On Saturday, 7 October 2023, IFITTTalk@Opatija was held – marking the culmination of the student innovation competition. Six teams of students presented their final solutions, encompassing novel ideas for integrating new technologies within the hotel industry. These innovations aimed to enhance both internal and external communication, elevate guest experiences, and boost employee productivity. Evaluation criteria encompassed the originality and relevance of the ideas, alongside the feasibility and clarity of their implementation plans.
In a remarkable display of talent, two teams shared third place: first team from the University of Novo Mesto in Slovenia, comprised of Urška Longar, Lea Juršič, and Urška Ambrožič, and the second from the University Mahasarakham in Thailand, with students Natthida Inthawong, Kittiphat Thiamchai, and Julalak Chaiyaphet. The second-place was won by the team from the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turisrica from the University of Primorska in Slovenia, led by Katja Kosem, Katarina Tomović, and Milena Ninković. The first place was won the team from the University of Singidunum in Serbia, comprising Emilija Ljubinković, Mateja Krstić, and Dejana Vasiljević.
All participants were presented with certificates of participation, while the top three contenders received certificates delineating their respective standings and prizes generously sponsored by Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa.
Following the presentations of the final solutions, a captivating panel discussion was held. Moderated by Jelena Dorčić, the panel featured notable figures in the industry, including Nataša Kovačić Stilinović, Director of Human Resources at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa; Barbora Hroššová, Manager of the Accommodation Department at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa; Miha Bratec, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica at the University of Primorska; Adriano Požarić, Editor-in-Chief of Turizma Info magazine; and Jelena Mušanović, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management. These esteemed panelists shared their perspectives on the technological trends poised to shape the future of the hotel industry.”
