TOURISM 365 is launching Young Crew MeetUp 2026
27-29 April 2026, Zabok, Croatia
We invite all young, experienced and future tourism leaders and experts to join us at the Conference part of the program on 27 April and at the Hackathon pitch on 18 April.
As part of its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of the industry, TOURISM 365 is launching the Young Crew Meet Up – an initiative designed to connect and empower the next generation of tourism professionals.
The Meet-up creates a space for young talents, students, innovators and future leaders to exchange ideas, build networks and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of tourism. In a time of rapid transformation, new perspectives and fresh thinking are not just welcome – they are essential.
Besides innovative conference programme, a key part isa High School Tourism Hackathon and a Student Tourism Hackathon where 12 teams will develope innovative tourism concepts addressing real industry challenges.
These initiatives aim to encourage creativity, problem-solving and collaboration, while directly engaging young people in shaping new tourism models.
TOURISM 365 recognizes that the transition towards more sustainable, resilient and year-round tourism will largely depend on the people who will lead the industry in the years to come. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among young professionals, the platform actively contributes to building this future.
The Young Crew Meet Up is not just an event – it is the beginning of a growing community that will play an active role in redefining tourism.
The next chapter of tourism will be written
by those who are ready to question everything.
1st National T365 Tourism Hackathon in Croatia
(in Croatian language)
š April 27-29, 2026
š Zabok, Croatia ā Center for Urban Culture Regenerator & CUT, High School Zabok
As a forrunner of the 10th International Conference TOURISM 365, we are proud to launch the 1st National Tourism Hackathon Croatia ā a unique opportunity for University and High School students to actively shape the future of tourism.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Master of the Ceremony: Frano Ridjan, TV host, MC & VO artist
16:00 | Welcome & Introduction to T365 Young Crew
Short introduction: why young people are key to the future of tourism ā and why we are here today.
Ivana Kolar, Director, Julius Rose & TOURISM 365
Opening & Welcome Remarks:
AnÄelko Å valjek, President, Business Club Zagorje & County Chamber Krapina
Valentina Äurek, Mayor of the City of Zabok
Željko Kolar, Prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County
16:30 | AI and the Future of Work: What Young People Need to Know Today
How to use AI tools already today, learn faster and prepare for jobs that donāt even exist yet.
Nenad BakiÄ, Entrepreneur and Investor, Croatian Makers
16:55 | Is Tourism a Good Career?
A realistic view of a career in tourism ā opportunities, challenges and what employers are really looking for.
Ivana Budin ArhaniÄ, Management Board Member, Valamar Riviera
Sudents
17:20 | How Tourism Really Work: From Experience to Market
What happens between an idea and a guest ā and how experiences become real business.
Tine Murn, Director, New Deal Europe
17:45 | The New Generation as Creators of Tourism: The Power and Responsibility of
Content
How social media shapes tourism, why responsible use matters ā and how to turn influence into opportunity.
Marija Bobinski, Brand Creative Team Coordinator, Crew Media
18:10 | What It Takes to Succeed in Tourism: 5 Things That Will Shape the Next 10 Years
Real industry insights ā what makes the difference between average and outstanding.
SiniÅ”a TopaloviÄ, Global Head of Tourism, Horwath HTL
18:30 | Networking & Chill + DJ
Meet new people, exchange ideas and continue the conversation in a relaxed atmosphere with music and drinks
21:00 | See You Tomorrow!
End of Day 1
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
HACKATHON PITCH
Come for ideas, inspiration and the chance to get involved ā not just as an audience, but as part of the conversation.
Have a question or comment? Join the jury and ask ā the best ideas often come from the best questions.
17:00 | Hackathon Pitch: Ideas That Can Shape the Future of Tourism
Introduction and rules ā what we are looking for, how we evaluate and how you can participate.
17:10 ā 18:10 | High School Pitch Session
Fast, creative ideas from the new generation ā each presentation lasts 6 minutes, followed by 4 minutes of questions from the juryā¦ and the audience.
18:20 ā 19:00 | Student Pitch Session
Taking it a step further ā more developed concepts, real challenges and ideas that could become real projects.
19:30 | Announcement of Winners
Who had the best idea ā and why?
20:00 | Closing of the Event
Closing remarks ā see you at the International TOURISM 365 Conference in October 2026!
Zabok High School
Bjelovar Tourism and Hospitality School
Opatija Hospitality School
Prelog Secondary School
Å ibenik Tourism and Hospitality School
Zagreb School of Hospitality and Tourism
Student Hackathon Teams
Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb
Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija
RIT Croatia
Aspira University College
Vern University
Hackathon Expert Jury
Zdravko PoÄivalÅ”ek, Business Consultant & Former Minister of Economy
AnÄelko Å valjek, President, Business Club Zagorje & County Chamber Krapina
Helena MatuŔa, CEO, Entrepreneurial Centre of Krapina-Zagorje County
Vlatka Mlakar, Head of Department for Public Procurement and EU Funds, Krapina-Zagorje County
Filip PoŔtek, Procurator, Terme Stubaki
Nina Pavlek GrebliÄki, Secondary School Teacher, Zabok High School
Tine Murn, Director, New Deal Europe
TBC
The organizer reserves the right to amend the program.
