25th Congress of hoteliers: How to encourage investments in the sustainability and future of education in tourism

The development of tourism, after years marked by the pandemic and then last year's great return of competition, has found itself at a turning point, where investments and sustainability are the key carriers of tourism development in the coming period, and the workforce is one of the key challenges.

On how to build a more competitive and sustainable tourism, with an even better experience for guests, will be discussed at the 25th Congress of Hoteliers powered by Istratech which this year will also bring together key domestic tourism professionals, but also some of the European authorities in the hotel industry and education in tourism.

The congress will be held on November 28 and 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb hotel. Among the foreign speakers, Alexandros Vasilikos, president of HOTREC (European Association of Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Cafes) and owner and CEO of the AIROTEL Group from Greece, stands out, who will talk about sustainability and digitization in the sector.

Participants will have the opportunity to listen to a lecture by Carlos Díez de la Lastra, director of one of the most prestigious universities for tourism professionals, Les Roche.

"Croatian tourism has shown that it can successfully adapt to the most difficult circumstances and in such conditions achieve excellent results compared to the Mediterranean competition. What is important in the coming years is to encourage a new investment cycle, especially in sustainability and digitalization, because they are necessary for maintaining competitiveness among increasingly aggressive Mediterranean competition. Also, one of the biggest challenges of our tourism is the lack of an adequate workforce. At this congress, we emphasize that investing in education and training of the workforce is key to maintaining the competitiveness of Croatian tourism and to ensuring quality service and long-term success in all more demanding and dynamic Mediterranean tourist environment", he said Bernard Zenzerović, director of the Association of Employers in the Croatian Hotel Industry.

The congress will include a series of lectures and panel discussions on key challenges and opportunities in the hotel industry. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the experiences and perspectives of leading experts and leaders from hotels such as Maistra, Falkensteiner Hotels & Resorts, Aminess, Valamar Riviera, Le Meridian, Marriot, and Hilton Hotels Zagreb.

In addition to deep insights and discussions about challenges and opportunities in the hotel industry, this year's congress will be enriched by another special event. The Association of Entrepreneurs in the Hotel Industry of Croatia (UPUHH) announces the launch of a competition for the prestigious award 'Best Hotel Manager in Croatia'. This initiative was designed to honor exceptional hotel managers who had a significant impact on the development of the hotel industry.

In addition, the congress will be an opportunity to solemnly celebrate an important anniversary - the Association of Entrepreneurs in the Hotel Industry of Croatia (UPUHH) is celebrating 30 years of existence. This important anniversary enriches the congress program and represents an additional reason for celebration and pride within the organization that played a key role in the development of the hotel industry in Croatia.