Can we experience a familiar place in a new way?
One of the aims of the “Dilj through Nature and Community” pilot programme, developed as part of the People Powered Tourism project, was to explore how the existing natural resources in the surroundings of Slavonski Brod could be connected with new activities and ways of experiencing the space – without the need for major interventions or new tourism infrastructure.
At Lake Petnja, we therefore did not want to offer simply a walk in nature.
Through activities led by therapist Aleksandra Balen, the focus was on slowing down, being consciously present in nature, and directing attention to what surrounds us – sounds, scents, touch and our own experience of the space. In this way, we also wanted to explore the potential of the natural environment for developing experiences focused on well-being, relaxation and spending quality time in nature.
The experience continued with the collaborative creation of spatial installations led by artist Lucija Lebić. Using elements found in the immediate surroundings, participants further directed their attention to the space, its details and their own relationship with the landscape through the creative process.
Perhaps the photographs best capture the experience itself – the calm yet joyful faces of the participants, their shared engagement and the sense of connection that naturally emerged throughout the activities.By bringing together nature, art and active participation, we are exploring new ways of developing tourism experiences based on local resources. And it is precisely their joint design and testing with local stakeholders that lies at the heart of the People Powered Tourism project.