On 10 April 2026, the City of Pula, in cooperation with the Pula Tourist Board, organized a Local Stakeholder Seminar under Activity 1.4 of the Interreg Euro-MED TO CARE MED project. The event took place at Park Plaza Histria in Pula and gathered representatives of public institutions, tourism stakeholders, and local experts to discuss sustainable tourism planning and the application of the Tourism Carrying Capacity Limit (TCCL) methodology.
The seminar opened with welcome remarks by Sanja Cinkopan Korotaj, Director of the Pula Tourist Board, followed by a presentation of the TO CARE MED project delivered by Radivoj Jelenić from the City of Pula. The presentation highlighted the project’s objectives at both the European and local levels, emphasizing the importance of integrated governance, stakeholder cooperation, and sustainable tourism management in Mediterranean destinations.
The central session featured a presentation by Branko Bogunović from HD Consulting on the Destination Management Plan and the Calculation of Tourism Carrying Capacity for the Southern Istria Cluster. Drawing on practical experience in destination planning, the presentation addressed the challenges of collecting reliable tourism data and the importance of evidence-based decision-making when managing tourism growth.
Participants discussed the increasing dependence of coastal destinations on seasonal tourism revenues and the risks associated with this economic model. Particular attention was given to the need for more comprehensive monitoring tools, stronger governance mechanisms, and better access to tourism-related data to support long-term planning and resilience.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of diversifying tourism products and experiences to encourage a more balanced distribution of visitor flows throughout the year and across different parts of the region. Such an approach can help reduce pressure on coastal hotspots, improve residents’ quality of life, and strengthen the sustainability of tourism development.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion, during which stakeholders exchanged views on tourism carrying capacity, destination governance, and the future direction of tourism development in coastal regions. The high level of participation and engagement demonstrated the shared commitment to collaborative planning and the development of practical solutions for sustainable tourism in Pula.
The comments and recommendations collected during the seminar will be analysed and incorporated into the ongoing development of the Tourism Carrying Capacity Limit (TCCL) tool. They will also contribute to discussions during the next TO CARE MED partner meeting, held in Murcia, Spain, where project partners will continue refining common approaches to sustainable tourism management across the Mediterranean.
By bringing together local authorities, tourism professionals, and experts, the TO CARE MED project continues to strengthen cooperation and promote innovative, data-driven solutions that support resilient destinations and balanced tourism development throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region.
