Previous conferences - SITCON 2024
The 9th International Professional-Scientific Conference in the field of Tourism and Hospitality, SITCON 2024, was held at Singidunum University in Belgrade on October 17, 2024, with the leading topic:
"Tourism Transformed: Rethinking Strategies for Modern Tourism"
SITCON builds on the legacy of eight successful conferences, emphasizing enhancing scientific research and practical application in the tourism and hotel industry sectors. This year's conference continued the good tradition of combining both professional and scientific segments.
The conference served as an important platform for addressing emerging trends and charting the course for the future of tourism amidst globalization, rapid technological advancements, the need for adjustment of tourism products, and contemporary challenges. Singidunum University, as the host institution, facilitated discourse and collaboration among stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries. SITCON 2024 explored a diverse range of topics crucial for modern management practices, including sustainable tourism development, digital transformation, destination marketing strategies, and the integration of innovative technologies. By bringing together academic, professional, and industry perspectives, the event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping a resilient and forward-thinking tourism industry.
The conference featured four panels, reflecting its dual emphasis on scientific exploration and practical applicability. The scientific panel showcased research and theoretical frameworks, bridging academic insights with real-world challenges. Three practical panels addressed key industry topics, providing participants with actionable insights and strategies relevant to the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Introductory speakers at the plenary session included
- Prof. Goranka Knežević, Ph.D., Rector of Singidunum University,
- Mr. Nikola Selaković, Minister of Culture, Government of the Republic of Serbia,
- Prof. Miroslav Knežević, Ph.D., Acting Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Singidunum University
- Mr. Uroš Kandić, State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Youth.
The keynote address was given by Prof. Marko Koščak, Ph.D., Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, Slovenia, on the topic of “Trends and Challenges for Modern Tourism”.
The conference included the following panels:
Panel 1: New Approaches in Measuring Competitiveness in Tourism – TOURCOMSERBIA
Panel 2: Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies in Tourism and Hospitality
Panel 3: Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Development of Rural, Gastronomic, Wine, and Nautical Tourism
The panelists comprised experts from the hospitality sector, travel agencies, tour operators, transportation services, and other related industries. Discussions focused on innovative approaches to measuring competitiveness in tourism, the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies, and the role of cultural heritage in sustainable tourism development.
The SITCON 2024 review process was managed by 56 reviewers, including professors from Singidunum University and other universities and institutions. 28 submissions were received, with 25 accepted for presentation and 19 accepted for publication in the Conference Proceedings.
The conference attracted over 400 participants, including university professors, researchers, tourism experts, industry professionals, and students. The official language of the conference was English, and accepted manuscripts were published in the Conference Proceedings. Selected papers are recommended for publication in the European Journal of Applied Economics.
The conference covered a wide array of topics, including tourism management, policy, crisis management, innovation, sustainable development, technology, cultural heritage, marketing, consumer behavior, human resources, and more.
