This year’s BIP programme “Sustainable Tourism and Regional Development” was held at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka, in two parts.
The virtual component took place on 1–2 June 2026 via the MS Teams platform, where professors from the University of Central Lancashire in Cyprus delivered lectures on the topics of sustainable tourism, sustainable development, and destination management.
The physical component was held during the week of 8–12 June 2026 at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka, where a group of 24 students from partner institutions (Vistula University – Vistula School of Hospitality, Poland; University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria) attended lectures and interactive workshops.
Professor Sabina Hodžić from our faculty, in addition to the introductory part, delivered a lecture on the topic “The Financial System of Regional and Local Government in Croatia”, while Professors Christina Nikolova and Elenita Kirilova Velikova from Bulgaria delivered lectures and a workshop on the following topics: “The True Cost of Tourist Mobility: Internalising Transport Externalities in Sustainable Tourism and Regional Development” and “Small Country, Big Lessons: What Bulgaria Teaches Us About Sustainable Tourism”.
Professors Joanna Kalecińska and Barbara Pędraszewska from Vistula School of Hospitality, Poland, delivered a lecture and an interactive workshop on the topic “Teamwork and interpersonal relations as an important element in professional activity”.
In addition to the theoretical part of the programme, students had the opportunity to recognise these themes in practice through a visit to the island of Krk. For this purpose, they visited the town of Krk, Vrbnik, and the islet of Košljun. Beyond the rich natural and cultural heritage, students also had the opportunity to learn about the state of tourism on the island of Krk, as well as trends in tourism sustainability and regional development.
In the final part of the BIP programme, students presented their research findings, having used the “go-along” research method to interview participants about tourism, local and regional development, public service financing, and their vision of the place where they live. The assignment was completed very successfully, with students acquiring both theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as teamwork skills.
The BIP programme as a whole was successfully implemented, with the active engagement of professors and students and a clear demonstration of the value of combining online and in-person teaching. The partnership between the institutions proved highly functional and effective, and beyond the professional activities, the BIP programme also provided an opportunity for deeper acquaintance and mutual communication in all future endeavours, such as applications for research projects and collaboration on scientific publications.
We are both sad and happy about the conclusion of this year’s BIP programme, which will surely remain a fond memory, and we very much look forward to the next one in 2027!
