Benečija, region Friuli and Soča valley Cross-Border Cooperation in Tourism

The team from Dolina Soče d.o.o. spent a productive working day in Friuli Venezia Giulia, exploring exciting opportunities for strengthening cross-border cooperation in tourism alongside our partner, DMO Turismo Benečija, as well as participants from the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park regions, including Zavod za Turizem Dolina Soče. The meeting generated ideas for innovative tourism projects aimed at strengthening connections between Soča Valley in Slovenia and Benečija in Italy. Some projects should have strong connections also with The Julian Alps: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Italian Julian Prealps Natural Park.

Benečija, located in northeastern Italy, is a region renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and in some places, an ancient winemaking tradition. The region’s deep connection to both Slovenian and Italian cultures is evident in its charming villages, pristine nature trails, and historical landmarks. The Slovenian-speaking minority in Benečija has preserved its language, culture, and traditions for centuries, despite the region’s changing political landscape. Visitors will find the Slovenian language and local dialects still spoken by many of the locals, adding to the unique character of this border region.

Our working day concluded with a visit to a local farm, offering accommodation and a tour of their wine cellar during the grape harvest – an unforgettable experience that showcased the Friuli region’s unique charm and its rich agricultural heritage. This visit demonstrated the potential for future tourism products that offer authentic, local experiences to visitors eager to explore the heart of this border region.

We look forward to future opportunities for cross-border collaboration and the development of tourism projects with DMO Turismo Benečija, which will further connect the Benečija and Soča Valley regions. DMO Turismo Benečija is organization for the promotion of the tourist offers of Rezia, Nadiške and Kanalske valley was founded by the Institute of Slovenian Culture from Špeter with the support of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Together, we aim to create new tourism products that highlight the unique experiences, culture, and natural beauty of Benečija regions.

The Julian Alps were declared the first biosphere area in Slovenia in July 2003, marking a significant step in the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. The biosphere programme also includes cross-border cooperation with the Italian Julian Prealps Natural Park, emphasizing the shared responsibility in protecting the natural landscape and fostering sustainable tourism.
The partnership between the Julian Alps and the Italian Julian Prealps Natural Park further highlights the potential for cross-border tourism projects that prioritize environmental sustainability and cultural heritage, aligning perfectly with the goals of Dolina Soče d.o.o.

We invite you to follow us and explore the diverse offerings of our guided programs. Whether you’re interested in discovering historical heritage, visiting wine cellars, or enjoying the unspoiled nature, we are confident that each visit will be a unique experience. Don’t miss the chance for an unforgettable adventure!

Foto: Wine cellar in tourist farm in Friuli