As part of the Zagorje Economic Fair on September 12, 2024, the ‘Invest in Zagorje’ program was held at the Entrepreneurial Center of Krapina-Zagorje County, bringing together local and international business leaders to explore the region’s investment potential.
Prominent figures such as Darko Šlogar, Director of Vetropack Straža d.d. (part of the Vetropack Group), Filip Poštek, Director of Hotel Matija Gubec, and Ivana Kolar, Director of Julius Rose Business Consulting, shared their insights on Zagorje’s untapped economic potential.
Filip Poštek: Zagorje – The Future of Croatian Tourism
Filip Poštek highlighted Zagorje as an emerging hotspot for tourism investment, emphasizing several unique advantages:
- Untapped Tourism Potential: Zagorje, unlike more developed Croatian regions, offers unique opportunities for sustainable growth, with room for tailored investments, sparking the interest of potential investors.
- Public-Private Sector Synergy: Poštek highlighted the supportive collaboration between the public and private sectors in Zagorje, creating a stable and reliable environment for investment and faster project implementation, instilling confidence in potential investors.
- Health Tourism Development: With its natural beauty and tranquil lifestyle, Zagorje is perfectly positioned to become a key destination for health tourism, offering a promising future for potential investors.
Poštek concluded, “Zagorje is the future of Croatian tourism, and its story is just beginning.”
Ivana Kolar: Three Key Factors for Investing in Zagorje
Ivana Kolar outlined three essential elements driving Zagorje’s appeal to investors:
- People: A highly educated and talented workforce is a significant asset. Kolar stressed the importance of creating jobs to retain young talent within the region.
- Infrastructure: Well-developed transportation and digital infrastructure provide a competitive advantage, making the region easily accessible to European partners.
- Space: Zagorje offers abundant and affordable space for new developments, making it an ideal location for innovative projects and business growth.
Darko Šlogar: Skilled Talent as the Region’s Key Strength
Supporting Kolar’s view, Darko Šlogar pointed out the exceptional talent in Zagorje: “Zagorje has so much to offer, but most importantly, it has exceptionally skilled talent — the true foundation of its success.”
A Bright Future for Investment in Zagorje
The “Invest in Zagorje” program revealed that Krapina-Zagorje County has significant potential for attracting domestic and international investors. With its favourable tourism environment, robust infrastructure, educated workforce, and ample space for new projects, the region is primed for growth in a variety of economic sectors.
Through initiatives like “Invest in Zagorje,” entrepreneurs are discovering valuable opportunities to contribute to the region’s economic growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.
