GSTC Attends 6th International Congress on Rural Tourism in Croatia

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

From April 10 to 13, 2024, Split, Croatia, hosted the 6th International Congress on Rural Tourism. This year’s theme, “Rural Tourism: Sustainable, Digital, Inclusive,” set the stage for an in-depth discussion on the future and evolution of rural tourism with focus areas including the history and prospects of European rural spaces, sustainable practices in rural tourism, emerging forms of rural tourism, and innovative approaches in the field.

The conference convened at Hotel Le Meridien Lav, gathering a diverse group of participants from academics to industry practitioners. Initiated in 2007 by “The Village Membership Club,” the biennial congress has grown into a key event for sharing insights and fostering collaborations among tourism professionals, local tourist authorities, and rural business owners.

A highlight of this year’s congress was a keynote address by Luigi Cabrini, Chair of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), who discussed the “Global Standards for Sustainable Tourism.” Cabrini emphasized the relevance of the GSTC Criteria, addressed the specific challenges and prospects of rural tourism, and shared outcomes from GSTC assessments of rural tourism in Lago Llanquihue, Chile, and Sierra Gorda, Mexico.

The congress facilitated rich dialogue and exchange of ideas, continuing its legacy of advancing the discourse around sustainable rural development. It also provided a platform for practical learning, including a workshop where participants prepared “soparnik,” a nearly forgotten traditional dish from Split.

The event underscored the resilience and growing appeal of rural tourism, particularly highlighted by the increased demand for outdoor and less congested destinations in the post-COVID era, positioning rural tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth in rural regions.