,\u00a0cars, tiny\u00a0furniture, spinning dancers,\u00a0jumping\u00a0horses and flapping birds, almost\u00a0identical to those made more than\u00a0a century ago.\nSerbia\nAll it takes to glimpse at the past and\u00a0find out what life in Serbia looked\u00a0like many years ago is a trip to one of\u00a0Vojvodina\u2019s ethno village. The Vojvodina\u00a0ethno village (called Salasi) are\u00a0homesteads with the farmhouse,\u00a0outbuildings,\u00a0and farming land that\u00a0are located far from settlements.\nThe people living at these farms used\u00a0to get their water from wells dug\u00a0at the centre of the front yard that\u00a0still represent a distinctive feature\u00a0of the Salas. Today these places can\u00a0accommodate tourists and provide\u00a0them with a total experience in an\u00a0entirely preserved setting.\n\nFrom the north part of the country,\u00a0from the plains and endless landscapes,\u00a0one would be impelled to climb\u00a0some of Serbia\u2019s mountains.\u00a0In the villages of Zlatibor, the hosts\u00a0are always willing to show their guest\u00a0old trades that they have been\u00a0saving from oblivion for many years.\u00a0You can learn methods of making traditional\u00a0shoes and wool socks, essential\u00a0items for mountain winters.\n\nIn addition to learning old trades,\u00a0the participants can bring back with\u00a0them the souvenirs they make, as\u00a0well as buy handmade wool vests,\u00a0sweaters, and hats. Full attire for the\u00a0following winter!\nSljivovica\nSljivovica is a homemade beverage\u00a0whose name is well known even among\u00a0foreigners, presented with the\u00a0brandy as part of welcome in nearly\u00a0every corner of Serbia.\u00a0However, there are places that deserve\u00a0special mention like Blace, where\u00a0Plum Days are celebrated every\u00a0year.\nThis area is home of the best rakija,\u00a0and its invitation to pick plums and\u00a0prepare and taste rakija is open at\u00a0all times.\nSo you should accept the invitation\u00a0and join the locals in the process of\u00a0making rakija. Of course, tasting it\u00a0also sounds like an excellent idea.\nMontenegro\nThe most recognizable image of the\u00a0Montenegrin folklore are young men,\u00a0sitting\u00a0on each other\u2019s shoulders in\u00a0two circles\u00a0while girls dance next to\u00a0them.\nThis image is the finale of a\u00a0Montenegrin\u00a0folk dance called Crnogorsko\u00a0Oro.\nYoung people get close\u00a0and form a circle, after which they\u00a0begin to sing, usually poking fun at\u00a0someone on the other side and challenging\u00a0them to join the circle and\u00a0dance.\nThe most courageous fellow\u00a0enters the circle and starts dancing\u00a0by imitating the eagle, aiming to win\u00a0over the girl who joins him by the\u00a0same,\u00a0if more elegant, imitation of\u00a0the bird.\nThe spectators encourage\u00a0them and couples take turns.\u00a0Dressed in national costumes, the\u00a0young\u00a0people make a strong impression\u00a0on everyone watching.\nCrnogorsko Oro\nMontenegrins are known for making\u00a0the best kacamak\u00a0(local variety of\u00a0hasty pudding). You can challenge\u00a0tourists\u00a0to try and make a special sort\u00a0of the pudding called tucanik, an\u00a0old-times recipe. The basic ingredients\u00a0are potato and corn flour, and\u00a0the contestants can get their secret\u00a0recipes from their hosts. In addition\u00a0to winning the title, the goal is to\u00a0beat Montenegrins in making\u00a0their\u00a0traditional\u00a0meal.\nThey say that the food is always good\u00a0in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so\u00a0you can never leave the country with\u00a0an empty belly. If you start your\u00a0day with coffee and Turkish delight,\u00a0then have burek with homemade\u00a0sour\u00a0cream for breakfast, a plate of\u00a0cevapi with onions for lunch, tufahije\u00a0and baklava for dessert, and on\u00a0top of it all treat yourself with homemade\u00a0rakija or a glass of beer, and then\u00a0coffee again in keeping with the\u00a0local\u00a0custom, you\u2019ll know why.\nFor making good Bosnian coffee,\u00a0you\u2019ll need the coffee pot and cups,\u00a0traditionally\u00a0made and decorated by\u00a0caldron makers. While taking sips of\u00a0coffee\u00a0at the shops on Bascarsija, these\u00a0hosts are always willing to demonstrate\u00a0their trade.\nWhen in Macedonia, you can learn\u00a0the carefully kept secret of making\u00a0the one-of-a-kind Ohrid pearls, whose\u00a0appeal is said to have enticed\u00a0even\u00a0Queen Elizabeth.\nToday only two families make the original\u00a0pearls, staying true to the handmade\u00a0process, and they use only\u00a0natural\u00a0materials.\nYou can observe\u00a0their\u00a0creative process at their shops,\u00a0as well as try on pearl necklaces, earrings,\u00a0and other jewellery, and take\u00a0with you at least a couple of photos,\u00a0if the luxury pearls are out of your price\u00a0range.\nJOIN THE LOCAL FESTIVALS\nLarge crowds, many people in one place, food\u00a0smells, loud music, noise and energy \u2013 all these\u00a0are inevitable elements of festivals. Every country\u00a0in the world has its small or big festivals.\nSome are international and some are traditional,\u00a0and these you can\u2019t find anywhere else.\u00a0When travelling or organising an event in a particular\u00a0country, choose the dates when those unique\u00a0festivals take place.\u00a0Take a moment to go out among\u00a0people, feel the excitement\u00a0in the air and try\u00a0to blend in and be one\u00a0of the locals.\nKurentovanje in Ptuj\nSlovenia\nSomething interesting to attend in Slovenia is definitely Kurentovanje\u00a0in Ptuj.\nKurent is traditional carnival figure, they hold a jezevka, a\u00a0thin wooden bat with real hedgehog spikes at the top end,\u00a0wear sheepskin coats and 5 cow bells tied around their\u00a0waist. In this way, Kurent announce that winter is saying\u00a0goodbye and that spring is coming.\nCroatia\nTo feel the local atmosphere, one should definitely visit a\u00a0thousand year old celebration of the Dubrovnik Patron, Saint\u00a0Blaise Day, on the 3rd of February. The evening before,\u00a0as all the church bells in the city ring and white doves are\u00a0released as symbols of peace, worshippers gather for a ritual\u00a0healing, to preserve them against illness.\nOn official day,\u00a0the relics of St Blaise are carried in Stradun and the streets\u00a0of Dubrovnik in a huge procession.\nSerbia\nIf you know next to nothing about Serbia, you should lend\u00a0your ears to the sounds of the trumpet and join the sevenday-long festival in Guca.\nYou\u2019ve probably visited different\u00a0film, music, or similar festivals, but this traditional instrument\u00a0can be truly heard only at this event.\nMontenegro\nBoka\u2019s night\nOn the coast of Montenegro, in the Bay of Kotor, near the\u00a0historic\u00a0town of Kotor, take the best place by the water and\u00a0watch\u00a0the masquerade ships.\nThis ceremony on the water,\u00a0Boka\u2019s night, is an event that gathers tens of thousands of\u00a0visitors,\u00a0in which participants have the task to decorate their\u00a0boat better, more beautiful and original then others.\nAfter\u00a0the parade of boats follows the announcement of the winners,\u00a0with magnificent fireworks and festivities in the Old City.\nVevcanski Carnival\nMacedonia\nThousands of tourists visit the small village of Vevcani at\u00a0the time of celebrating Saint Vasil Day.\u00a0During the Vevcanski\u00a0Carnival, the locals organise various\u00a0performances accompanied by traditional music, zurlas\u00a0(authentic wooden\u00a0instrument), drums, and exclamations.\nEveryone present is wearing a mask and imitating the devil,\u00a0demons, and other archaic mythical characters from the\u00a0past.\nThe post Recipes for extraordinary events appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-10-28T12:12:38+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-29T11:39:15+01:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Beautiful-Handmade-Knitted-Ser-93216701.jpg", "tags": [ "event organization", "extraordinary events", "local culture", "local festivals", "the power of local", "tradition", "Hot topics", "MUST READ" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/south-east-europe-abundance-of-authentic-experience/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/south-east-europe-abundance-of-authentic-experience/", "title": "South East Europe \u2013 Abundance of authentic experience", "content_html": "

