Student Jakob Mlakar Receives Special Minister’s Recognition at the Informativa Fair

Ljubljana, January 17, 2025 – At this year's 16th Informativa Fair, Jakob Mlakar, a student at the University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, received special recognition from the Minister for Economy, Tourism, and Sport, Matjaž Han, for his outstanding achievements and contribution to promoting Slovenian knowledge, expertise, and innovation on the international stage.

The recognition, awarded by the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, is intended for high school and university students with notable achievements in international competitions during the current or previous academic year. Jakob Mlakar, a third-year student of the Tourism undergraduate program and an active member of Turistica’s Student Council, impressed with his victory at a prestigious competition as part of the 37th AEHT International Conference (European Association of Hospitality and Tourism Schools), held in Riga, Latvia, in November 2024.

Under the mentorship of mag. Miha Bratac, Jakob secured first place in the discipline of Strategic Thinking, where, as a member of an international team alongside students from the Netherlands and Belgium, he stood out with innovative ideas. The task for the competitors was to develop a strategic proposal for repositioning and developing the Pullman Riga Old Town Hotel, with their solution convincing the international jury and being highlighted as a case study. Jakob's success is even more remarkable considering that the event hosted over 800 participants from 25 countries, competing across 13 different disciplines.

The recognition serves as a proof that Slovenian students, with their creativity and expertise, successfully compete in the most demanding international competitions. "Receiving recognition from the Minister for Economy, Tourism, and Sport is a great honour and a validation of all the effort and dedication I have invested in my work. The success at the competition in Riga was an incredible experience, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and innovation in an international environment. I am grateful to my mentor, mag. Miha Bratec, and the entire Team Turistica for their support throughout this journey. I proudly represent Slovenia and Slovenian knowledge, and I look forward to the new challenges ahead," said Jakob upon accepting the recognition.

The recognition awarded to Jakob Mlakar highlights the important role of the Slovenian education sector and the quality of programs at the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, which remains committed to developing the competencies of its students and supporting their ambitions at an international level.