Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš organised in Prešov conference „Made in Šariš - the power of the regional brand“, which was dedicated to the development of the project Made in Šariš and its extension to the Šariš regional product label. The aim of the conference was to support local producers, strengthen the regional identity and show how the „Šariš“ brand can contribute to the development of tourism and the economy of the region.
The conference was held 9 October 2025 at the Lineas Hotel in Prešov where they met producers, representatives of municipalities, tourism experts and representatives of the public sector, to work together to find ways of linking local production to the development of the region.
Inspiration from other regions
The conference brought examples of successful practice from other parts of Slovakia - from Liptov a Novohrad. The speakers presented the certification process, financing options and the link between the brand and marketing and tourism.
He opened the programme with an introductory speech Ing. Peter Halaj, Executive Director of OOCR Region Šariš. He presented the vision and objectives of the brand Made in Šariš and its link to the regional product Upper Saris, which creates Šariš regional product. According to him, this brand will bring recognition and promotion for producers, strengthening identity in the villages a new products and experiences for tourists.
Mgr. Lenka Smetanková, Head of the Tourism Department of PSK, presented the regional brand as an effective tool for the development of the territory. In her presentation, she also presented videos about the edible honey from Stanislav Novák, about the natural soap BADFA or about the Dukla Peace Run, organized by the town of Svidník. She also explained the symbolism of the logo with the poppy and emphasized the main criteria of certification - ecology, origin, history and the use of local materials.
Examples of good practice
The second block of the conference entitled „Examples of good practice“ He opened MSc. Gabriel Blcháč, who represented Ing. Veronika Kostialová from OOCR Visit Liptov. He presented the functioning of the brand Liptov Regional Product and showed how it can be effectively linked to tourism. He stressed the importance of cooperation, networking and joint promotion, which benefits both producers and consumers.
She also shared her experience Sveti Matuskova, manager Novohrad regional product brand. It sees the brand as a tool to promote local identity, traditions and the sale of regional products. The benefits, according to her, are increased credibility, prestige, joint marketing and easier access to markets and events.
Discussion and exchange of experience
The end of the conference belonged to discussion panel „How to support the Made in Šariš brand?“, in which participants sought concrete steps to put the lessons learned and recommendations into practice.
This was followed by a joint lunch, during which an informal exchange of experiences and a discussion on further possibilities for the development of the regional brand continued.
Conference Made in Šariš - the power of a regional brand confirmed that Šariš has great potential in the field of local products and crafts.
OOCR Región Šariš plans to continue working on the project and together with partners to develop a brand that will be a symbol of quality, tradition and pride in our region.
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Realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
