Technology & Knowledge Transfer: Sustainability and Digital Challenges in Ecotourism

Date: 04. 06. 2025 at 09:00 - 05. 06. 2025 at 12:00

We kindly invite you to the workshop "Technology & Knowledge Transfer: Sustainability and Digital Challenges in Rural/Ecotourism", which will take place online on June 4 and 5, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM. The aim of the workshop is to encourage the development of concrete solutions for a sustainable transition in tourism.

Sustainability and digital transformation are becoming key drivers in the development of modern tourism, especially in sensitive rural environments, where balancing growth and environmental preservation is particularly important.

With this workshop, we aim to foster knowledge exchange, present good practices, and highlight concrete challenges and opportunities for micro-providers and other stakeholders in sustainable tourism.

The workshop is based on the latest research findings on successful sustainable transitions, as well as on the first-hand experiences of speakers involved in research and development projects supporting sustainable and green development. The showcased good practices stem from ongoing projects under the COSME, Interreg, and Horizon 2020 programs.

PROGRAMME

DAY 1: Introduction to Sustainability Approaches and Digital Transformation

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

9:00 – 9:10 | Welcome Address and Workshop Introduction
Dr. Miha Lesjak, Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica
A brief introduction to the workshop theme, programme overview, and the purpose of the two-day event.

9:10 – 9:45 | Which Approaches to Sustainability Work?
Dr. Emil Juvan, Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica
Presentation of effective strategies and practices in sustainable tourism. What really delivers results, and how to avoid “greenwashing”?

9:45 – 10:30 | The Goal of Smart and Digital Sustainable Transformation
Mag. Miha Bratec, Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica
The importance of digitalisation and smart solutions for the future of rural tourism. Key objectives of the transition, sustainability measurement, and tools for selecting the most suitable certifications for SMEs.

10:30 – 10:45 | Break

10:45 – 11:30 | Challenges and Struggles of Rural Micro-Providers
Mag. Tadej Rogelja, Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica and rural tourism entrepreneur
An honest discussion on the everyday obstacles faced by small providers in rural areas – administrative burdens, access to funding, lack of visibility in the digital space.

11:30 – 12:00 | End of Day 1 and Introduction to Day 2
Dr. Miha Lesjak
Summary of discussions and preparation for the next day.

DAY 2: Good Practices and Concrete Solutions

Thursday, 5 June 2025

9:00 – 9:10 | Day 2 Introduction
Mag. Tadej Rogelja
Overview of the day’s content and explanation of working methods – focus on practical examples and experience sharing.

9:10 – 9:50 | Good Practice: Hike & Bike
Grega Šilc, HIKE&BIKE
Presentation of a successful sustainable tourism agency that combines active experiences with the local environment. Key success factors, product development, and cooperation with local communities.

9:50 – 10:30 | Interactive Discussion: What Can We Transfer to Our Own Environment?
Facilitated group work where participants reflect on how elements of good practice could be adapted to their own contexts.

10:30 – 10:45 | Break

10:45 – 11:30 | Continuation: The Goal of Smart and Digital Sustainable Transformation (Hands-on Session)
Mag. Miha Bratec & Dr. Emil Juvan
A practical session on tools for SMEs: how to choose the right solution, how to measure sustainability progress, how to establish basic digital presence, and which common pitfalls to avoid.

11:30 – 12:00 | Closing Session, Discussion, and Evaluation
All speakers
Final discussion, open Q&A, and joint reflection on next steps.

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Join us!
The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event.