Bridging Cultures, Building Connections: International Staff Week 2027

The Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management (University of Rijeka) is delighted to welcome colleagues from partner institutions to International Staff Week 2027, taking place from 24 to 28 May 2027 in the beautiful coastal town of Opatija, Croatia.

Under the theme Bridging Cultures, Building Connections, this year’s programme brings together academic and administrative staff to exchange experiences, develop professional skills, explore different cultural perspectives, and strengthen international cooperation.

Through interactive workshops, cultural activities, conference participation, and networking opportunities, participants will have the chance to learn from one another, share good practices, and establish meaningful professional connections.

Below is an overview of the week’s activities.

Day 1 – Welcome & Cultural Exchange

Monday, 24 May 2027

Focus: Getting to know each other, introducing the host institution, and celebrating cultural diversity.

The week begins with registration and a warm welcome, providing participants with an opportunity to meet colleagues from different institutions. An introductory session led by representatives of the Faculty’s International Office will present the Faculty, its international activities, and opportunities for future cooperation.

One of the highlights of the day is “Taste of Europe: Cultural Exchange Through Food”, an interactive activity inviting participants to bring a traditional food product, snack, sweet, or other speciality from their home country and share its story with the group. This informal exchange offers a unique opportunity to discover different cultures through their culinary traditions.

The programme continues with a joint lunch, followed by a presentation of the book “Tourism & Creativity” by Biserka Stamatović from Podgorica, Montenegro. With a background in tourism and a master’s degree in economics specialising in European economic integration, Biserka brings over two decades of experience in destination management and the promotion of Podgorica and Montenegro. She has also shared her professional expertise as a guest lecturer, bringing valuable practical insights into tourism education.

Day 2 – Leadership Across Cultures

Tuesday, 25 May 2027

Focus: Exploring leadership styles, intercultural perspectives, and international knowledge exchange.

The second day begins with the opening ceremony and keynote presentations of the ToSEE 2027 Conference.

Participation in the conference as an audience member is free of charge. Further information about the conference programme and keynote speakers is available on the official conference website: https://tosee.fthm.hr/.

In the afternoon, participants will take part in the interactive workshop “Know Your Leadership Profile – Leadership Styles Across Cultures.”

The workshop encourages participants to explore their own leadership preferences, gain insight into different leadership approaches, and reflect on how leadership styles may be perceived and practised across cultural contexts.

Designed for both academic and administrative staff, the session combines personal reflection, discussion, and practical activities to foster greater self-awareness and intercultural understanding.

Day 3 – Communication & International Knowledge Exchange

Wednesday, 26 May 2027

Focus: Strengthening workplace communication skills and exchanging knowledge across institutions and cultures.

The third day combines opportunities to participate in the ToSEE 2027 Conference with a practical workshop dedicated to effective communication in international and multicultural workplaces.

During the workshop “Effective Communication in the Workplace,” participants will explore different communication styles, active listening techniques, and assertive communication strategies. Particular attention will be given to addressing challenging workplace situations and improving communication among colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

The workshop encourages active participation, discussion, and the exchange of real-life experiences, providing practical insights that participants can apply in their everyday professional environments.

Conference activities and networking opportunities further enrich the day by encouraging dialogue and the sharing of knowledge among international colleagues.

Day 4 – Discovering Opatija

Focus: Implementation, partnership development, and field experiences.

Thursday, 27 May 2027

Focus: Exploring the host destination, its cultural heritage, and tourism traditions.

The fourth day invites participants to discover Opatija, one of Croatia’s most renowned coastal destinations, through a guided city tour.

During the walk, participants will explore Opatija’s rich history, elegant architecture, and distinctive tourism heritage while learning more about the development of the destination and its longstanding hospitality tradition.

Beyond discovering the town, the guided tour offers an informal setting for conversations, cultural exchange, and strengthening the connections established throughout the week.

Day 5 – Closing Session & Future Connections

Friday, 28 May 2027

Focus: Reflecting on shared experiences, celebrating new connections, and encouraging future cooperation.

The final day brings participants together for a closing session dedicated to reflecting on the week’s activities and exchanging impressions and key takeaways.

Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences, discuss potential areas for future cooperation, and consider how the knowledge and insights gained during the programme can be applied within their home institutions.

