Two Major Congresses – One Shared Vision

Bringing together the best of rural tourism in Croatia and Europe

We are pleased to announce that this year we are once again raising the bar. With the aim of strengthening professional connections and fostering innovation, we have decided to jointly host two prestigious events: the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism and the 9th European Congress on Rural Tourism.

The decision to hold both congresses simultaneously stems from the desire to create, in one place, a critical mass of knowledge and experience that will accelerate the development of rural areas. Rural tourism is no longer just an “additional offering” – it is the foundation of sustainable tourism for the future.

This unique synergy combines local authenticity with European excellence, offering participants an outstanding opportunity for learning, networking, and exchanging experiences at all levels.

Why did we take this step?

We live in a time of rapid change, where rural areas have become key to sustainable development and tourism resilience. By combining the international and European congresses, we aim to provide participants with:

A broader range of topics, from global challenges to specific European regulations and funding opportunities

A richer program including keynote lectures, panel discussions, parallel sessions, workshops, and round tables with leading global experts

Greater visibility and a stronger voice for rural tourism toward institutions and the wider public

What does this mean for participants?

All registered participants will have access to the sessions and content of both congresses. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights into best practices from across Europe and beyond, within a single trip and one registration fee.

This joint format brings double value through a single registration and ensures a comprehensive program featuring plenary sessions, panel discussions, parallel sessions, workshops, and professional field visits showcasing best practices in real-life settings:

A global and local perspective, demonstrating how global trends such as sustainability and digitalization are applied at the level of European regions and Croatian rural areas

Top speakers, panelists, and leading European and Croatian researchers and experts gathered in one place

Borderless networking opportunities with colleagues from across Europe, representatives of ministries and institutions, the tourism and agricultural sectors, regional and local authorities, LAGs/FLAGs, and many other stakeholders

Participation in congress activities that will encourage joint solutions to key challenges, from demographic revitalization of rural areas to the green transition in tourism

Key highlights of the event:

Knowledge exchange combining the global perspective of the international congress with focused European policies and practices

Main themes include sustainable future, digital transformation of rural areas, green innovation, and preservation of local authenticity

Participants will have the opportunity to directly connect with key stakeholders in rural and tourism sectors from more than 30 countries

Partnership of key organizations

Behind this major project stands a partnership between two key organizations that have been shaping the future of rural areas for years: the Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo” and the European Federation of Rural Tourism “RuralTour.”

Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo” – main organizer of the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism

As a pioneer in promoting rural tourism in Croatia with nearly three decades of experience, Klub članova Selo brings deep field knowledge and strong connections with family farms and the academic community. Their focus is on practical solutions, village revitalization, and preserving traditional heritage through innovative tourism products.

European Federation of Rural Tourism “RuralTour” – main organizer of the 9th European Congress on Rural Tourism

As a leading European umbrella organization, RuralTour represents service providers from more than 25 countries. Their involvement adds strategic importance, focusing on European Union policies, funding programs, and setting high-quality standards across Europe.

What’s coming next?

Participants have the opportunity to stay informed and be part of an event that sets new standards in the tourism industry and rural development.

The first speakers and the preliminary program will be announced soon. For the latest updates, please follow our website: kongres.klubselo.hr.