Word from the Dean

The Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica is a contemporary, internationally engaged and development-oriented academic institution that actively co-creates the future of tourism. Over the past three decades, we have evolved from the first independent higher education institution in the field of tourism in Slovenia into a leading educational and research centre, making a significant contribution to the development of tourism at both the national and broader European levels.

Today, tourism extends beyond the boundaries of an economic activity and is increasingly understood as a complex social system. Despite this, it is still too often not recognised as an equivalent field of expertise to other disciplines, but rather perceived as a self-evident activity that does not require in-depth knowledge. Such a perception overlooks its true complexity and impact. Tourism has an exceptional, yet often underestimated, potential to enhance quality of life, individual well-being, and social cohesion and resilience. At Turistica, we therefore do not observe challenges from a distance, but address them systematically and through research-based approaches. In doing so, we integrate issues of sustainable development, digital transformation, destination management, and the understanding of tourist behaviour and its impacts on the environment and society. Our research is grounded in a combination of scientific rigour and practical relevance, developed in collaboration with both domestic and international partners. This approach is reflected in the establishment of research and development platforms and our active engagement in international research networks, where we co-create knowledge with clear societal and economic impact. An important dimension of our work is also our responsibility for the development of future tourism professionals. In cooperation with industry and other partners, we co-create an environment that fosters the development of competencies, creativity, and professional identity required in contemporary tourism.

Our educational activities across all three levels are based on modern, interdisciplinary and up-to-date study programmes, which are continuously updated in line with tourism development trends and the needs of the environment, and are delivered in both Slovenian and English. A distinctive strength of studying at Turistica lies in the close integration of theory and practice, where students, through project work and direct engagement with industry, develop a deeper understanding of tourism and gain valuable experience for their professional careers. This is reflected in our graduates, who actively contribute to the development of tourism both nationally and internationally.

International engagement remains an important dimension of our work; however, we understand it primarily as a space for collaboration, exchange and co-creation of knowledge, which we equally embed in the Slovenian context. In this way, we strengthen our role as a relevant partner in both the international and national research and educational environment, while deepening our connections with industry. Within this framework, we also develop and co-create targeted initiatives such as the Partnership for the Promotion of Tourism Professions and Young Talents in Tourism, through which we, together with our partners, address human resource development, the visibility of tourism professions, and the long-term attractiveness of tourism as a career field.

Our mission remains clear: to develop knowledge that enables the tourism of the future, tourism that creates value for the economy, enriches the visitor experience, and contributes to the quality of life in local communities.

Turistica is a space of knowledge, innovation and collaboration, where students, researchers and partners come together to develop solutions for responsible and sustainable tourism.

I invite you to become part of our dynamic environment.