[quote_box_center]Is there a demand and the awareness of a demand for the authentic local experiences\u00a0and cultural component in our region? Are such programs offered and what do\u00a0they involve? The answers to these questions as well as suggestions and ideas for some\u00a0new programs and activities are given by #eventprofs from the region of South East\u00a0Europe during a survey organized by SEEbtm magazine during mid 2015.[/quote_box_center]

\n

Judging by the answers to questions\u00a0asked during the survey, there is a\u00a0considerable demand (65% in total)\u00a0for local customs and culture, or to\u00a0be more precise \u2013 for the desire to\u00a0taste\u00a0\u201cthe local\u201d.

\n

Almost half of the participants in the\u00a0survey, 40 % of them, said that they\u00a0often seek authentic local experiences\u00a0and cultural component.

\n

Such demands are often expressed\u00a0by guests, colleagues, business partners\u00a0and delegations from other\u00a0countries.
\nAlso, they are mostly expressed\u00a0by MICE groups. 25% of participants\u00a0said that they occasionally\u00a0have such demands.

\n

The situation being often black and\u00a0white,\u00a0so were the opinions which\u00a0were\u00a0often opposing. Interestingly\u00a0enough,\u00a0as distinct from the 40% of\u00a0the participants who have this type\u00a0of demands,\u00a0there is an almost equal\u00a0percentage\u00a0(35%) of those who\u00a0hardly ever make this type of demands.

\n

When travelling as tourists, the participants\u00a0emphasize the desire to experience\u00a0local and cultural offer and\u00a0\u201cget to know the place\u201d this way.\u00a0When travelling for business purposes\u00a0they are usually prevented by tight\u00a0schedules from focusing on local\u00a0activities.

\n

The majority of participants pointed\u00a0out that they do not plan local and\u00a0cultural activities and experiences in\u00a0advance, since they mostly prepare\u00a0them according to the needs and affinities\u00a0of the clients, and depending\u00a0on the situation.

\n

\"bigstock-Carpenter-Working-With-Plane-48345833\"

\n

On the other hand, 35% of the participants\u00a0stated that they, in advance\u00a0planed the activities such as tours,\u00a0sightseeing trips, dining at local restaurants\u00a0and so on. Around 20% of\u00a0the participants said that they organize\u00a0activities which are then carried out with local agencies that organize\u00a0tours, sightseeing trips, team\u00a0building activities and the like.
\nThe least of the questionees, 8% to\u00a0be more precise, said that they organize\u00a0these activities only when they\u00a0travel for pleasure and when they organize\u00a0the trip on their own.

\n

Activities planned in advance are, for\u00a0example, team building activities,\u00a0such\u00a0as: baking home made cookies,\u00a0barbecues, \u201ccourses\u201d on rakija (home\u00a0made\u00a0brandy), the process of its preparation\u00a0and tasting, quizzes\u00a0\u201cHow\u00a0much do you know about a certain\u00a0destination\u201d\u00a0with symbolic prizes\u00a0\u2013\u00a0symbols of the country, memory\u00a0games\u00a0with memory cards with certain\u00a0symbols printed on them.\u00a0UNESCO heritage sites are also
\npart\u00a0of the demand.

\n

Now we come to the most interesting\u00a0part. We give you the answers to\u00a0the question – what makes a certain\u00a0place/region – specific.\u00a0An interesting cultural or historic\u00a0fact\u00a0and monuments,\u00a0as well as old\u00a0crafts,\u00a0customs and characteristic\u00a0methods\u00a0of food preparation\u2026
\nRead what event professionals from\u00a0the region have selected.

\n

From Serbia\u2026

\n

Most of the participants have singled\u00a0out Belgrade, not only as the cultural\u00a0and historical capital of Serbia,\u00a0but also as the most attractive destination\u00a0for visitors. The participants\u00a0have distinguished Savamala as the\u00a0design district, a new part of the city\u00a0which is a meeting point of art, culture,\u00a0history and entertainment.
\nThe foreigners often call it \u2013 the Serbian\u00a0Berlin.

\n

Aside from Belgrade royal palaces\u00a0(Old and New Palace, the Royal Palace,\u00a0the White Palace),\u00a0Princess Ljubica\u2019s\u00a0Residence,\u00a0House of King Peter\u00a0I.\u00a0A great number of foreign tourists\u00a0are interested in visiting the House\u00a0of\u00a0Flowers, as well as the Nikola\u00a0Tesla\u00a0Museum.

\n
\"Princess
Princess Ljubica\u2019s Residence
\n

Some of the survey participants believe\u00a0that the legends of vampires, fairies\u00a0and the evil spirits can be used\u00a0for tourism purposes.

\n

[quote_box_right]Talking about old-crafts, event\u00a0professionals who took part\u00a0in the survey, point out the\u00a0old fashioned candy store in\u00a0Gavrila Principa Street, as well\u00a0as the quilt maker in Zemun.[/quote_box_right]

\n

\u201cBelgrade has a rich cultural-historical\u00a0offer (heritage from prehistoric\u00a0period,\u00a0Ancient Rome, Middle Ages,\u00a0Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian\u00a0Empire and national heritage as well)\u00a0and the reputation of the phoenixcity.
\nBelgrade is the only capital in Europe\u00a0which is positioned on two rivers\u00a0and has an ornithology haven in the\u00a0very vicinity of the city center.

