Tourism Archives - University of Pannonia - FBE

International Professional Experiences in Albania – Pannonia Scholarship Program 2026

Katalin Ivan — Fri, 08 May 2026 07:27:20 +0000

Our students participated in an international conference in Albania in April 2026 as part of the short-term mobility program of the Pannonia Scholarship Program, and Kamilla Gáncs wrote a summary of the event.

“Between April 27–30, as Tourism and Hospitality students of the University of Pannonia, we had the opportunity to participate in an international professional conference in Albania, hosted at the Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës, as part of the the Pannonia Scholarship Program.

During the “Family Business Forum – Symposium” conference, we attended inspiring presentations about the development of family tourism businesses, the role of education and international cooperation, and the future of tourism.

However, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to build international connections: we had the chance to meet Slovak and Czech university students and lecturers, with whom we exchanged professional experiences, discussed current challenges in tourism, and gained insight into each other’s educational and tourism perspectives.

The days we spent together provided us not only with professional knowledge, but also with meaningful personal experiences: new friendships, inspiring conversations, and unforgettable memories were created. We are proud to have represented our university in such an international and motivating environment.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey, which reinforced our belief that tourism truly connects people and cultures.”

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Summer School – Université d’Angers

Lóránt Megyeri — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:36:54 +0000

From 2026 29 June to 10 July, join the two-week Summer School dedicated to Heritage, Art of Living and Tourism in the Loire Valley, UNESCO World Heritage.

This fully English-taught programme combines in-class presentations exploring the richness and quality of the Loire Valley’s heritage with guided tours across the Loire region, offering an immersive learning experience.

Registrations are open until April 26. >>>

The Summer School aims to provide a concrete and relevant response to the challenges of future tourism: valuing heritage, enhancing green tourism, and developing teamwork with local partners.

Download Programme Summer School ESTHUA >>>

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Mura Region Gallop – Where Tradition and Tourism Ride Hand in Hand

Katalin Ivan — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:34:18 +0000

In the fields of Hosszúfalu (Dolga Vas), the pounding of hooves can be heard early in the morning, and the air is filled with the sound of trumpets and excitement. Spectators gather with flags in hand, and riders line up in ornate hussar uniforms.

This is the Mura Region Gallop (Muravidéki Vágta) – which has returned to its starting location after many races in Lendva (Lendava) – it is not just a competition, but a celebration where tradition, equestrian culture, and tourism form a special blend. The Mura Region Gallop – as one of the regional heats for the National Gallop – is the most grandiose and important equestrian event in the Slovenian-Hungarian border region, serving as both a

A Mura Region Story Leading to Budapest

The National Gallop (Nemzeti Vágta), which has been organized since 2008 – initially in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square – has become one of the biggest celebrations of Hungarian equestrian culture. The competition is linked to numerous regional heats, of which the Mura Region Gallop is one of the most significant stages for Hungarian communities across the border.

The Mura Region Gallop is the Mura region heat of the National Gallop, one of the most beautiful cross-border celebrations of Hungarian equestrian traditions. The road leading to the finals held in Hungary also starts here: riders from Dobronak (Dobrovnik), Lendva, Muraszombat (Murska Sobota), and the surrounding villages compete year after year to represent their region at this year’s contest in Szilvásvárad.

The 2025 Mura Region Gallop was already the ninth competition organized jointly by the Hungarians in Slovenia and the organizing committee of the National Gallop.

But the Mura Region Gallop is more than just a qualifying race. This event is a symbol of the identity and unity of the Hungarians of the Mura region, where the horse, the rider, and the community together form a tradition-preserving unit. The Mura Region Gallop is not only an equestrian competition but also an identity-strengthening, community-building, and tourism-boosting event.

Dobronak and Lendva: Keepers of the Tradition

In recent years, the names of Dobronak and Lendva have appeared increasingly often on the podium in the Mura region heats. Dobronak’s riders stand out for their discipline, preparation, and sportsmanship, while the village transforms the Gallop weekend into a tourist festival.

Lendva also participates with a strong presence year after year. The town attracts attention not only with its competitors but also with its hospitality and cultural diversity. On the day of the races, a craft fair, wine presentations, and folk music programs await visitors, and in the evening, the vineyard hill offers a spectacular view of the Mura region landscape – and the sunset, which shines in a different light even from the saddle of a horse.

Equestrian Tradition – Tourist Opportunity

Both equestrian gallops offer a special experience for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Behind the rhythm of the hooves lies an economic and cultural vibrancy.

During the Mura Region Gallop, the region’s tourist service providers – guesthouses, wineries, restaurants – come alive. Visitors taste local wines, buy handcrafted products, and get acquainted with the unique gastronomy of the Mura region. The event thus simultaneously attracts tourists and strengthens the local economy.

