22 de Abril de 2025

Youth Parliament 2025: A Memorable Journey into Rural Tourism in Croatia

From April 7th to 11th, the city of Bjelovar, Croatia, became the meeting point for 25 tourism students from 10 different countries as they came together for the Youth Parliament 2025, hosted by the Tourism and Hospitality School of Bjelovar.

This year’s edition focused on rural tourism, encouraging students to explore key themes such as sustainable development, the role of technology in rural areas, and how rural tourism can be an alternative to mass tourism. These discussions took place in the unique setting of three traditional Farmstays, allowing us to experience authentic rural life firsthand.

We were warmly welcomed by our host team, including school director Dalibor Vukalović, Korina Novak, Youth Parliament Ambassador 2023 who guided us through the activities, and AEHT representatives Ronny Thill, Secretary General, and Noel Murray, PhD, Vice-President. We also thank Vedrana Viljevac for her dedication and support in making this experience possible.

Each session and farm visit gave us the chance to reflect deeply on real-world challenges in tourism and propose innovative, responsible solutions. Beyond the debates and workshops, the program gave us valuable opportunities for international dialogue, cultural exchange, and networking with future tourism professionals.

As a participant, I feel incredibly honored to have represented Spain and my school, Jesuitas Sarrià – Sant Ignasi, and grateful for the friendships, knowledge, and inspiration I bring back home.

Written by Shabely Botello,
Tourist Accommodation Management student

participant at Youth Parliament 2025