\n

\nWhat is special about Belgrade is its\u00a0underground city (a very interesting\u00a0project called \u201cBelgrade below the\u00a0surface of Belgrade\u201d) which is insufficiently\u00a0explored and presented to\u00a0the general public (for the past several\u00a0years ,a group of urban archeologists\u00a0gathered around the Center for\u00a0the Urban Development has been\u00a0gradually changing this image of Belgrade\u00a0and trying to use researched\u00a0heritage for the purpose of tourism\u00a0and culture), and the heritage of the\u00a0former Socialist Federal Republic of\u00a0Yugoslavia, the founder of the Non-Aligned Movement (these are two\u00a0new tourism niches which should be\u00a0used).

\n

\nThe characteristic of the whole Serbia\u00a0is the \u201cslava\u201d, the tradition involving\u00a0loads of food, and ajvar. Our Serbian\u00a0hedonism is in a way a tourist attraction\u00a0of its own for foreign\u00a0tourists\u201d,\u00a0says Slavica Jovanovic Kubat, European\u00a0Movement in Serbia.

\n
\"Devil\u2019s
Devil\u2019s Town (Djavolja Varos)
\n

Devil\u2019s Town (Djavolja Varos) and Potpecka\u00a0Cave are miracles of nature\u00a0which leave a strong impression.\u00a0Petrovaradin Fortress, the town of\u00a0Sremski\u00a0Karlovci, famous for wine,\u00a0also has the Museum of Beekeeping\u00a0to offer. Fruska Gora Monastery\u00a0Tours\u00a0must not be missed.
\nSerbia offers many top rated wineries.\u00a0Wine tours and tasting local wines\u00a0are certainly an authentic experience.\u00a0Wineries like Aleksandovic, Zvonko\u00a0Bogdan,\u00a0Kovacevic, Sapat, Janko,\u00a0Temet\u00a0are some of the many wineries\u00a0this county has to offer.
\nSmederevo Fortress is the biggest\u00a0plateau\u00a0fortress in Europe, and this\u00a0medieval\u00a0town is surrounded by 25\u00a0towers with over 20 meters in height\u00a0and battlements approximately 10\u00a0meters\u00a0high and 4 meters wide.

\n

When you are in Smederevo you simply\u00a0must visit Obrenovic Villa belonging\u00a0to the royal family Obrenovic,\u00a0which has been open for public visits\u00a0since mid 2015.

\n

[quote_box_right]A tip
\nIf you want to feel the pulse of\u00a0a city and the daily rhythm of\u00a0its people you should visit the\u00a0green market![/quote_box_right]

\n

Montenegro…

\n

The participants in the survey from\u00a0Montenegro say that the natural\u00a0beauty of Montenegro, whether it`s\u00a0the Adriatic coast or the mountains\u00a0in the north, are what is specific for\u00a0this country.\u00a0Also, the traditions and the rich history\u00a0make this region recognizable,\u00a0as well as prsuta, kajmak and loza\u00a0which are a must for every tourist.

\n

A unique ambiance of the the Bay of\u00a0Kotor and the Old Town Kotor will\u00a0make a lasting impression, whereas\u00a0nearby islands such as Lady of the\u00a0Rock\u00a0(Gospa od Skrpjela), Saint George\u00a0(Sveti Djordje), Lady of Mercy\u00a0(Gospa od Milosti) and Mamula (during\u00a0both World Wars the fort on this\u00a0island served as a prison) each have\u00a0a unique story to tell.

\n
\"Old
Old Town Budva
\n

The spirit of the history and the luxurious\u00a0days of the old can also be\u00a0felt in the Palace of King Nikola on\u00a0Cetinje, which has been turned into\u00a0a museum.
\nThe Old Town Budva is reviving a true\u00a0spirit of the seaside with the battlements\u00a0of the old city (you must take\u00a0a walk on the battlements for a real\u00a0experience), parapets, churches of\u00a0St. Ivan and Santa Marija in Punta.

\n

A Citadel in the Old Town Budva is a\u00a0unique place for many events and it\u00a0represents a Mideaval castle rich in\u00a0distinguishing features.

\n

In Croatia\u2026

\n

As for participants from Croatia, they\u00a0emphasize the Adriatic coast as\u00a0the specific feature of Croatia.
\nFor them Istra is the most attractive\u00a0tourist destination, because of its cultural\u00a0heritage, various manifestations\u00a0all year round, as well as local\u00a0cuisine.
\nIt is also a region famous for\u00a0wine, olive oil, tartouffes, fresh fish,\u00a0cheese.\u00a0A glorious Pula Arena, Old Town Rovinj\u00a0and Porec are also some of the authentic destinations.

\n

[quote_box_left]If you want an unforgettable\u00a0view, you should visit National\u00a0Park Lovcen and Njegos Mausoleum.[/quote_box_left]

\n

The fairytale hills of Zagorje, Natural\u00a0Park Medvenica in the vicinity\u00a0of Zagreb are a must for nature lovers.\u00a0Lovers\u00a0of tradition and history\u00a0should\u00a0visit beautiful wooden houses\u00a0of Turopolje,\u00a0as well as some of the\u00a0numerous\u00a0castles (more than 100 in\u00a0Croatia),\u00a0and each one of them has\u00a0a story which will tingle your imagination.
\nFolklore songs and dance are characteristical\u00a0tradition for each country\u00a0in this region, and differ in traditional\u00a0clothing and the dance itself.

\n
\"City
City of Rovinj
\n

Omis, a town in the heart of Dalmatia,\u00a0famous for being the home of\u00a0the pirates in the XIII and XIV century
\nhas many interesting traditional\u00a0manifestations and customs.\u00a0Guitar Fest, Dalmatian Klapa Songs\u00a0Festival\u00a0and the Battle of the Pirates\u00a0are some of its interesting events.

\n

From dishes in the local cuisine tourists\u00a0should try \u201czagorske strukle\u201d\u00a0(similar\u00a0to pies with different fillings,\u00a0usually\u00a0it`s cheese), or \u201cgreblica\u201d (which\u00a0is closest to gibanica and proja).

\n

\u201cThere are islands in Croatia unknown\u00a0to tourists, and our tourism \u201crepresentatives\u201d\u00a0do not even try to present\u00a0them.
\nVillage tourism could be a \u201chit\u201d in Slavonia,\u00a0and Lika and Gorski kotar could\u00a0attract tourist with their rich cousines\u00a0and mild climate in the sumer\u201d,\u00a0says Rajna Stern.

