March 2, 2026
DISTRAP: Development of Innovative Sustainable Tourism through the new Cross-border synergy of Regional Animal Parks
About the Project
The DISTRAP project aims to transform the Osijek and Pécs Zoos into modern, sustainable, and inclusive tourism destinations. By deeply integrating these two regional animal parks, the project seeks to overcome the challenges of tourism seasonality and create a cohesive cross-border destination.
Through major infrastructure upgrades, advanced digital innovation, and the creation of joint regenerative tourism products, DISTRAP will enhance the visitor experience, promote biodiversity conservation, and generate measurable economic and social benefits for local communities in the Hungary-Croatia border region. The project targets a 10% increase in visitor numbers, aiming to reach 266,000 annual visits across both zoos while ensuring high accessibility for all, including people with disabilities.
Key Activities and Expected Results
- Infrastructure Modernisation: Construction of a state-of-the-art rhino enclosure in Osijek Zoo, and the comprehensive renovation of the Aquarium-Terrarium building (featuring a Drava-biotope), giant anteater enclosure, and dromedary stable in Pécs Zoo.
- Digital Visitor Experience: Installation of 6 multilingual digital fact boards and 95 interactive QR-coded information panels providing content in Croatian, Hungarian, and English. The project will also implement integrated online ticketing systems to simplify cross-border visits.
- Cross-border Tourism Products: Development of 3 new sustainable tourism packages linking the zoos with other regional attractions, co-created through creative tourism camps.
- Festivals and Events: Organisation of 3 major cross-border tourism festivals to showcase the new products, alongside test tours and capacity-building workshops for local tourism stakeholders.
Project Facts & Financial Support
- Programme: Interreg VI-A Hungary-Croatia Programme
- Priority: P4 – Inclusive border region (Specific Objective 4.6. – Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism)
- Total Project Budget: 2.129 705,50 EUR
- EU Co-financing: 1.703,764.40 EUR (Co-funded by the European Union)
- Project Duration: 24 months (February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2028)
Project Partnership
The project is implemented through a collaborative cross-border partnership:
- Unikom d.o.o. (Lead Partner, Croatia)
- Pécsi Állatkert és Akvárium-Terrárium Nonprofit Kft. / Pécs ZOO (Partner, Hungary)
- Association for Creative Development Slap (Partner, Croatia)
- Baranya County Government / BVÖ (Partner, Hungary)
Disclaimer: This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Hungary-Croatia Programme. The content of this website is the sole responsibility of the Association for Creative Development Slap and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and/or the Managing Authority of the Programme.