The week concludes with the presentation of certificates and farewell networking, offering one final opportunity to exchange contacts, strengthen professional relationships, and look ahead to future international collaboration.

* Please note: Erasmus+ teaching mobilities will be arranged according to individual schedules.

We look forward to welcoming you to Opatija!

International Staff Week 2027 – Bridging Cultures, Building Connections offers much more than professional development. It is an opportunity to discover new perspectives, share experiences, build lasting international friendships, and experience the unique atmosphere of Opatija.

We look forward to bringing colleagues together for a week of learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections that extend well beyond the event itself.

Application deadline: January 15, 2027

Participation fee: 70 €

Application form: https://forms.gle/EqQAV1nZgyqCfwP78

Location

Google maps

The nearest airports:

The nearest train stations:

Getting around by car

If you are looking for other possible accommodation, use these place names to find the accommodation near the faculty: Ika (small town where the Faculty is located), Ičići (small town near the Faculty), Lovran (20 minutes walk from the centre to the Faculty or 10 minutes by bus line 32), Opatija (20 minutes by bus line 32) and Rijeka (20 kilometers or 55 minutes by bus line 32 to the Faculty).

Opatija
Opatija, 13 km to the west of Rijeka is situated in the Kvarner bay in a sheltered position at the foot of the mountain Učka. It had been a small, romete fishermen’s village until the middle of the 19th century. Opatija (in German and Italian Abbazia) got its name after the Benedictine abbey situated in the center of Opatija.
The town’s modern history began in the middle of the 19th century, when Villa Angiolina was built.

At that time many celebrities from metropolises of Zagreb, Vienna, and Budapest came to spend time at “Angiolina“ and in Opatija. Opatija became a fashionable destination for the Austrian imperial family and Austrian nobility. Soon the luxury hotels and grand belle époque residences and villas were built. The first luxury hotel – Hotel “Quarnero” (today “Grand Hotel Kvarner”) was built in 1884. The hotel Kronprinzessin Stephanie was opened in 1885. Opatija’s first guide was published in Vienna in 1883 with the title Abbazia, Idylle von der Adria.
For more info please visit https://www.visitopatija.com/en

Lovran
For millennia, Lovran has been a magnetic draw for travelers, enthralling them with its breathtaking coastal vistas that make bidding farewell a challenge. As the oldest settlement along the Opatija Riviera, its roots trace back to the 1st century BC, where legend has it that Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a Roman patrician revered as a statesman, general, and cartographer, selected this locale as his dwelling. Dating back to the 7th century, the town’s earliest reference as Lauriana sheds light on its nomenclature, derived from the fragrant laurel that continues to infuse Lovran’s atmosphere with its distinctive aroma.
Evolving around the fortified mandrać, a harbor linking Lovran to both nearby and distant destinations, the medieval township burgeoned. Naturally, the harbor also enticed adventurers who extolled the beauty and significance of this town nestled where the slopes of Učka meet the
Adriatic Sea.

In the 12th century, Lovran’s shipbuilders and sailors garnered acclaim from the esteemed Arab cartographer al-Idrisi. Centuries later, the illustrious travel writer Johann Valvasor commended the region’s bounty, marveling not only at the aromatic laurel but also at the luscious chestnuts and succulent cherries unique to Lovran. These fruits, unrivaled in flavor, remain foundational to the local gastronomic identity.
For more info please visit https://visitlovran.com/en/home/

Account holder: University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija

Adress: Primorska 46, Ika, 51410 Opatija, Croatia

Beneficiary account: HR1323600001101496052

SWIFT: ZABAHR2X

AMOUNT: 70 €

Correspondent bank: Zagrebačka banka, Trg bana Jelaćića 10, 10 000 Zagreb

Reference number: 29211219

Centre for International Relations

international@fthm.hr

+385 51 294 202

USEFUL INFORMATION KVARNER REGION – http://www.kvarner.hr/en/tourism/plan_a_trip/Useful_information/tips_for_tourists

TOURIST BOARD OPATIJA – https://www.visitopatija.com/hr

TOURIST BOARD LOVRAN – https://visitlovran.com/

TOURIST BOARD RIJEKA – https://visitrijeka.hr/