On September 27, 2023, World Tourism Day was celebrated at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija. The event featured the presence of students and teachers from the “Mijo Mirković” Secondary School of Economics in Rijeka and the Hotel and Tourism School in Opatija, along with faculty members. This year’s World Tourism Day theme focused on “Green Investment.” On this occasion, UNWTO emphasized the imperative of directing increased and more precisely targeted investments towards the betterment of both people and the environment. The discourse revolved around exploring novel and innovative solutions rather than solely relying on conventional investments that exclusively drive economic growth and productivity.
Vice-Dean for Development, Marinela Krstinić Nižić, extended a warm welcome to the students from Rijeka Secondary School of Economics, guided by teacher Klaudija Skoko, and the students from the Hotel and Tourism School in Opatija, under the guidance of teachers Zagorka Ivanković, Brankica Jauković, Mirjana Latas, and Nenad Drobnjak. During the event, Siniša Bogdan delivered a lecture on the topic of “Green Investments for Sustainable Tourism Development,” stressing that green investments don’t merely entail funding new forms of tourism but, rather, entail the development of tourism that aligns with environmental needs while respecting its natural attributes and constraints. Green investments are progressively assuming a pivotal role in tourism development and are forging connections among all stakeholders within the tourism industry.
Assistants Romina Agbaba and Tatjana Špoljarić conducted an engaging interactive workshop for the students. Following the workshop, the students had the opportunity to tour the Faculty’s premises, and discussions were held regarding potential collaborations on joint projects. This student visit successfully contributed to achieving the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) through Partnerships for the Goals.
