The panel discussion marking World Tourism Day, entitled "Tourism as we want it: Tourism in Split 2030", tool place October 18, at the Faculty of Economics in Split. Participants included prof. Ivica Puljak Ph.D., mayor of Split, Alijana Vukšić, director of Split Tourist Board, Jelena Tabak, president of the Association of Hospitality Activities, at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Martina Nimac Kalcina, president of the Family Tourism Community, Croatian Chamber of Commerce, assist. prof. Ana Grgić Ph.D., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, Split, Neven Ivandić Ph.D., Institute for Tourism, and prof. Lidija Petrić Ph.D., from the Faculty of Economics in Split, moderated the discussion.
Panel participants and all those present were greeted and welcomed to the Faculty by assoc. prof. Vinko Muštra Ph.D., Faculty of Economics dean, who said that this higher education institution is one of few that in the field of economics have most prestigious international accreditation for the study of Business Economics, and Faculty's scientists participate in some of the most important projects related to tourism.
- The Faculty of Economics has excellent scientists who can offer quality solutions for many problems. Today, we lack social capital, or creating a "story" and reaching conclusions useful to all, in an exchange of opinions and constructive, fruitful discussions of all actors. Students play an extremely important role - prof. Petrić, pointed out, stating that tourism should fit the needs of the local community, and this panel is certainly one step in that direction.
Topics discussed in the panel included: seasonality - strategy of combining market and experiences for sustainable tourism in Split 2030, curbing the negative impact tourism has on space and resources - planning infrastructure, accommodation capacity and developing attractions to serve a year-round, innovative and competitive tourism; also the catering industry’s competitiveness, quality of life and well-being of the local population.