The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, led by Minister Tonči Glavina, has announced the allocation of financial funds amounting to nearly 600,000 euros for 26 association projects. This decision is based on the public tender conducted for co-financing association projects in tourism, and the main goal of the initiative is to strengthen the capacity of the tourism sector through education, inclusion, and sustainability.

Support for Youth and Inclusion

The development of human resources and ensuring accessible tourism have become priorities of the national tourism development strategy. Of the total amount of 592,718.28 euros, 366,964.89 euros are allocated for 16 projects that encourage young people to choose careers in tourism and hospitality. At the same time, 225,753.39 euros are directed towards 10 projects that deal with accessible tourism, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to find employment and participate in the tourism sector.

“Ensuring qualified and motivated personnel in tourism is key to the sustainable development of our sector. We encourage young people to choose careers in tourism, and we strive to provide equal participation and employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Minister Glavina.

The Role of Professional Associations

Professional associations, in cooperation with educational institutions, play a crucial role in forming competitive staff for the international tourism market. Through programs promoting hospitality and tourism professions, these associations not only motivate young people but also educate the broader public on career development opportunities in tourism. Furthermore, inclusive projects carried out by associations of people with disabilities help create better conditions for everyone, making tourism more accessible and inclusive.

Criteria for Funding

Projects that received financial support were selected based on clearly defined criteria. Among these are the capacity of associations, focus on target groups, sustainability of results, and experience in implementing similar initiatives. Special attention was given to projects that involve partnerships with educational and professional institutions, as well as those with a concrete plan for improving the accessibility of tourist facilities.

Accessibility as a Priority

The development of accessible tourism is essential to achieve equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities. People with disabilities often face barriers in the tourism sector, and projects financed through this tender include activities such as adapting accommodation facilities, educating tourism workers, and training people with disabilities to work in tourism.

“With these projects, we aim to create conditions for inclusion in tourism and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in creating the tourism experience,” added Minister Glavina. Since 2018, the Ministry has allocated more than 2.5 million euros for these purposes, continuously supporting projects aimed at inclusion and education.

Although challenges in the tourism sector are growing, these projects show that cooperation between the state, educational institutions, and professional associations can bring about significant changes. The focus on youth, inclusion, and sustainability provides the foundation for the long-term development of tourism, which is one of the key sectors of the Croatian economy.