\n

[quote_box_right]Tourists should see the preparation\u00a0of Soparnik and taste it.\u00a0It is a very simple, but popular\u00a0and tasty\u00a0traditional dish baked\u00a0on the traditional\u00a0plate over\u00a0a stone hearth.[/quote_box_right]

\n

Meanwhile, in Bosnia…

\n

The survey participants have described\u00a0Bosnia\u00a0and Herzegovina as the\u00a0country of rich local cuisine and desserts\u00a0which leave a deep impression.

\n

There are characteristic methods of\u00a0preparation of local desserts and barbecue\u00a0with special kinds of meat.\u00a0\u201cVarious cultural (preserved different\u00a0religious and cultural communities)\u00a0and natural (deep canyons and\u00a0high\u00a0mountains\u2026) heritage and the\u00a0traditional hospitality of the people\u00a0are visible especially through customs\u00a0and traditional drinking of coffee.
\nThe writer Miroslav Krleza said: Let\u00a0Ms. Europe forgive me but she has\u00a0no cultural monuments. Inca tribe in\u00a0South America has monuments, Egypt\u00a0has real cultural monuments.
\nLet Ms. Europe forgive me, but only\u00a0Bosnia\u00a0has monuments. Stecke! Tombstones!\u00a0(Medieval tombstones that\u00a0can be find in no other country in\u00a0Europe,\u00a0except Bosnia)\u201d, says Zoran\u00a0Bibanovic,\u00a0Wigwam Travel & Consulting.

\n

What do #eventprofs\u00a0remember from their travels?

\n

When questioned about the experiences\u00a0from private or business trips,\u00a0most participants said that it was\u00a0the food, that is \u2013 local cuisine.
\nWhether it is the fish stew in Hungary,\u00a0home made cheese in Denmark,\u00a0ice-cream in Italy, wine in France or\u00a0baklava in Turkey, each one on them\u00a0enjoyed local cuisine and flavors of a\u00a0particular country.
\nAlso, they point out the cultural component\u00a0and religion as special, memorable\u00a0experiences which made\u00a0a particular destination even more\u00a0interesting,\u00a0as in Tirana going to the\u00a0local\u00a0witch which \u201cforetells\u201d by looking\u00a0into crystal sugar.

\n

Among the unique experiences and\u00a0memories of a destination, they also\u00a0mention local festivals and manifestations.
\nDuring their travels, each one of them\u00a0had a specific way of experiencing\u00a0different culture, religion and\u00a0traditions,\u00a0but they were unanimous\u00a0when talking about what leaves the\u00a0strongest impression \u2013 the hospitality\u00a0of the local people of each place,\u00a0city or country.

