Spring MM Day: Networking, Career Opportunities, and Fun

On Friday, March 28, 2025, we once again hosted the Spring MM Day in Brežice, an event that brings together students from the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, from both Brežice and Ljubljana twice a year.

The morning session began with joint lectures in English, where students gained new knowledge and exchanged experiences in the lecture halls.

This was followed by the FT Career Fair, featuring 13 exhibitors from the tourism industry. The fair welcomed: Travel Agency Oskar, Travel Agency Palma, Relax Turizem, ZPTM, Terme Čatež, Alpeadriabooker, Kozjanski Park, Posavje Museum Brežice, Kempinski Palace Portorož, Sava Turizem d.d., Sava Hotels Bled, Terme Olimia, and CPT Krško. The students had a great opportunity to connect with companies and organizations and learn about employment opportunities, internships, and student work.

After an active morning, a lunch break followed, along with socializing in the MC gym and club, providing an excellent opportunity for students to relax and network in an informal setting. The highlight of the afternoon was the fun tourism quiz, organized by the FT Student Council and student tutors. Students competed in teams for prizes and, of course, for the glory of victory.

MM Day is not just a day of lectures—it is an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Every year, it brings fresh energy, motivation, and unforgettable memories for all participants. See you at the next MM Day in autumn, which will take place in Ljubljana!

The 2025/2026 Call for Enrolment in Postgraduate Study Programmes has been published. The first application period opened on 31 March 2025.

The first application period for enrolment in the first year of master’s studies will remain open until:

5 September 2025 for citizens of the Republic of Slovenia and EU Member States as well as Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship;
30 May 2025 for citizens of non-EU Member States.

The first application period for enrolment in the first year of doctoral studies will remain open until:

5 September 2025 for citizens of the Republic of Slovenia and EU Member States;
30 May 2025 for Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship and citizens of non-EU Member States.

For more information on postgraduate study programmes at the Faculty of Tourism, including the master’s programme Tourism Destinations and Experiences and the doctoral programme Contemporary Tourism Studies, as well as details on the application process, visit:
https://www.ft.um.si/en/prospective-students/study-tourism/#postgraduate-programme

The Information Day for both study programmes will take place in person on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, at 5 PM at the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor (Cesta prvih borcev 36, Brežice).

In March, the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor hosted the Erasmus Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) week, which took place in Brežice. The program brought together partners from Finland (Lapland University of Applied Sciences), Slovenia (Faculty of Tourism UM), Spain (Autonomous University of Barcelona), and, for the first time, Serbia (Singidunum University). This was the third edition of such collaboration, following two successful implementations in Finland.

This year’s program, titled "Tasting Trails: Intensive Program on Cultural Heritage, Food & Wine Tourism Design," was conducted in two parts. From February to March, over 30 participants attended online lectures every Tuesday and Thursday. From March 17 to 21, they gathered in Brežice, where they spent five days intensively exploring cultural heritage, gastronomy, and sustainable approaches to tourism.

The first day was dedicated to getting to know the destination. Students explored the historic center of Brežice, visited the Posavje Museum and the Water Tower, and learned about key landmarks shaping the identity of the town through a guided tour. The following day, they attended lectures on the future of tourism and the role of technology in enhancing visitor experiences. Later, they visited Reset Brewery, where they explored the connection between tradition, innovation, and tourism through the example of a local business.

On Wednesday, a full-day excursion to Podčetrtek followed, where participants visited TIC Piki, the local monastery, and a chocolate shop, concluding with a culinary experience at Amon. These experiences provided them with insights into how local heritage and gastronomy intertwine with modern tourism trends.

After three days of exploration, the main challenge followed – designing a one-day tourism program for Brežice in 2035. Students were divided into six international groups, each tasked with developing a program for one of three target groups: young adults (18–30 years old), families with children (5–15 years old), and senior visitors over 60 years old.

Each pair of groups created a program for the same target audience and then competed in presentations. The winning teams advanced to the final round, where they had five minutes to present and justify why their program was the best. The evaluation process combined votes from both professors and students, with mentors contributing half of the final score and participants the other half.

The week concluded with project presentations, a certificate ceremony, and an informal gathering where participants exchanged impressions and experiences. Once again, BIP proved to be an excellent opportunity for developing innovative tourism solutions, strengthening international cooperation, and opening new possibilities.

Next year, the event will take place in Brežice again, while in the long run, there is a possibility that Belgrade will host it in 2027, coinciding with the World Expo. Brežice has once again proven to be a destination rich in cultural and gastronomic heritage, offering numerous opportunities for the development of sustainable and innovative tourism.

From March 17 to 21, the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, will host the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) in Brežice. This exciting program will bring together students from Spain (Autonomous University of Barcelona), Finland (Lapland University of Applied Sciences), and Serbia (Singidunum University), along with a group of students from our Faculty of Tourism, UM.

During the program, participants will explore Tasting Trails in Brežice, experiencing local gastronomy, culture, and tourism through interactive and engaging activities. This international collaboration aims to foster intercultural exchange and provide hands-on learning experiences in sustainable tourism and local food traditions.

Programme for participants: https://www.ft.um.si/wp-content/uploads/BIP-2025-program.pdf

or scan QR code:

Stay tuned for updates and insights from this unique Erasmus+ experience!

