Raising awareness about a healthy lifestyle during the showetide

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.

Dear students of the University of Maribor, Faculty of Tourism,

On the occasion of Prešeren Day – the Slovenian Cultural Holiday (8 February) and World Poetry Day (21 March), we invite you to celebrate the rich literary creativity of Slovenia, Europe, and the world by selecting your favourite poems, novel excerpts, or your literary works.

Language holds the wealth of thoughts, which we will read, reflect upon, discuss, and use to broaden our horizons…

How to Participate?

Choose from the following categories:
Poems – Select and submit a poem by your favourite poet.
Novel Excerpts – Share a passage from a novel that inspires you.
My Literary Writing – Submit your original poetry, prose, or creative writing.

Submission Guidelines:

Each contribution (regardless of category) should not exceed 3 pages.
You may also send a short video of yourself reading your selected work or your own writing.

Deadline: 10 March 2025
Send your contributions to: jasna.potocnik1@um.si

Let’s celebrate literature, culture, and creativity together! We look forward to your inspiring submissions.

The University of Maribor Press has published the textbook Benchmarking – Comparative Analysis in Tourism, authored by Assist. Prof. Dr. Barbara Pavlakovič Farrell and Assist. Nadja Mlakar. This is the first textbook on the Slovenian market dedicated to comparative analysis within the specific field of tourism. The chapters and case studies are written in both Slovenian and English, enhancing accessibility and usability for a wider audience. Each chapter includes questions and worksheets that follow the theoretical content, facilitating better understanding and more effective learning of key concepts.

The publication is available for free on the University of Maribor Press website at: https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/943.

The textbook "Benchmarking – Comparative Analysis in Tourism" offers a detailed insight into the benchmarking process, which is used to evaluate and improve businesses, organizations, and tourist destinations. The authors, Dr. Barbara Pavlakovič Farrell, and Nadja Mlakar, first present the theoretical foundations of benchmarking, including definitions, types, and phases of the analysis. The second part of the textbook focuses on practical examples carried out by students at the Faculty of Tourism, allowing readers to understand how theoretical concepts are applied in the real world. It includes examples of benchmarking that address various tourist destinations, providing valuable insights into successful practices and strategies. The textbook is designed to serve as a learning tool for students and professionals in tourism while also promoting the use of benchmarking as a tool for enhancing tourism offerings and sustainable development. In this way, the textbook contributes to the understanding and implementation of benchmarking in the tourism industry.

We are pleased to announce that the deadline for submitting abstracts for the TEDU25 International Scientific Conference has been extended to February 20th, 2025. This extension provides additional time for researchers and professionals to finalize and submit their abstracts for consideration.

For detailed submission guidelines and further information, please visit the official EasyChair page. More details can also be found in the Call for Papers and on the TEDU25 website.

For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at conference.ft@um.si.

We look forward to your contributions!

TEDU25 Conference Organising Committee

The University of Maribor officially commenced the celebration of its 50th anniversary with a ceremony on Rector's Day. During this traditional event, 64 awards and recognitions were presented to individuals who have significantly contributed to the establishment and development of the University of Maribor through their exceptional work, achievements, and merits.

We are proud that among the award recipients are also staff members and a student from the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor. Through their professional and research work, as well as their collaboration with the community, they play a crucial role in enhancing the recognition and development of both the faculty and the university as a whole. Their dedication, innovation, and expertise are key factors in fulfilling the mission of the faculty and the university within the broader academic sphere.

Staff member Janja Lupšina received the University of Maribor Recognition for Professional Work, awarded for outstanding successes, achievements, and contributions.

Associate Professor Dr. Maja Turnšek was awarded the University of Maribor Prize for Scientific Research, Artistic, and Educational Work, recognizing top-tier successes, achievements, and merits.

Assistant Professor Dr. Tanja Lešnik Štuhec received the University of Maribor Prize for Collaboration with the Economy and Knowledge Transfer, which honors exceptional accomplishments in industry collaboration and significant results in knowledge transfer.

Among students, this year's Rector's Award for the Best Academic Achievement among Students of the University of Maribor in Their Enrollment Generation, based on a nomination from the home faculty, was awarded to graduate Tarik Džinić, who was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony.

Rector's Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to all those who contribute to the progress and growth of the university through their efforts and dedication. On this occasion, Rector Professor Dr. Zdravko Kačič emphasized the importance of sustainability as a central theme of the university’s activities:

"Our educational and research activities are focused on achieving sustainable goals, such as environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic resilience. As a university, we recognize our responsibility in shaping future generations of professionals who will use their knowledge and values to create a more just and sustainable society. We will continue with activities to meet our set goals by the end of the decade and ensure the full implementation of all planned projects to provide appropriate infrastructure for all members of the University of Maribor."

We sincerely congratulate all awardees and wish them continued success in the future!

January 21, 2025, Študentski kampus, Ljubljana (Pivovarniška ulica 6, Ljubljana)

The conference is part of the course “The Power of Digital Platforms in Tourism”, led by assoc. prof. Maja Turnšek, PhD, Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor.

The 2^nd year master’s students of the programme Tourism Destinations and Experiences are expected to select and invite guest lecturers who can provide insights to their practical experiences of digitalisation in tourism. Guest lecturers present their work and organisation, and the students moderate the questions and answers.

Preliminary programme

14:30 Introductory words, assoc. prof. Maja Turnšek, PhD, Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor

15:00 Katarina Ceglar, Deputy Head, Tourism 4.0 Arctur

15:30 Hotel Lev

16.00 Matej Kalan and Jaka Vukovič, Co-founder, Forward d.o.o. and CEO and Co-founder, Forward d.o.o.

16:30 Boštjan Horjak, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Sustainability officer of Liberty International Adriatic DMC

17:00 Gregor Banič, Head of Marketing, Visit Ljubljana

17:30 Dejan Ristič , Tourism Infrastructure Consultant, Visit Ljubljana

18:00 Timotej Furek, Vision 360

18:30 Lia Pozvek, Director, Lok4cija

We would like to inform you that the student online system AIPS (https://aips.um.si/en/PrijavaEN.aspx) is operational again.

For all exams taking place from January 6, 2025, onwards, please register via AIPS (regardless of whether you have already submitted a physical application to the office)!

Additionally, we would like to inform you that the faculty will be closed until January 3, 2025, due to holidays and collective leave. We will meet again on Monday, January 6, 2025.

We wish you happy holidays!