\n

\"Untitled

\n

The post South East Europe \u2013 Abundance of authentic experience appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "[quote_box_center]Is there a demand and the awareness of a demand for the authentic local experiences\u00a0and cultural component in our region? Are such programs offered and what do\u00a0they involve? The answers to these questions as well as suggestions and ideas for some\u00a0new programs and activities are given by #eventprofs from the region of South East\u00a0Europe during a survey organized by SEEbtm magazine during mid 2015.[/quote_box_center]\nJudging by the answers to questions\u00a0asked during the survey, there is a\u00a0considerable demand (65% in total)\u00a0for local customs and culture, or to\u00a0be more precise \u2013 for the desire to\u00a0taste\u00a0\u201cthe local\u201d.\nAlmost half of the participants in the\u00a0survey, 40 % of them, said that they\u00a0often seek authentic local experiences\u00a0and cultural component.\nSuch demands are often expressed\u00a0by guests, colleagues, business partners\u00a0and delegations from other\u00a0countries.\nAlso, they are mostly expressed\u00a0by MICE groups. 25% of participants\u00a0said that they occasionally\u00a0have such demands.\nThe situation being often black and\u00a0white,\u00a0so were the opinions which\u00a0were\u00a0often opposing. Interestingly\u00a0enough,\u00a0as distinct from the 40% of\u00a0the participants who have this type\u00a0of demands,\u00a0there is an almost equal\u00a0percentage\u00a0(35%) of those who\u00a0hardly ever make this type of demands.\nWhen travelling as tourists, the participants\u00a0emphasize the desire to experience\u00a0local and cultural offer and\u00a0\u201cget to know the place\u201d this way.\u00a0When travelling for business purposes\u00a0they are usually prevented by tight\u00a0schedules from focusing on local\u00a0activities.\nThe majority of participants pointed\u00a0out that they do not plan local and\u00a0cultural activities and experiences in\u00a0advance, since they mostly prepare\u00a0them according to the needs and affinities\u00a0of the clients, and depending\u00a0on the situation.\n\nOn the other hand, 35% of the participants\u00a0stated that they, in advance\u00a0planed the activities such as tours,\u00a0sightseeing trips, dining at local restaurants\u00a0and so on. Around 20% of\u00a0the participants said that they organize\u00a0activities which are then carried out with local agencies that organize\u00a0tours, sightseeing trips, team\u00a0building activities and the like.\nThe least of the questionees, 8% to\u00a0be more precise, said that they organize\u00a0these activities only when they\u00a0travel for pleasure and when they organize\u00a0the trip on their own.\nActivities planned in advance are, for\u00a0example, team building activities,\u00a0such\u00a0as: baking home made cookies,\u00a0barbecues, \u201ccourses\u201d on rakija (home\u00a0made\u00a0brandy), the process of its preparation\u00a0and tasting, quizzes\u00a0\u201cHow\u00a0much do you know about a certain\u00a0destination\u201d\u00a0with symbolic prizes\u00a0\u2013\u00a0symbols of the country, memory\u00a0games\u00a0with memory cards with certain\u00a0symbols printed on them.\u00a0UNESCO heritage sites are also\npart\u00a0of the demand.\nNow we come to the most interesting\u00a0part. We give you the answers to\u00a0the question – what makes a certain\u00a0place/region – specific.\u00a0An interesting cultural or historic\u00a0fact\u00a0and monuments,\u00a0as well as old\u00a0crafts,\u00a0customs and characteristic\u00a0methods\u00a0of food preparation\u2026\nRead what event professionals from\u00a0the region have selected.\nFrom Serbia\u2026\nMost of the participants have singled\u00a0out Belgrade, not only as the cultural\u00a0and historical capital of Serbia,\u00a0but also as the most attractive destination\u00a0for visitors. The participants\u00a0have distinguished Savamala as the\u00a0design district, a new part of the city\u00a0which is a meeting point of art, culture,\u00a0history and entertainment.\nThe foreigners often call it \u2013 the Serbian\u00a0Berlin.\nAside from Belgrade royal palaces\u00a0(Old and New Palace, the Royal Palace,\u00a0the White Palace),\u00a0Princess Ljubica\u2019s\u00a0Residence,\u00a0House of King Peter\u00a0I.\u00a0A great number of foreign tourists\u00a0are interested in visiting the House\u00a0of\u00a0Flowers, as well as the Nikola\u00a0Tesla\u00a0Museum.\nPrincess Ljubica\u2019s Residence\nSome of the survey participants believe\u00a0that the legends of vampires, fairies\u00a0and the evil spirits can be used\u00a0for tourism purposes.\n[quote_box_right]Talking about old-crafts, event\u00a0professionals who took part\u00a0in the survey, point out the\u00a0old fashioned candy store in\u00a0Gavrila Principa Street, as well\u00a0as the quilt maker in Zemun.[/quote_box_right]\n\u201cBelgrade has a rich cultural-historical\u00a0offer (heritage from prehistoric\u00a0period,\u00a0Ancient Rome, Middle Ages,\u00a0Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian\u00a0Empire and national heritage as well)\u00a0and the reputation of the phoenixcity.\nBelgrade is the only capital in Europe\u00a0which is positioned on two rivers\u00a0and has an ornithology haven in the\u00a0very vicinity of the city center.\n\nWhat is special about Belgrade is its\u00a0underground city (a very interesting\u00a0project called \u201cBelgrade below the\u00a0surface of Belgrade\u201d) which is insufficiently\u00a0explored and presented to\u00a0the general public (for the past several\u00a0years ,a group of urban archeologists\u00a0gathered around the Center for\u00a0the Urban Development has been\u00a0gradually changing this image of Belgrade\u00a0and trying to use researched\u00a0heritage for the purpose of tourism\u00a0and culture), and the heritage of the\u00a0former Socialist Federal Republic of\u00a0Yugoslavia, the founder of the Non-Aligned Movement (these are two\u00a0new tourism niches which should be\u00a0used).\n\nThe characteristic of the whole Serbia\u00a0is the \u201cslava\u201d, the tradition involving\u00a0loads of food, and ajvar. Our Serbian\u00a0hedonism is in a way a tourist attraction\u00a0of its own for foreign\u00a0tourists\u201d,\u00a0says Slavica Jovanovic Kubat, European\u00a0Movement in Serbia.\nDevil\u2019s Town (Djavolja Varos)\nDevil\u2019s Town (Djavolja Varos) and Potpecka\u00a0Cave are miracles of nature\u00a0which leave a strong impression.\u00a0Petrovaradin Fortress, the town of\u00a0Sremski\u00a0Karlovci, famous for wine,\u00a0also has the Museum of Beekeeping\u00a0to offer. Fruska Gora Monastery\u00a0Tours\u00a0must not be missed.\nSerbia offers many top rated wineries.\u00a0Wine tours and tasting local wines\u00a0are certainly an authentic experience.\u00a0Wineries like Aleksandovic, Zvonko\u00a0Bogdan,\u00a0Kovacevic, Sapat, Janko,\u00a0Temet\u00a0are some of the many wineries\u00a0this county has to offer.\nSmederevo Fortress is the biggest\u00a0plateau\u00a0fortress in Europe, and this\u00a0medieval\u00a0town is surrounded by 25\u00a0towers with over 20 meters in height\u00a0and battlements approximately 10\u00a0meters\u00a0high and 4 meters wide.\nWhen you are in Smederevo you simply\u00a0must visit Obrenovic Villa belonging\u00a0to the royal family Obrenovic,\u00a0which has been open for public visits\u00a0since mid 2015.\n[quote_box_right]A tip\nIf you want to feel the pulse of\u00a0a city and the daily rhythm of\u00a0its people you should visit the\u00a0green market![/quote_box_right]\nMontenegro…\nThe participants in the survey from\u00a0Montenegro say that the natural\u00a0beauty of Montenegro, whether it`s\u00a0the Adriatic coast or the mountains\u00a0in the north, are what is specific for\u00a0this country.\u00a0Also, the traditions and the rich history\u00a0make this region recognizable,\u00a0as well as prsuta, kajmak and loza\u00a0which are a must for every tourist.\nA unique ambiance of the the Bay of\u00a0Kotor and the Old Town Kotor will\u00a0make a lasting impression, whereas\u00a0nearby islands such as Lady of the\u00a0Rock\u00a0(Gospa od Skrpjela), Saint George\u00a0(Sveti Djordje), Lady of Mercy\u00a0(Gospa od Milosti) and Mamula (during\u00a0both World Wars the fort on this\u00a0island served as a prison) each have\u00a0a unique story to tell.\nOld Town Budva\nThe spirit of the history and the luxurious\u00a0days of the old can also be\u00a0felt in the Palace of King Nikola on\u00a0Cetinje, which has been turned into\u00a0a museum.\nThe Old Town Budva is reviving a true\u00a0spirit of the seaside with the battlements\u00a0of the old city (you must take\u00a0a walk on the battlements for a real\u00a0experience), parapets, churches of\u00a0St. Ivan and Santa Marija in Punta.\nA Citadel in the Old Town Budva is a\u00a0unique place for many events and it\u00a0represents a Mideaval castle rich in\u00a0distinguishing features.\nIn Croatia\u2026\nAs for participants from Croatia, they\u00a0emphasize the Adriatic coast as\u00a0the specific feature of Croatia.\nFor them Istra is the most attractive\u00a0tourist destination, because of its cultural\u00a0heritage, various manifestations\u00a0all year round, as well as local\u00a0cuisine.\nIt is also a region famous for\u00a0wine, olive oil, tartouffes, fresh fish,\u00a0cheese.\u00a0A glorious Pula Arena, Old Town Rovinj\u00a0and Porec are also some of the authentic destinations.\n[quote_box_left]If you want an unforgettable\u00a0view, you should visit National\u00a0Park Lovcen and Njegos Mausoleum.[/quote_box_left]\nThe fairytale hills of Zagorje, Natural\u00a0Park Medvenica in the vicinity\u00a0of Zagreb are a must for nature lovers.\u00a0Lovers\u00a0of tradition and history\u00a0should\u00a0visit beautiful wooden houses\u00a0of Turopolje,\u00a0as well as some of the\u00a0numerous\u00a0castles (more than 100 in\u00a0Croatia),\u00a0and each one of them has\u00a0a story which will tingle your imagination.\nFolklore songs and dance are characteristical\u00a0tradition for each country\u00a0in this region, and differ in traditional\u00a0clothing and the dance itself.\nCity of Rovinj\nOmis, a town in the heart of Dalmatia,\u00a0famous for being the home of\u00a0the pirates in the XIII and XIV century\nhas many interesting traditional\u00a0manifestations and customs.\u00a0Guitar Fest, Dalmatian Klapa Songs\u00a0Festival\u00a0and the Battle of the Pirates\u00a0are some of its interesting events.\nFrom dishes in the local cuisine tourists\u00a0should try \u201czagorske strukle\u201d\u00a0(similar\u00a0to pies with different fillings,\u00a0usually\u00a0it`s cheese), or \u201cgreblica\u201d (which\u00a0is closest to gibanica and proja).\n\u201cThere are islands in Croatia unknown\u00a0to tourists, and our tourism \u201crepresentatives\u201d\u00a0do not even try to present\u00a0them.\nVillage tourism could be a \u201chit\u201d in Slavonia,\u00a0and Lika and Gorski kotar could\u00a0attract tourist with their rich cousines\u00a0and mild climate in the sumer\u201d,\u00a0says Rajna Stern.\n[quote_box_right]Tourists should see the preparation\u00a0of Soparnik and taste it.\u00a0It is a very simple, but popular\u00a0and tasty\u00a0traditional dish baked\u00a0on the traditional\u00a0plate over\u00a0a stone hearth.[/quote_box_right]\nMeanwhile, in Bosnia…\nThe survey participants have described\u00a0Bosnia\u00a0and Herzegovina as the\u00a0country of rich local cuisine and desserts\u00a0which leave a deep impression.\nThere are characteristic methods of\u00a0preparation of local desserts and barbecue\u00a0with special kinds of meat.\u00a0\u201cVarious cultural (preserved different\u00a0religious and cultural communities)\u00a0and natural (deep canyons and\u00a0high\u00a0mountains\u2026) heritage and the\u00a0traditional hospitality of the people\u00a0are visible especially through customs\u00a0and traditional drinking of coffee.\nThe writer Miroslav Krleza said: Let\u00a0Ms. Europe forgive me but she has\u00a0no cultural monuments. Inca tribe in\u00a0South America has monuments, Egypt\u00a0has real cultural monuments.\nLet Ms. Europe forgive me, but only\u00a0Bosnia\u00a0has monuments. Stecke! Tombstones!\u00a0(Medieval tombstones that\u00a0can be find in no other country in\u00a0Europe,\u00a0except Bosnia)\u201d, says Zoran\u00a0Bibanovic,\u00a0Wigwam Travel & Consulting.\nWhat do #eventprofs\u00a0remember from their travels?\nWhen questioned about the experiences\u00a0from private or business trips,\u00a0most participants said that it was\u00a0the food, that is \u2013 local cuisine.\nWhether it is the fish stew in Hungary,\u00a0home made cheese in Denmark,\u00a0ice-cream in Italy, wine in France or\u00a0baklava in Turkey, each one on them\u00a0enjoyed local cuisine and flavors of a\u00a0particular country.\nAlso, they point out the cultural component\u00a0and religion as special, memorable\u00a0experiences which made\u00a0a particular destination even more\u00a0interesting,\u00a0as in Tirana going to the\u00a0local\u00a0witch which \u201cforetells\u201d by looking\u00a0into crystal sugar.\nAmong the unique experiences and\u00a0memories of a destination, they also\u00a0mention local festivals and manifestations.\nDuring their travels, each one of them\u00a0had a specific way of experiencing\u00a0different culture, religion and\u00a0traditions,\u00a0but they were unanimous\u00a0when talking about what leaves the\u00a0strongest impression \u2013 the hospitality\u00a0of the local people of each place,\u00a0city or country.\n\nThe post South East Europe \u2013 Abundance of authentic experience appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-10-27T13:16:25+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-29T16:01:31+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bascarsija-1_mini1.jpg", "tags": [ "authentic experience", "event organization", "eventprofs", "local culture", "local customs", "local dishes", "old crafts", "pick", "the power of local", "tradition", "MUST READ", "RESEARCH", "Trends" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/the-power-of-local-inspiring-authentic-experiences/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/the-power-of-local-inspiring-authentic-experiences/", "title": "The power of local \u2013 inspiring authentic experiences", "content_html": "

