Organizers of the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism Meet with Minister Glavina

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Organizatori 7. međunarodnog kongresa o ruralnome turizmu kod ministra Glavine

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, together with his associates, met on 3 February with representatives of the organizers of the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism. The congress will take place from 6 to 9 May in Rab, located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County—a region proudly holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026.

During the meeting, a comprehensive congress programme was presented, designed to facilitate knowledge exchange through dynamic discussions, round tables, and expert workshops. Special emphasis was placed on contemporary tourism trends and networking among participants from across Europe and the world.

This year, Croatia will simultaneously host the 9th European Congress on Rural Tourism, organized in cooperation with RuralTour Europe.

The 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism serves as a meeting point for the public, civil, and business sectors, as well as scientists and professionals, with the aim of connecting science and practice and encouraging the sustainable development of rural tourism. The congress is part of the SUNFLOWER Network, a platform dedicated to the creative transformation of rural tourism, sustainability, digitalization, and inclusiveness.

This congress is not only a professional gathering but also an operational platform where, in cooperation with the tourism sector, participants will define how digitalization and creative industries can transform Croatian rural areas into a high-quality tourism product operating throughout the entire year.

The congress is structured around nine thematic areas addressing key challenges and opportunities for the modernization and competitiveness of Croatian tourism:

  • Sustainable development and climate resilience of tourism destinations – focusing on the long-term preservation of resources in rural areas.
  • Digital transformation and the “Smart Village” concept – applying technology to promote and manage rural tourism.
  • Agrotourism and diversification of tourism offerings – developing specific tourism forms that increase the value of agricultural holdings.
  • Wine and gastronomy tourism and short supply chains – integrating local gastronomy as a key motivation for contemporary travellers.
  • Heritage valorization – cultural and natural assets as the foundation of authentic and recognizable tourism experiences.
  • Inclusiveness and demographic renewal – strengthening the role of young people in tourism and revitalizing communities through tourism activities.
  • Innovation and creative industries – encouraging new trends and creative solutions in rural tourism experiences.
  • Investments and EU funds – financial instruments supporting tourism infrastructure development in rural areas.
  • Global knowledge exchange – international cooperation and the implementation of best European practices in Croatian tourism.

The congress represents one of the most important international platforms linking tourism with rural development. Its objectives directly support the strategic goals of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia:

  • Sustainability and resilience – sustainable resource management and climate resilience of rural areas.
  • Diversification and year-round tourism – development of thematic and experiential tourism (gastronomy, wine, cultural heritage) to reduce seasonality.
  • Digital transformation – application of artificial intelligence and smart solutions in destination management and marketing.
  • Inclusiveness and local communities – emphasizing the involvement of local residents and young people as a key factor for the long-term success of tourism.

In addition to the congress programme, the meeting also addressed current sector challenges and the organizational, legislative, development, and promotional framework of rural tourism.

Alongside Minister Glavina, the meeting was attended on behalf of the Ministry by State Secretary Monika Udovičić, Director General Sandra Posavec, and Advisor Mirko Herceg.

Representing the organizers were Dora Smolčić Jurdana, President of the Programme Committee and Head of the Department of Tourism and Marketing at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka; Dijana Katica, President of the Organizing Committee and representative of the Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo”; Nikola Grgurić, Mayor of the City of Rab; Alessandra Ban, Head of the Department for Tourism, Entrepreneurship and Rural Development of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County; Damir Krešić, Director of the Institute for Tourism; Marija Cerjak, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb; Ivan Kelić, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics in Osijek; Dejan Tubić, Dean of the Virovitica University of Applied Sciences; and Tomislav Vinković, Dean of the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek.

More information: kongres.klubselo.hr
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