The third project team meeting and the second GIFTS network meeting were held in Banja Luka on 11–12 November 2025, as part of the project GIFTSnet – Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions, co-funded through the Interreg IPA Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027 Programme. The event was hosted by the City of Banja Luka, with coordination by the Public Cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik, the project’s lead partner.
Overview of project progress
The meeting offered a platform to review the current status of activities, assess progress and plan the next steps. Project Manager Kata Žganjer presented an overview of completed work, followed by updates from the project team on implemented activities and achieved results. Special emphasis was placed on investments in seven cultural and tourism sites in Šibenik, Karlovac, Banja Luka, Trebinje, Bar and Ulcinj, including an overview of procurement procedures, progress reports, and challenges within the set timeframe.
Development of the GIFTS network
The second part of the programme focused on the development of the GIFTS network, a European platform connecting cultural stakeholders for knowledge exchange and sustainable heritage management. Alongside project partners, the meeting gathered cultural stakeholders from Banja Luka and other actors interested in cooperation in the field of cultural tourism.
The introductory presentation on the network’s goals and activities was delivered by Đurđa Vrljević Šarić, Head of the Department for International Cooperation and Projects at the Fortress of Culture Šibenik, who highlighted the importance of cooperation and networking for strengthening capacities in sustainable heritage management.
The second cross-border workshop was also announced. It will take place in March 2026 in Šibenik under the title “Sustainable Reuse of Cultural Heritage Infrastructure: Green Procurement, Energy Efficiency Measures, Carbon Footprint – Measuring and Reducing in Heritage Buildings”.
Partners from Banja Luka and Karlovac presented examples of implementing the Night of Fortresses Goes Green event in their communities.
Workshop on resilience and sustainable event development
The final part of the programme included the GIFTSnet workshop “Participatory Planning for the Future: Night of Fortresses Goes Disastrous”, led by the project’s Communication Manager Vera Jergović. The aim was to develop ideas for the future of the event by identifying risks and creating sustainable solutions that improve the resilience of cultural and tourism events.
The workshop used a scenario-based approach to encourage creativity, proactive thinking and preparedness. Participants also discussed current challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism and the connection between heritage preservation and broader social and economic benefits for local communities.
Study visit to Kastel Fortress
The meeting concluded with a study visit to Kastel Fortress, where partners were introduced to the progress of restoration works financed by the project. Works are underway on the adaptation and conservation of Tower 1 and Tower 2, as well as the improvement of the shared courtyard. After completion, Tower 1 will serve as a tourist information centre, while Tower 2 will house a souvenir shop and a hospitality space.
The works are planned for completion in December 2025. The restored and newly equipped Kastel Fortress will offer an attractive area for visitors and a space for cultural and creative activities. The programme also included a visit to the Trappist Monastery “Marija Zvijezda”, one of the key cultural sites in the region.
About the GIFTSnet project
The project GIFTSnet – Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions is funded through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 Programme.
It runs for 30 months, from 15 September 2024 to 14 March 2027, with a total budget of EUR 2,244,442.80.
Alongside the Fortress of Culture Šibenik as lead partner, project partners include the City of Karlovac, the City of Banja Luka, the Museum of Herzegovina Trebinje, the Municipality of Bar and the Municipality of Ulcinj.
The project supports sustainable and inclusive development of cultural tourism through investments in seven cultural sites across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, as well as through the development of inclusive tourism offers and capacity-building for stakeholders in sustainable cultural tourism.
This text was produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents are the sole responsibility of the Public Cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