The traditional work environment at corporate meetings, conferences, or congresses\u00a0\u2013 when placed in a certain venue and isolated from local surroundings \u2013\u00a0is rapidly losing its value. Without any local encounters or experiences for participants\u00a0to take away with them, the event becomes very bland, and its location\u00a0almost entirely irrelevant.

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If we are talking about a chain of\u00a0hotels\u00a0that have similar interiors,\u00a0amenities,\u00a0and service levels, participants\u00a0can\u2019t see much difference between\u00a0staying in Germany, Croatia,\u00a0Hungary,\u00a0or Serbia.

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If they never get too far from the hotel\u00a0or they\u2019re not provided with authentic\u00a0experiences,\u00a0all that remains\u00a0is a sterile sense of presence at the\u00a0event, whose location they know only\u00a0from looking at the plane ticket or\u00a0using coasters in the lobby.

\n

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What do delegates want?\u00a0

\n

They want to feel, touch,\u00a0smell, taste, learn…\u00a0in a word \u2013 they want to\u00a0experience LOCAL.

\n

This can be afforded to them in several\u00a0ways: in the form of activities\u00a0or sightseeing, tasting local dishes\u00a0made from local foodstuffs, or helping/\u00a0donating to the local community.
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Local culture as inspiration\u00a0for authentic experiences \u2013\u00a0examples

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Delegates and participants at events\u00a0WANT to experience local customs,\u00a0meet local people, and learn about\u00a0local culture.

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Many research studies\u00a0draw attention to this trend and\u00a0need, so event organisers are increasingly\u00a0looking for venues, hotels, and\u00a0destinations that provide their guests\u00a0with opportunities to be exposed\u00a0to the local culture and community.\u00a0This can include programmes and\u00a0activities within hotel premises or\u00a0programmes designed by travel agencies\u00a0working with hotels.

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\"bigstock-Making-Clay-Pot-92652890\"

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The experience is specific and unique\u00a0to the location or the surroundings.\u00a0These can involve local customs, old\u00a0trades and crafts, or beliefs \u2013 something\u00a0specific to the area \u2013 presented\u00a0in interesting and engaging ways appropriate\u00a0for the target group.

\n

For example: making pottery out of\u00a0clay, knitting and weaving, sheep\u00a0shearing… What\u2019s interesting is that\u00a0there are foreigners who would love\u00a0to attend a traditional Serbian celebration\u00a0of a patron saint holiday (the\u00a0one that goes on for three days in\u00a0certain parts of the countries).\u00a0This, of course, is not an appropriate\u00a0example\u00a0for business delegations; it\u2019s\u00a0just a thought \u2013 what authentic things\u00a0could be included.