The day of the gallop is therefore not just about the horses, but also about the presentation of the region. Every settlement represents itself with stands, flags, and folk costumes – a living, moving tourist exhibition unfolds around the track. These successes and initiatives show that equestrian competitions are capable of connecting tradition with a modern approach to tourism and directing international attention to the Mura region.

A Bridge Between Two Countries

The specialty of the Mura Region Gallop is that it forms a cultural bridge between Hungary and Slovenia.

Hungarian and Slovenian visitors, riders, and organizers together cherish the common tradition – the love of horses, the closeness to nature, and the belief in the power of community. This event connects the two countries not only through sport but also through cultural diplomacy.

As Ferenc Göntér, a rider from Dobronak, puts it: “When I’m on the horse, I don’t feel whether I’m on this side of the border or the other – only that our traditions are shared.”

The Future of the Gallop: A New Engine for Tourism

The Mura Region Gallop could already be a tourist brand name today, not just an event.

The traditional equestrian programs, the accompanying gastronomic and musical events, and the natural settings all offer an experience that the modern traveler seeks: authentic, communal, and spectacular.

A tourism breakthrough point could be that the Gallop remains not just a one-day event but becomes a defining pillar of the region’s tourist calendar – which could be linked to hikes, wine routes, themed programs, and even equestrian touring routes.

The Mura Region Gallop carries on the spirit of the National Gallop – in a Mura region style.

A day when Dobronak and Lendva show once again that the equestrian tradition is not a reflection on the past but a living tourism opportunity. A day when the horse not only races but also builds bridges between cultures, countries, and people. And a day when the Mura region – through the pounding of hooves – makes its voice heard again in the Carpathian Basin.

The Best Riders of the Mura Region Gallop

The best riders of the Mura Region Gallop qualified as entrants for the National Gallop held in early October in Szilvásvárad.

The competition day began with the junior hussars, and from the 7 heats, the riders of 12 settlements advanced to the semi-finals on Sunday, where the heat was won by Lea Gombóc, representing Dobronak.

In a fierce final race, Anna Júlia Rozs, representing Magyarkanizsa, won the 18th National Gallop.

The Tourist Significance of the Equestrian Gallop:

The equestrian gallops are complex tourist events. Their significance can be measured in several dimensions:

Cultural Tourism: The gallops revive equestrian traditions, hussar culture, folk costumes, and symbols of Hungarian identity. Spectators receive not only a sporting experience but also a cultural journey through time.

Gastronomic and Rural Tourism: During the Mura Region Gallop, local producers, winemakers, and artisans can showcase their wares. The event also boosts the local economy – accommodation providers, catering establishments, and tourist service providers profit from the influx of visitors.

Cross-Border Cooperation: The event is a living example of Hungarian-Slovenian relations, which is valuable not only from a sporting but also from a diplomatic and cultural perspective. The cooperation between the Mura region and Hungary also creates new tourist packages, joint programs, and promotional opportunities.

Community Building and Identity Strengthening: For the Hungarians of the Mura region, the Mura Region Gallop is a celebration of community cohesion. Riders, organizers, and spectators are all part of an experience that strengthens local identity and national belonging.

More information about the CROCUS project:

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France and the Benelux States – Open tourism lecture for students and colleagues

Katalin Ivan — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:57:01 +0000

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Dr. Jérôme Piriou, Associate Professor at the Institute of Geography at the Université d’Angers, will give a lecture on tourism in France and the Benelux States in Room A204.

We look forward to welcoming interested students and colleagues.

In his lecture, Dr. Piriou will share his research findings in English on the characteristics, current trends, and future directions of tourism in France and the Benelux States.

The event is free and open to all interested parties.

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Study tour to Kapolcs

Katalin Ivan — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:58:12 +0000

On March 10, our master’s students in the “Management and Leadership – Sustainable Tourism Management” visited Kapolcs.

Kapolcs is a charming, little village in the Balaton Uplands, best known for the Valley of Arts festival.

During the field trip, they gained insight into the operations of the Művészvölgy Kúria and learned about the current situation in Kapolcs as both a place to live and a tourist destination. During the trip, they visited the blacksmith’s workshop and the Kapolcs Village Mill, where they had the chance to try their hand at these activities.

Based on their experiences from the study trip, which was part of the Destination Branding course, the students identified the brand values of Kapolcs as a tourist destination and also created a short video.

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CROCUS podcast – Focusing on Zala and Pomurske regions

Katalin Ivan — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:04:04 +0000

In this podcast episode, we discuss the quantitative and qualitative research conducted as part of the HORIZON international project entitled CROCUS – Cross-Border Cultural and Creative Tourism in Rural and Remote Areas.

Réka Vámosi’s conversation partner is dr. Ágnes Raffay-Danyi, associate professor at the Department of Tourism of the University of Pannonia, professional leader and researcher of the CROCUS project.

