The Academy of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness ceremonially marked Academy Day on May 15 in the presence of representatives of the academic community, industry, institutions, partner organizations, associates, students, and guests.

On the occasion of Academy Day, a ceremonial session of the Academic Council was held, during which the attendees were addressed by Dr. Slobodan Čerović, Professor Emeritus and President of the Academy of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness, Milena Aleksić, General Manager of the A Hotels chain, and Isidora Nedeljković, President of the Student Parliament of the HTW Academy.

As part of the Academy Day celebration, certificates of appreciation were presented to partners, institutions, and companies for their contribution to the development of the Academy, successful cooperation, and support in the implementation of joint projects, professional internships, educational activities, and initiatives significant for students and the advancement of education.

On the occasion of Academy Day, a professional panel discussion titled:

“Workforce Crisis as a Development Impulse: Strategic Responses and Future Professional Profiles in Serbia’s Tourism Sector”

was also organized.

The panel gathered representatives of the tourism, hospitality, and education sectors, as well as representatives of institutions and industry, with the aim of addressing important issues related to workforce shortages and the future development of tourism in Serbia.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Danijel Pavlović, Full Professor at the Academy of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness.

The panel participants included:

• Aleksandar Seničić, Director of the National Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia (YUTA)


• Assist. Prof. Dr. Živorad Vasić, expert in hospitality and luxury tourism


• Dr. Georgi Genov, Director of the Serbian Hotel and Restaurant Association (HORES)


• Miodrag Popović, Director of the Belgrade Tourism Organization


• Marina Flego, Acting Head of the Qualifications Development Center, Qualifications Agency


• Mirjana Kovačević, Head of the Center for Education, Dual Education and Educational Policies, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia


• Prof. Dr. Jovan Popesku, President of the Center for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development


• Prof. Dr. Refik Šećibović, Full Professor and independent expert in the field of education

Through the discussion, topics related to labor market needs, the improvement of education, the development of new professional profiles, the importance of practical training, and the necessity of continuous cooperation between educational institutions and industry were addressed.

Academy Day once again confirmed the importance of the Academy of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness as a place that connects the academic community, industry, and institutions, with the shared goal of developing high-quality and modern education in the fields of tourism, hospitality, and wellness.

The Academy of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness extends its gratitude to all partners, institutions, companies, panelists, guests, and participants whose presence, support, and cooperation contributed to the successful realization of Academy Day and the organization of the panel discussion.

We look forward to future joint projects, initiatives, and the continuation of successful cooperation.