Researchers from the Institute for Tourism — Damir Krešić, Matina Gjurašić, Sanela Grujo Vrkljan, Vedran Milojica and Leona Matotek — participated in the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism, the leading scientific and professional event dedicated to rural tourism development, sustainability, and the advancement of rural areas in Croatia. The congress was held from May 6 to 9, 2026, in Rab.
The congress brought together representatives of the public sector, tourism professionals, researchers, and experts from Croatia and abroad to exchange knowledge, experience, and examples of good practice in rural development and tourism.
Through keynote lectures, thematic discussions, panel sessions, scientific and professional presentations, and project showcases, participants addressed current topics including sustainable development of rural destinations, digitalization and new technologies, the creation of authentic tourism products, preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and strengthening the competitiveness of rural areas, with a particular focus on Croatia.
Participation in the congress provided an opportunity to gain new professional insights, explore contemporary trends and approaches in rural tourism, and exchange experiences with domestic and international experts. A particularly valuable aspect of the event was networking and establishing contacts for future collaboration on projects and initiatives related to sustainable development and rural tourism.
Damir Krešić presented the paper Application of Steady-State Economy Principles in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management.
Matina Gjurašić presented the paper From Digital Gap to Guest Delight: A Three-Stage AI Personalisation Framework for Croatian Rural and Agritourism Providers.
Sanela Grujo Vrkljan presented the paper Well-Being as the Indicator of Rural Tourism Sustainability: A Literature Review of Latest EU Perspectives.
Vedran Milojica presented the paper How Do Tourists Perceive the Quality of Wellness Services in Spas of Continental Croatia? Empirical Findings, co-authored with Romina Alkier Tomić from the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka and Milena Podovac from the Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, University of Kragujevac.
Leona Matotek presented two papers. The first, part of the AKULTUR Project, was titled The Role of Tourism in the Transformation of Traditional Wooden Architecture: A Case Study of Granaries and Corn Cribs in Croatia, co-authored with Luka Valožić and Jasenka Kranjčević. The second, part of the COMMITMENT Project, was titled Integration of Climate Risks and Nature-Based Solutions in Rural Tourism Destination Management: The Case of Sveti Martin na Muri, co-authored with Izidora Marković Vukadin and Damir Krešić.