Programme 2025

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Hotel Ambasador, Congress hall

TOURISM 365 International Conference

Master of the Ceremony: Frano Ridjan, TV host, MC & VO artist

10:00 | TOURISM 365 - The Opening

A dynamic start to the conference with a look ahead at the ideas, leaders, and discussions shaping the future of global tourism.
Ivana Kolar, Conference organiser, Julius Rose
Tine Murn, Co-Founder, New Deal Europe
Saša Muminović, President, SLO CRO Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sport, Republic of Croatia

LEADING TOURISM FORWARD - POLICY, POWER & PURPOSE
Join political leaders and industry pioneers as they discuss how innovation, collaboration, and forward-looking policies can transform tourism into a driver of long-term prosperity.

10:25 | Setting the Stage: THE TIMES ARE CHANGING

Tourism is changing faster than ever — driven by shifting markets, new generations, sustainability imperatives, technological disruption, and the vision of 365-days tourism.
Ged Brown, CEO, Low Season Traveller

10:50 | MINISTERIAL FORUM: GLOBAL VISIONS, LOCAL ACTIONS

In Dialogue with the Minister: REDEFINING COMPETITIVENESS
At the intersection of politics and practice, the Minister reveals how destinations can remain competitive while addressing sustainability, climate change, and shifting traveller expectations.
Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sport, Republic of Croatia
Moderator: Siniša Topalović, Global Head of Tourism Advisory, Horwath HTL

11:15 | EUROPEAN FORUM: EUROPE IN THE GLOBAL TOURISM LANDSCAPE

European Parliament voices, the European Commission, and global industry innovators discuss the big picture: resilience, sustainability, and partnerships that reach beyond borders.
Nikolina Brnjac, Member of European Parliament, Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) and Tourism Task Force
Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA - Global Business Travel Association
Maja Bakran Marcich, Deputy Director-General, DG MOVE, European Commission
Moderator: Ivana Kolar, Conference Director

12:10 | Conversation on Tourism Policy: FORGING A GREEN FUTURE

Balancing innovation and tradition, Director-General reflects on how tourism policies can foster investment, nurture talent, and respond to global challenges while keeping destinations authentic and future-ready.
Dubravka Kalin, Director for Tourism, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Republic of Slovenia
Moderator: Siniša Topalović, Global Head of Tourism Advisory, Horwath HTL

12:30 | Coffee/Food break

TRANSFORMING TOURISM - FROM CHALLENGES TO OPPORTUNITIES
Tourism leaders reveal how they are addressing today's key shifts — from sustainability and new consumer demands to digital disruption and health-conscious travel. Inspiring stories of transformation show what it takes to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

13:10 | Key-note: DRIVING THE CHANGE

A look at concrete shifts in strategy, investment, and operations — transforming market changes into business advantage while embracing climate realities, pursuing sustainable growth, and adopting new models of responsibility.
Teodora Marinska, COO, ETC - European Travel Commission

13:30 | Panel discussion: BALANCING TOURISM AND CLIMATE REALITIES

How can tourism thrive while reducing its environmental footprint? Experts from policy, consultancy, and business share insights on strategies that align growth with responsibility — from low-carbon travel to community-driven sustainability.
Julije Domac, President at FEDERANE, Advisor to president of Republic of Croatia
Maja Pak Olaj, Director, Slovenian Tourist Board STO
Siniša Topalović, Global Head of Tourism Advisory, Horwath HTL
Ged Brown, CEO, Low Season Traveller
Moderator: Ivana Budin Arhanić, Member of the Management Board, Valamar Riviera

14:15 | Spotlight Message: WILDLIFE & TOURISM

Kashyap Choksi, Senior Vise President & Managing Director, Global Partnerships

14:25 | Spotlight Talk: THE POWER OF EXPERIENCE

From music to celebrities and gaming — discover how global pop culture transforms locations into must-visit destinations, and how premium tourism strategies can leverage these effects for long-term growth.
Iris Domazet Malobabić, Founder & CEO, Adriatic Concierge
Alek El-Kazal, Project Director, Ultra Europe / MPG Marketing agency
Rafaela Rica, Founder, Iceberg Communication
Moderator: Tine Murn, Co-Founder, New Deal Europe

15:10 | Star Key-note: WHY WE REALLY TRAVEL?

BBC journalist and broadcaster explores the psychology and neuroscience of travel, sustainability, AI, and the deeper meaning of why journeys matter — drawing on stories from his award-winning global career.
Rajan Datar, BBC journalist and broadcaster

15:40 | Cocktail Networking

16:30 | T365 Globetrotter PUB QUIZ

Cubo Lounge

Light-hearted quiz that blends fun, trivia, and tourism knowledge – the perfect way to learn, laugh, and connect during the conference afternoon.

18:00 | T365 Student Hackathon Pitch: NEXTGEN TOURISM IDEAS

Fresh perspectives, bold solutions, and the voice of the next generation on stage. A unique opportunity to see how young talent envisions the future of our industry.
Student teams from leading European universities present their innovative ideas for year-round and sustainable tourism and compete for 6-weeks Internship in the European Parliament.

Magnolia hall

09:00 - 17:00 | T365 Student Hackathon Pitch - closed session

Closed session

First TOURISM 365 Student Hackathon gathers student teams from prestigious European universities to create innovative solutions for year-round and sustainable tourism and compete for 6-weeks Internship in the European Parliament under the patronage of MEP Nikolina Brnjac and valuable Valamar awards.
Educator: Vedran Štajdohar, Unformal educator, Association Mladi u fokusu (Youth in Focus)

President of the Jury:
Zdravko Počivalšek, Former Vice Prime Minister of Republic of Slovenia / Business consultant
Jury Members:
Simone Zagrodnik, Executive Director, European Historic Thermal Towns Association EHTTA
Vlatka Mlakar, Head of Public Procurement and EU Funds, Krapina-Zagorje County
Ivana Kolar, Conference Organiser, Julius Rose

Hotel Kvarner, Crystall Ballroom

20:00 | Evening Reception: Tribute Rock Star & Spirits of Zagorje at Kvarner

Informal evening where business meets pleasure. Share insights, enjoy Opatija’s unique atmosphere, and spark new connections after a day full of ideas