The objective of the pilot action Doroteja’s herbal story is to develop and enhance the offer of herbal tourism products based on monastic heritage and to establish a herbalism center at the Mekinje Monastery. By intertwining tradition, knowledge, and experience, we aim to create high-quality experiential packages that connect herbalism, gastronomy, and craftsmanship, strengthen the Doroteja brand, and contribute to the sustainable development of cultural tourism.

Within the pilot action at the Mekinje Monastery, we aimed to implement several activities related to herbalism. We introduced Doroteja’s Herbal Breakfast, featuring dishes prepared with herbs grown in the monastery garden, offering a unique sensory experience. We also carried out one-, two-, and three-day herbal packages, including accommodation in the monastery, herbal meals, and herbal workshops – creating a complete herbal experience in a monastic setting. In addition, two new hydrosols were added to the Doroteja product collection, which can also be produced during workshops. To foster collaboration, we organized a networking workshop for herbalists to encourage the formation of a local herbal community within the monastery. The pilot’s outcomes will be presented in a video and catalogue and supported by a marketing plan to ensure the continuity of these activities and products in the future.

Establishment of new herbal products and experiences (Doroteja’s Herbal Breakfast, herbal packages, hydrosols), formation of a community of herbalists, and strengthening of the Doroteja brand. The pilot enhanced the visibility of the Mekinje Monastery as a center of herbalism and laid the foundations for a sustainable tourism offer connecting herbal heritage, culture, and tradition.