More information about the CROCUS project:

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The CROCUS project at the Conference of the Hungarian Regional Science Association

Katalin Ivan — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 11:51:35 +0000

Hungarian Regional Science Association 23rd Annual Meeting was held on October 30-31, 2025. At this conference, two of our colleagues presented the results achieved so far by the CROCUS project.

Dr. Ágnes Raffay-Danyi focused on local residents, showing how they feel in the HU-SI living lab under study and how they assess tourism.

Dr. Zsófia Márta Papp highlighted the quantitative results related to sustainability, comparing the two sides of the border.

More about the CROCUS project:

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Tourism Mosaic – Fernando García – Spanish flavor in downtown Budapest

Katalin Ivan — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:28:41 +0000

Are you interested in tourism, but not just as a tourist? Are you curious about the professional background as well? Tourism Mosaic is for you! Take a look behind the scenes, learn about current tourism trends, and discover the beauty and challenges of the profession!

On October 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., Fernando García, owner of El Hispano Café, will visit us as part of our Tourism Mosaic event series.

Pilot, chef, entrepreneur.

How does a Spanish pilot become the owner of a Hungarian bistro?
What’s the connection between flying and tapas? And how can a foreigner start a business in Hungary?
This is the story of El Hispano – where the Spanish spirit meets Hungarian hospitality.

Venue: Room 204, Building A at 18:00

Participation is open and free of charge, but registration is required. Registration: https://forms.gle/ZPXt57KKbhWwsxwy5

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Tourism Across Borders (Zala and Pomurske) – What do locals, businesses, and visitors think?

Katalin Ivan — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:24:06 +0000

Photo: crocuseurope.eu

There is a region along the Hungarian–Slovenian border where landscapes, traditions, and people’s stories intertwine. In Zala (Hungary) and Pomurske (Slovenia), the CROCUS project recently carried out a large-scale study to understand how tourism is perceived by those who live there, run businesses there, or simply visit. The findings are both surprising and insightful, but above all, they reveal what tourism really means in everyday life.

From the locals’ point of view, tourism has two faces. In Hungary, many feel that while tourism creates jobs and brings vibrancy, it also raises living costs and puts pressure on the environment. On the Slovenian side, the voices are more positive: here, tourism is mostly seen as a tool for protecting cultural heritage and the natural environment, and it increases the quality of education, although they are also aware of the potential negative impacts such as increased traffic congestion and social inequality. Interestingly, while many Hungarians said they would consider moving away if they could, Slovenians reported being happier with their current quality of life. Still, in both countries, there is strong support for further tourism development.

Among local businesses, the picture is equally nuanced. Most of them are small, family-run enterprises, often focused on accommodation services. Hungarian businesses mainly cater to domestic guests, while Slovenian ones are more open to international visitors. What unites them, however, is enthusiasm: they see tourism as an opportunity that benefits both the economy and the preservation of local traditions. Slovenians appear a bit more sensitive to environmental issues, but Hungarian business owners are also aware of them. Perhaps most encouragingly, entrepreneurs on both sides feel attached to their region and strongly support collective tourism development.

And what about the visitors? They are surprisingly loyal. Many have already returned several times, not only for a quick trip but sometimes for longer stays. When planning their travels, they rely mostly on social media and the websites of local tourism companies, while municipal websites are rarely used. Most visitors see tourism in a positive light: new experiences, cultural values, and economic benefits. Women, however, tend to be more environmentally conscious, showing greater concern about issues like pollution and waste.

Photo: crocuseurope.eu

Experts highlighted the different challenges facing the two sides. In Hungary, for example, Nagykanizsa mainly serves as a stopover for travelers heading to the Adriatic, with short stays and low local spending. The lack of a unified tourism strategy, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a weak entrepreneurial culture hold the area back. In Slovenia, the offer is much richer—thermal spas, wine culture, and cultural heritage are all strong attractions—but issues like limited funding, workforce shortages, and transport difficulties still pose challenges.

And yet, opportunities are abundant on both sides. Imagine a region with a shared tourism brand, where slow tourism—cycling, hiking, or discovering local food—draws visitors in. A place where cultural institutions, festivals, and craft workshops bring life and color, and where the border serves more as a bridge than a dividing line.

This research has given more than just numbers and data; it has provided a vision. Tourism can truly succeed here if locals, businesses, and visitors work together—and if sustainability and community cooperation remain at the heart of development.

More info about the project:

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Innovation, cooperation, tourism in the Visegrad region

Katalin Ivan — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:17:33 +0000

The research report “Innovation-Based Collaboration in the Visegrad Region: Best Practices”, prepared by researchers from the University of Pannonia, the Cracow University of Economics and Business and the University of Liberec, has been published.

The document is a compilation of good practices collected in the Visegrad region and a framework to help build such collaborative networks in different tourist destinations, be it a city, a lake or a mountainous area.

This report is part of the Empowering Open Innovation Tourism Network project funded by the Visegrad Fund.

The report is available here. >>>

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