\n

Considering that it\u2019s still summer,\u00a0here\u2019s an example of a local activity,\u00a0provided\u00a0by some hotels on exotic islands\u00a0like Bora Bora. They organise\u00a0sand\u00a0castle competitions.\u00a0This team building activity is specific\u00a0to the location; it\u2019s simple, inexpensive,\u00a0anyone can join in, and it\u2019s very\u00a0enjoyable and fun.

\n

Also, taking part in making folk costumes\u00a0can feel very authentic.\u00a0In Japan,\u00a0there are shops for making\u00a0traditional summer kimonos.

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South Africa \u2013 but other places, as\u00a0well \u2013 has diving with sharks, feeding\u00a0them, or the like.

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To the heart through the\u00a0stomach \u2013 local dishes

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Participants want and EXPECT to try\u00a0local cuisine and dishes, or at least\u00a0meals prepared with local foodstuffs.
\nThey want to try out new flavours\u00a0or ways of preparing and serving\u00a0food.\u00a0This is how they also learn about local\u00a0people \u2013 our food, the way that\u00a0we prepare our meals and the flavours\u00a0we create can tell a lot about our\u00a0mind-set, nature, or needs.

\n

\u00a0It would be interesting to enable delegates\u00a0to attend a preparation of a\u00a0dish,\u00a0like live cooking in a modern\u00a0space\u00a0baking bread in traditional ways,\u00a0in some improvised space that\u00a0resembles\u00a0those of our ancestors.\u00a0All this adds a personal touch to the\u00a0entire experience.

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\"bigstock-Sand-castles-on-Bridlington-be-12221729\"

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This is also related to the increasingly\u00a0popular cooking classes as activity,\u00a0fun, and learning.\u00a0If you\u2019re organising this for clients\u00a0who are not from this region, they\u00a0will appreciate\u00a0if the menu contains\u00a0some\u00a0traditional\u00a0dish than making\u00a0pizza\u00a0(while\u00a0not being in Italy).

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Social and economic\u00a0legacy of events on local\u00a0development and progress

\n

The biggest perceived value of congresses,\u00a0conferences, and other business\u00a0events is the role that they\u00a0have\u00a0in supporting economic, academic,\u00a0professional, and social development.

\n

This can include preservation of nature\u00a0or providing aid to disenfranchised\u00a0groups… This so-called social\u00a0legacy is what an event or a conference\u00a0leaves behind at the location\u00a0where it was held.
\nThis should be an important consideration\u00a0also because of the event\u2019s\u00a0reputation and its influence and goals\u00a0analysed by the main stakeholders,\u00a0as well as potential delegates.
\nSocial effects should be taken into\u00a0consideration also because of the\u00a0simple\u00a0good feeling among participants\u00a0that they made a difference\u00a0and contributed to helping someone\u00a0or achieving a greater purpose.

\n

This can include quite simple activities,\u00a0all it takes is someone who\u00a0would remember to do it and get a\u00a0bit proactive. Food leftovers, which\u00a0are often found in great quantities,\u00a0can be donated to local halfway houses.
\nA local children association\u00a0can be hired to make cards or figures\u00a0with the event\u2019s visual elements,\u00a0which would be bought from\u00a0them as gifts for delegates.

\n

This would secure certain funds for\u00a0supporting the association, and delegates\u00a0would get original gifts, knowing\u00a0that they helped someone in this\u00a0way. They would surely remember\u00a0this\u00a0better than a calendar or a pen.
\nThere are many examples, and one\u00a0that I find very interesting concerns\u00a0environmental protection \u2013 having\u00a0your own coral in the Maldives.
\nIt can have a defined form, a note,\u00a0and you can keep up with its growth.\u00a0At the same time, you\u2019re helping\u00a0their\u00a0preservation. Pretty cool, right?

\n

\"Paint-Party\"
\nSo, there is the possibility to make a\u00a0donation for corals to be planted in\u00a0your name. They get tied onto different\u00a0shapes (like a heart) and sizes.\u00a0Marine biologists tie on the coral\u00a0to the shape and then put it in the\u00a0sea to keep growing. This leaves an\u00a0amazing personal touch and in the\u00a0ocean,\u00a0no less, at the same time taking\u00a0care of flora and fauna.\u00a0In our region, you can plant a pine\u00a0tree or a palm tree or something else.\u00a0In any case, it would be good to\u00a0come\u00a0up with an activity to preserve\u00a0plants or animals in our region.

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Conclusion

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Today\u2019s travellers \u2013 both individuals\u00a0and event participants \u2013 wish to come\u00a0back home with more authentic\u00a0experiences under their belt, inspired\u00a0and full of exciting stories to tell\u00a0their families, friends, and colleagues.
\nThey want to feel local\u00a0culture.\u00a0Something unique and original.\u00a0So, think about what is specific to your\u00a0area / region?

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An interesting cultural\u00a0or historical fact?\u00a0What makes you unique? Old trades?\u00a0Unique ways of making food or\u00a0objects? Customs?\u00a0Wrap it in a well organised activity\u00a0appropriate for the target group and,\u00a0using your creativity and imagination\u00a0in a relaxed setting, you can achieve\u00a0that which is achieved only by the\u00a0best \u2013 you can make your event original\u00a0and provide unique experiences,\u00a0and be talked about long\u00a0after your\u00a0event ends for good reasons.

