The Hévíz Picnic Box program connects local producers, regional flavors from Zala, and active leisure opportunities into a new, experience-based tourism product. The aim of the project is to strengthen the presence of Hévíz and its region among domestic and international visitors through a sustainable, authentic, and experience-driven tourism offer.
The initiative is one of four pilot projects of the CROSSDEST program (SIHU00138), titled “Cross-border destination development for inclusive and sustainable tourism in the Slovenian-Hungarian border region.” The CROSSDEST project brings together several Hungarian and Slovenian organizations. The Hévíz Picnic Box pilot project is led by Hévíz Tourism Nonprofit Ltd., while its professional implementation is carried out by Szeretünk Zala, building on its years of regional experience, local knowledge, and experience-based approach.
The Hévíz Picnic Box brings together local producers and their products within a 30–50 km radius of Hévíz into a joint tourism offer. It provides new opportunities for conscious travelers, visitors seeking gastronomic experiences, active tourists, and locals open to regional values.
As part of the program, multilingual, story-based presentation materials about the producers have been created, along with descriptions highlighting the geological and local connections of selected products. This way, the project not only showcases local flavors but also brings the natural, geological, and cultural landscape values of the region closer to visitors.
The box is available at the Hévíz Tourinform office, where both traditional and electric bicycles can also be rented. In addition, cycling routes have been developed that connect the participating, visitable producer locations with nearby attractions. Thus, the Hévíz Picnic Box is not only a selection of local products but also a tool for actively exploring the region.
Beyond the picnic package, visitors have the opportunity to visit producers, join farm tours, participate in workshops, and take part in various experience programs, typically with prior registration. Visitors can find detailed information on visits, learn about the producers’ stories, and discover interesting facts about the products at www.heviz.hu/hu/projektek/crossdest/helyi-termek.
The development is of key importance for the tourism visibility and growth of Zala County, as it goes beyond traditional product sales. The project connects local gastronomy with active tourism and experience-based rural programs, creating a complex tourism product that supports local businesses, enriches the region’s offer, and contributes to presenting the identity of Zala through flavors, stories, and personal experiences.
The long-term goal of the program is to strengthen local cooperation, create new tourism connections, and further enhance the attractiveness of Hévíz and Zala County.
More information:
https://www.heviz.hu/hu/projektek/crossdest/helyi-termek
Creative video materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31vbeQ4uzfc&list=PLNn_-K3YV1zJpHTwt97uRkYiwGiymT9N5
Photos: Tóth Liliána – Plate instyle
Hévíz Tourism Nonprofit Ltd.
8380 Hévíz, Rákóczi u. 2.
Böröczné Bolla Krisztina – Head of Marketing
bolla.krisztina@hevizmarketing.hu
Szeretünk Zala
Flóra Adorján – flora@szeretunkzala.hu
Ábel Pocsai – abel@szeretunkzala.hu
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg Slovenia–Hungary Programme.
