On 24 September 2026, Virovitica University of Applied Sciences hosted the Interdepartmental Conference Tourism 2026 (Interkatedarski skup Turizam 2026.), which brought together representatives of the academic community and the tourism sector. The aim was to exchange experiences and open a discussion on current challenges in higher education and tourism development.
The programme centred on two round tables, devoted to topics that are increasingly shaping the future of education and of the tourism sector.
The first round table, “Challenges in Higher Education and the Future of Tourism Studies”, was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ivan Kelić, PhD, Vice-Dean for Teaching and Students at the Faculty of Economics in Osijek. The participants in the discussion were:
- Dora Smolčić Jurdana, PhD, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija
- Prof. Ana Portolan, PhD, University of Dubrovnik, Faculty of Economics
- Prof. Mirjana Jeleč Raguž, PhD, University of Osijek, Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega
- Smiljana Pivčević, PhD, University of Split, Faculty of Economics
The second round table opened a highly topical theme: “Tourism and Artificial Intelligence – Can Education Keep Pace with AI Developments in Tourism?” It was moderated by Rikard Bakan, PhD, professor of professional studies, Vice-Dean for Development at Virovitica University of Applied Sciences. The speakers who discussed the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence and digitalisation bring to the tourism sector were:
- Roberto Gobo, Director of Digitalisation at Valamar Riviera d.d.
- Rujana Bušić, Director of SUB TUUM, which supports destination development and promotion
- Ines Poljak Aritonović, Director of LT Kontura d.o.o.
- Ivan Bošnjak, Chief Product Manager at Lemax d.o.o.
As part of the programme, Prof. Oliver Kesar, PhD, of the University of Zagreb Faculty of Economics presented the idea of establishing a unified academic community and platform.
The Interdepartmental Conference Tourism 2026 provided a space for open and constructive dialogue between representatives of higher education and the tourism sector, as well as an exchange of views on the future of tourism studies, the impact of new technologies and the need for closer links between academia and practice.
We would like to thank all participants for the open and constructive discussion.
