Aspira University College in collaboration with the Public Institution RERA S.D. completed the integrated project Bullseye in Sinj whose primary stated purpose was the renovation and reappreciation of Sinj’s unique cultural heritage in the context of the travel industry. Sinj has great growth potential in cultural, religious, sports and adventure sports tourism in addition to rural ecotourism. Each of these sectors is attractive on its own, whereas they combine into a complete destination package, attractive year-round.
As an institution of higher education, Aspira has cohosted an expert seminar for travel industry professionals. Special emphasis was placed on guides. The program encompassed several lectures: History of the Cetina region, Geography in tourism, Cultural heritage – historical monuments, Sinj Alka – history and rules, Cetina cuisine, Communication skills and Practice. As part of the project, four public lectures were held in Sinj, Trilj and Vrlika, with each event hosting eminent experts in travel, culture and digital marketing.
Upon completion of the seminar, each of the participants was awarded a certificate of attendance. The ceremony was held on July 5, 2018 at the Aspira University College. The participants were delighted by their newly acquired skills, as they received their certificates from Alen Jerkunica, Aspira President of the Board and Jozo Sarač, Chairman of Rera S.D.
“I am the curator of the Sinj Museum. I benefited most from the module on the digital presentation of cultural heritage. I now realize the need to network culture and tourism, which I have overlooked before. Synergy is a great way to succeed and I give all possible compliments to this project by Aspira,” said one attendant, Dragana Modrić.
Aspira President of the Board, Alen Jerkunica, was likewise pleased by University College’s contribution to the project:
“Our motive was to enable guides and other participants to convey their newfound knowledge to visitors and tourists. We strove to integrate important elements from the Cetina region, from rental owners and farmers to museums and galleries, into our lectures.”The projects has shown to be a great success for all participants: some have increased their visibility and reach, while others have had their horizons broadened. The Bullseye in Sinj project is the foundation for future collaboration between Aspira University College and the RERA SD institution, in charge of promoting economic development across Split-Dalmatia County. Several further projects are slated to be launched before the year is out, also aimed at promoting cultural heritage through the travel industry.