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The post The power of local \u2013 inspiring authentic experiences appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The traditional work environment at corporate meetings, conferences, or congresses\u00a0\u2013 when placed in a certain venue and isolated from local surroundings \u2013\u00a0is rapidly losing its value. Without any local encounters or experiences for participants\u00a0to take away with them, the event becomes very bland, and its location\u00a0almost entirely irrelevant.\nIf we are talking about a chain of\u00a0hotels\u00a0that have similar interiors,\u00a0amenities,\u00a0and service levels, participants\u00a0can\u2019t see much difference between\u00a0staying in Germany, Croatia,\u00a0Hungary,\u00a0or Serbia.\nIf they never get too far from the hotel\u00a0or they\u2019re not provided with authentic\u00a0experiences,\u00a0all that remains\u00a0is a sterile sense of presence at the\u00a0event, whose location they know only\u00a0from looking at the plane ticket or\u00a0using coasters in the lobby.\n\nWhat do delegates want?\u00a0\nThey want to feel, touch,\u00a0smell, taste, learn…\u00a0in a word \u2013 they want to\u00a0experience LOCAL.\nThis can be afforded to them in several\u00a0ways: in the form of activities\u00a0or sightseeing, tasting local dishes\u00a0made from local foodstuffs, or helping/\u00a0donating to the local community.\n\nLocal culture as inspiration\u00a0for authentic experiences \u2013\u00a0examples\nDelegates and participants at events\u00a0WANT to experience local customs,\u00a0meet local people, and learn about\u00a0local culture.\nMany research studies\u00a0draw attention to this trend and\u00a0need, so event organisers are increasingly\u00a0looking for venues, hotels, and\u00a0destinations that provide their guests\u00a0with opportunities to be exposed\u00a0to the local culture and community.\u00a0This can include programmes and\u00a0activities within hotel premises or\u00a0programmes designed by travel agencies\u00a0working with hotels.\n\nThe experience is specific and unique\u00a0to the location or the surroundings.\u00a0These can involve local customs, old\u00a0trades and crafts, or beliefs \u2013 something\u00a0specific to the area \u2013 presented\u00a0in interesting and engaging ways appropriate\u00a0for the target group.\nFor example: making pottery out of\u00a0clay, knitting and weaving, sheep\u00a0shearing… What\u2019s interesting is that\u00a0there are foreigners who would love\u00a0to attend a traditional Serbian celebration\u00a0of a patron saint holiday (the\u00a0one that goes on for three days in\u00a0certain parts of the countries).\u00a0This, of course, is not an appropriate\u00a0example\u00a0for business delegations; it\u2019s\u00a0just a thought \u2013 what authentic things\u00a0could be included.\nConsidering that it\u2019s still summer,\u00a0here\u2019s an example of a local activity,\u00a0provided\u00a0by some hotels on exotic islands\u00a0like Bora Bora. They organise\u00a0sand\u00a0castle competitions.\u00a0This team building activity is specific\u00a0to the location; it\u2019s simple, inexpensive,\u00a0anyone can join in, and it\u2019s very\u00a0enjoyable and fun.\nAlso, taking part in making folk costumes\u00a0can feel very authentic.\u00a0In Japan,\u00a0there are shops for making\u00a0traditional summer kimonos.\nSouth Africa \u2013 but other places, as\u00a0well \u2013 has diving with sharks, feeding\u00a0them, or the like.\nTo the heart through the\u00a0stomach \u2013 local dishes\nParticipants want and EXPECT to try\u00a0local cuisine and dishes, or at least\u00a0meals prepared with local foodstuffs.\nThey want to try out new flavours\u00a0or ways of preparing and serving\u00a0food.\u00a0This is how they also learn about local\u00a0people \u2013 our food, the way that\u00a0we prepare our meals and the flavours\u00a0we create can tell a lot about our\u00a0mind-set, nature, or needs.\n\u00a0It would be interesting to enable delegates\u00a0to attend a preparation of a\u00a0dish,\u00a0like live cooking in a modern\u00a0space\u00a0baking bread in traditional ways,\u00a0in some improvised space that\u00a0resembles\u00a0those of our ancestors.\u00a0All this adds a personal touch to the\u00a0entire experience.\n\nThis is also related to the increasingly\u00a0popular cooking classes as activity,\u00a0fun, and learning.\u00a0If you\u2019re organising this for clients\u00a0who are not from this region, they\u00a0will appreciate\u00a0if the menu contains\u00a0some\u00a0traditional\u00a0dish than making\u00a0pizza\u00a0(while\u00a0not being in Italy).\nSocial and economic\u00a0legacy of events on local\u00a0development and progress\nThe biggest perceived value of congresses,\u00a0conferences, and other business\u00a0events is the role that they\u00a0have\u00a0in supporting economic, academic,\u00a0professional, and social development.\nThis can include preservation of nature\u00a0or providing aid to disenfranchised\u00a0groups… This so-called social\u00a0legacy is what an event or a conference\u00a0leaves behind at the location\u00a0where it was held.\nThis should be an important consideration\u00a0also because of the event\u2019s\u00a0reputation and its influence and goals\u00a0analysed by the main stakeholders,\u00a0as well as potential delegates.\nSocial effects should be taken into\u00a0consideration also because of the\u00a0simple\u00a0good feeling among participants\u00a0that they made a difference\u00a0and contributed to helping someone\u00a0or achieving a greater purpose.\nThis can include quite simple activities,\u00a0all it takes is someone who\u00a0would remember to do it and get a\u00a0bit proactive. Food leftovers, which\u00a0are often found in great quantities,\u00a0can be donated to local halfway houses.\nA local children association\u00a0can be hired to make cards or figures\u00a0with the event\u2019s visual elements,\u00a0which would be bought from\u00a0them as gifts for delegates.\nThis would secure certain funds for\u00a0supporting the association, and delegates\u00a0would get original gifts, knowing\u00a0that they helped someone in this\u00a0way. They would surely remember\u00a0this\u00a0better than a calendar or a pen.\nThere are many examples, and one\u00a0that I find very interesting concerns\u00a0environmental protection \u2013 having\u00a0your own coral in the Maldives.\nIt can have a defined form, a note,\u00a0and you can keep up with its growth.\u00a0At the same time, you\u2019re helping\u00a0their\u00a0preservation. Pretty cool, right?\n\nSo, there is the possibility to make a\u00a0donation for corals to be planted in\u00a0your name. They get tied onto different\u00a0shapes (like a heart) and sizes.\u00a0Marine biologists tie on the coral\u00a0to the shape and then put it in the\u00a0sea to keep growing. This leaves an\u00a0amazing personal touch and in the\u00a0ocean,\u00a0no less, at the same time taking\u00a0care of flora and fauna.\u00a0In our region, you can plant a pine\u00a0tree or a palm tree or something else.\u00a0In any case, it would be good to\u00a0come\u00a0up with an activity to preserve\u00a0plants or animals in our region.\nConclusion\nToday\u2019s travellers \u2013 both individuals\u00a0and event participants \u2013 wish to come\u00a0back home with more authentic\u00a0experiences under their belt, inspired\u00a0and full of exciting stories to tell\u00a0their families, friends, and colleagues.\nThey want to feel local\u00a0culture.\u00a0Something unique and original.\u00a0So, think about what is specific to your\u00a0area / region?\nAn interesting cultural\u00a0or historical fact?\u00a0What makes you unique? Old trades?\u00a0Unique ways of making food or\u00a0objects? Customs?\u00a0Wrap it in a well organised activity\u00a0appropriate for the target group and,\u00a0using your creativity and imagination\u00a0in a relaxed setting, you can achieve\u00a0that which is achieved only by the\u00a0best \u2013 you can make your event original\u00a0and provide unique experiences,\u00a0and be talked about long\u00a0after your\u00a0event ends for good reasons.\nThe post The power of local \u2013 inspiring authentic experiences appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-10-19T15:54:25+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-18T12:19:17+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Gartinny-Outdoor-Cooking-38.jpg", "tags": [ "authentic experience", "cover story", "local culture", "local dishes", "old crafts", "the power of local", "Hot topics", "MUST READ" ] } ] }