Dijana Katica

Dijana Katica, MSc, a lecturer at the Virovitica University of Applied Sciences, is a leading Croatian expert in rural tourism. As the long-standing president of the Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development "Klub članova Selo," she has initiated numerous sustainable development projects, most notably the internationally recognized Sunflower Award (Suncokret ruralnog turizma).

Her work focuses on empowering women in rural areas through the "Ruralne Europljanke" (Rural European Women) project, as well as developing new tourism products and innovations. She actively participates in the work of the Croatian Parliament as a member of the Committee on Tourism (7th and 11th assemblies) and serves on the governing bodies of the Iter Vitis European Cultural Route. For her exceptional contribution to the promotion of Croatian heritage and entrepreneurship, she has received numerous awards, including the "Influential Croatian Women" and "Simply the Best" recognitions.