On March 13, 2025, in collaboration with Knjižnica Brežice, we hosted a discussion evening titled "China: An Inside Perspective", where we explored different views on China, its culture, society, and way of life.

The event began with a contribution from master's students of the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, who sparked an engaging debate with their opening thoughts on stereotypes about China. The discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler, who guided the conversation with thought-provoking questions and comments.

The evening’s main guests, Peter Zupanc and Liu Yingying, shared personal experiences and insights into China from an insider’s perspective, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Chinese society and answering a variety of interesting questions from the audience.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for intercultural dialogue and breaking stereotypes. We extend our gratitude to all attendees who contributed to the enriching discussion and to Knjižnica Brežice for their excellent cooperation.

What is it like to study tourism in Slovenia? Hear firsthand testimonials from international students at the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor. Discover why students choose Slovenia for their tourism studies and how our programmes prepare them for global careers in tourism and hospitality.

The first application period for undergraduate studies for non-EU citizens is open until March 18! Don't miss your chance to apply.

Find more information about our programmes and the application process here: https://www.ft.um.si/en/prospective-students/study-tourism/#undergraduate-programmes.

AS PART OF THE EDU-FIT PROJECT, WE ARE ALSO RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE DURING THE SHROVETIDE

This year, March 4th is Shrove Tuesday, but every year on March 4th we observe World Obesity Day. It is aimed at raising awareness about the growing problem of obesity worldwide. The goal of this day is to emphasize the importance of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and to encourage the public to be aware of the consequences and risks that obesity brings to an individual's health and consequently to society as a whole. Awareness is crucial in all age groups, especially during the period when young people are studying, and, as research shows, they begin to eat less healthily. The Erasmus+ project, INCLUSIVE SOCIAL EDUCATION FIT FOR HEALTHY LIFE-STYLE - PREVENTING OBESITY IN YOUNG ADULTS (acronym EDU-FIT), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natalia Kaloh Vid from the Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, and involving Prof. Dr. Vlasta Kučiš, Prof. Dr. Dušanka Mičetić Turk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler, and colleagues from partner institutions in Croatia, Portugal, Slovakia, and Norway, addresses precisely these issues. Let’s not forget: a healthy diet and physical activity are key! Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a doughnut during the carnival season, but moderation is essential.
Among the important and successful strategies for raising awareness about a healthy lifestyle are stories. How to take care of one's health was discussed, among other topics, during a debate and workshop where students from the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor shared their stories.

Further information about the project are available here: https://sites.google.com/g.uporto.pt/edu-fit

Obesity is a problem for several reasons, as it can negatively impact an individual's health, increase the risk of developing numerous diseases, and consequently affect society as a whole. We highlight some of the main reasons why obesity is a problem:

Health complications: The risk of developing serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, liver diseases, kidney diseases, joint problems, respiratory issues, and many other diseases.

Quality of life: Obesity limits mobility, causes pain, reduces self-confidence, and leads to psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

Economic costs: Treating diseases associated with obesity and the loss of productivity due to illness can result in high economic costs for society, including healthcare services, medications, loss of working hours, and reduced productivity.

Social consequences: Obesity can lead to social stigmatization and discrimination of individuals, which can result in social isolation, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and reduced integration into society.

Because of these and other reasons, it is important to raise awareness among people of all generations about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and balanced diet, and to promote measures for the prevention and management of obesity at both individual and societal levels.

On January 21, 2025, a student-organized conference titled The Power of Digital Platforms in Tourism took place at the Studentski Kampus in Ljubljana. This event was part of the course led by Assoc. Prof. Maja Turnšek, PhD, from the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor.

The conference, designed and moderated by second-year master's students from the Tourism Destinations and Experiences programme, focused on exploring digital innovation and its impact on the tourism industry. As part of their coursework, the students selected and invited guest speakers with practical experience in digital transformation, offering insights into how digital platforms are shaping tourism today. The event highlighted the real-world applications of digital strategies in the sector and provided students with valuable learning opportunities.

The conference featured a variety of expert guest speakers who shared their knowledge and insights into digital platforms and innovation in tourism with the students. The speakers included:

These experts generously shared their valuable knowledge on digital innovation and its applications within the tourism industry, offering students a deeper understanding of the field.

The conference was also part of the "Flexible Forms of Education: Green Transition and Tourism 5.0" project, aimed at fostering innovative and hands-on learning in the tourism field.

As of February 18, 2025, the first application period for enrollment in undergraduate study programmes for the 2025/26 academic year is open and will remain so until March 18.

You can find more information about the call for enrollment, application process (submitted electronically via the eVŠ portal), and application deadlines on our website under the section Prospective Students – Undergraduate Study.

Or join us for an online (post-)informative session on Tuesday, March 4, at 5 PM, where we will provide all the details you need! The session will be held in Slovenian.

Dear Students,

We are pleased to inform you that the timetable for the summer semester 2024/25 is now available on Wise Timetable (wise-tt.com/wtt_ft_en/).

Please note that the schedule may change daily, so we encourage you to check it regularly. If there are any changes within the next 48 hours, you will receive a notification at your student email address. Any changes made after that time will be reflected only in the timetable.