Virovitica-Podravina tourism growth driven by restored castles, nature and UNESCO sites

Virovitica-Podravina County

ZAGREB, 7 June (Hina) – Virovitica-Podravina County is increasingly shaping its tourism development around a combination of natural landscapes, cultural heritage and active holidays, with restored castles and manor houses playing a central role in the region’s growing tourism identity.

According to Martina Jakelić, director of the Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board, the county is building its recognisability on its rich natural heritage and historic noble legacy.

The county is home to two UNESCO-recognised sites: the River Drava, which forms part of the cross-border Mura–Drava–Danube Biosphere Reserve, and Papuk Nature Park, Croatia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

Papuk Nature Park (Photo credit: Kerber00 /CC BY-SA 4.0)

Jakelić said modern travellers are increasingly looking for peaceful destinations away from crowds, with a stronger connection to nature and local heritage, trends which the county is seeking to capitalise on.

Over the past decade, several historic estates have been restored or adapted for tourism purposes. These include Janković Castle in Suhopolje, Pejačević Castle in Virovitica, Janković Manor in Kapela Dvor and Drašković Manor in Noskovci. Restoration work is also continuing at Janković Castle in Cabuna.

Janković Castle in Suhopolje (Photo: Matija Turkalj)

The sites form part of the county’s Noble Route, a tourism network linking eight heritage locations.

The restored properties now serve a variety of tourism functions. Janković Manor in Kapela Dvor operates as a heritage hotel, while Janković Castle in Suhopolje offers accommodation, wellness facilities, a visitor centre, swimming pool and wine cellar.

Pejačević Castle houses the Virovitica City Museum, including its award-winning exhibition dedicated to wood, while Drašković Manor has been transformed into the Dravska Priča Visitor Centre with a focus on education and active tourism.

Much of the restoration work has been supported through European Union funding. The renovation of Janković Manor in Kapela Dvor, valued at around €2.2 million, was among the first major projects and also included the marking of 600 kilometres of cycling routes.

The restoration of Pejačević Castle in Virovitica was carried out through a project worth approximately €10.8 million, while the redevelopment of Janković Castle in Suhopolje cost around €5.3 million. The ongoing restoration of Janković Castle in Cabuna is valued at about €7.5 million.

The county recorded a 13 per cent increase in tourist arrivals last year, the highest growth rate among Croatia’s counties. Jakelić attributed the increase to clearer destination positioning and the continued development of the county’s tourism offer.

Domestic visitors continue to account for the majority of arrivals, while Slovenia and Austria remain the leading foreign markets. Interest from travellers from Belgium and the Netherlands is also increasing, particularly among those seeking active holidays and outdoor experiences.

Pejačević Castle in Virovitica (Photo: Matija Turkalj)

A key part of the county’s tourism strategy is linking tourism development with local producers. County-managed tourism facilities, including restored heritage properties, prioritise products from local family farms and businesses, while locally made goods are also sold in gift shops.

Jakelić said the aim is to ensure tourism benefits extend beyond individual attractions and provide economic opportunities for local producers and residents.

She added that the county’s two accommodation facilities, Janković Manor and Janković Castle in Suhopolje, have now achieved financial self-sufficiency. The manor has been operating for around a decade, while the castle has been welcoming guests for the past five years.

According to Jakelić, the wider objective has been to create a sustainable tourism model that promotes local products, supports the local economy and delivers long-term benefits for the community.