The Opatija Riviera was showcased at tourism fairs in Ljubljana and Vienna
The 28th Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2026 international scientific congress was successfully held at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management of the University of Rijeka. It brought together scientists, researchers and experts in the field of tourism and hospitality from numerous countries around the world, including the USA, China, Australia and a number of European states.
The congress, which is held through a long tradition of international scientific cooperation, confirmed its status as one of the most significant international gatherings in the field of tourism and hospitality. This year's congress was additionally strengthened through cooperation with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, one of the world's leading institutions for education in tourism and hospitality.
Under the theme "Trends and Challenges", participants discussed current trends, innovations and challenges shaping the future of the tourism industry. The programme was marked by lectures from distinguished international scientists Professor Sara Dolnicar (University of Queensland, Australia), Professor Nancy G. McGehee (Virginia Tech, USA) and Professor Alan Fyall (University of Central Florida, USA), who are ranked among the world's leading authors and researchers in the field of tourism and hospitality.
A special session on Sport Tourism, led by Professor Craig A. Depken, opened the discussion on contemporary trends and development opportunities in sports tourism. Additional value was added to the programme by a workshop for doctoral candidates held by Professor Sara Dolnicar, as well as the Meet the Editors panel, which brought together editors of prestigious international scientific journals.
During the congress, 14 scientific sessions were held, featuring the presentation of more than 70 papers in the fields of tourism, hospitality, sustainable development, marketing, innovation and destination management.
The congress has once again confirmed its important role in connecting science and practice as well as creating new international collaborations, while Opatija further solidified its importance as a recognisable centre for scientific and professional gatherings in tourism.
