During the visit, opportunities for interpreting the area's natural and cultural heritage and linking the site with the existing network of tourism attractions along the Drava River were analysed. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of sustainable tourism and the creation of additional points of interest for cycle tourists travelling along the Amazon of Europe route. The location is regularly included in thematic hiking tours and recreational events that connect some of Vinica's most notable natural and cultural landmarks, including Arboretum Opeka, Croatia's oldest protected and largest arboretum, renowned for its rich collection of exotic trees and the recently revitalised complex surrounding Opeka Castle; Vinica Cave, a geomorphological and historical site characteristic of the area; and Burg Vinica Old Town, a medieval fortification situated on a hill above the settlement that bears witness to the region's rich defensive history.
The Amazon of Europe Bike Trail connects the most valuable sections of the UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube, also known as the “European Amazon”, promoting active holidays, preserved natural environments, and local heritage. By potentially incorporating sites such as “De kubila šči”, the visitor experience is further enriched, allowing cyclists to discover hidden natural attractions, local stories, and the distinctive features of the regions they travel through, while offering opportunities for rest, exploration, and insight into the lesser-known stories of the area.
The visit to “De kubila šči” confirmed that the Vinica area possesses significant potential for the development of sustainable and experiential tourism and has the capacity to become one of the noteworthy destinations for visitors exploring the European Amazon.
Key activities of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail Hungary-Croatia project include the development and refurbishment of visitor centres and rest areas, improvements to cycling tourism infrastructure and services, the creation of new cyclist-friendly products, and the implementation of joint marketing, communication, and capacity-building activities for local service providers.
The project is being implemented across eight counties in Hungary and Croatia, covering both the northern and southern sections of the AoE Bike Trail and establishing a cross-border cooperation network among key stakeholders and local communities. The partnership consists of 12 partners, led by Pannon EGTC, ensuring comprehensive territorial coverage of the AoE Bike Trail throughout the programme area.
The project runs from February 2025 to July 2028, with a total budget of almost EUR 4 million, co-financed under the Interreg VI-A Hungary-Croatia Programme. For the implementation of project activities, Varaždin County will have EUR 437,875.00 at its disposal, of which 80% is financed by EU funds, while the remaining amount is provided from the County budget.