From 6 to 9 May 2026 the City of Rab and Primorsko-Goranska County will become the meeting point for European experts, researchers and practitioners at the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism.
Under the slogan Creative Transformation of Rural Tourism Sustainability Digitalisation Inclusiveness, this important event will bring together around 400 participants from across Europe to discuss the future of rural areas.
The Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development Club of Members Selo, in cooperation with numerous partners, is organising this congress as a meeting place for the public, civil and economic sectors.
The goal is to connect science and practice and encourage sustainable development, continuing the tradition of the previous congress held in Podstrana which highlighted rural tourism as a key factor in the reactivation of natural resources and the preservation of local identity.
The congress is organised with the participation of the Faculty of Economics and Business Zagreb, the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek FAZOS, the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management of the University of Rijeka, the City of Rab, the Institute for Tourism, Primorsko-Goranska County, the University of Applied Sciences in Virovitica and the tourist boards of Primorsko-Goranska County Visit Kvarner and the City of Rab Rab The Happy Island.
The programme includes nine thematic sections that analyse contemporary trends and challenges.
Future of the European rural area with a focus on digital and green transition, the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, demographic revitalisation and adaptation to climate change.
Sustainability and resilience including circular economy, environmental certificates, energy efficiency and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Experiential and thematic tourism including the development of cultural routes, regenerative tourism, transformative outdoor experiences and the combination of tradition and innovation in agritourism.
Gastronomy and local production focusing on the farm to table concept, the role of short supply chains and branding of authentic local gastronomy.
Innovation and creativity including the experience economy, creative industries and new models of digital transformation of businesses.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence including smart villages, the use of AI in service personalisation and the use of virtual and augmented reality.
Networking and cooperation with a focus on clusters, EU funds and cross border and international cooperation.
Inclusiveness and accessibility including the integration of vulnerable groups and the development of inclusive tourism experiences.
Human resources including lifelong learning, addressing the shortage of skilled labour and employee motivation.
Each topic also includes a special section Practice Speaks dedicated to presenting concrete examples of good practice and innovative projects.
A special part of the programme will include visits to rural areas of the City of Rab and Primorsko-Goranska County, which proudly holds the title of Kvarner European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
The congress is also part of the SUNFLOWER network, a platform dedicated to the creative transformation of tourism.
Rural tourism is rightly called the future of global tourism because it preserves local identity and ensures sustainable development of rural areas.
Join us on Rab and take part in shaping the future of rural areas in Croatia and Europe.
More information: https://kongres.klubselo.hr/