First Visit to FH Burgenland
Visitors: Prof. Dr. Snezana Dichevska and Prof. Dr. Michael Risteski, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Ohrid, St. Kliment Ohridski University – Bitola
Overview: FH Burgenland was delighted to welcome Snezana Dichevska and Michael Risteski for the inaugural on-site project meeting at FH Burgenland. The setting was idyllic, with bright sunshine and clear blue skies, providing a perfect backdrop for productive discussions.
Objectives: The primary aim of the visit was to foster collaboration between our institutions and explore potential joint initiatives in tourism and hospitality education. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen our connection and identify shared interests.
Activities: During an informal gathering with colleagues from the Department of Business Studies and the International Office, we discovered numerous commonalities between our universities. Both institutions are located in picturesque towns rich in history, situated near two beautiful lakes. Our shared enthusiasm for wine culture and international relations provided a solid foundation for potential future collaborations.
Conclusion: This visit has laid the groundwork for exciting opportunities ahead. We are optimistic about the collaborative activities that may arise from our discussions, particularly in the areas of sustainable tourism and cultural exchange.
Next Steps: We look forward to exploring further avenues for partnership, including joint projects and exchanges, to enrich the educational experiences of our students and faculty alike.
First Visit to Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Ohrid
Visitor: Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev, FH Burgenland, Austria
Overview: The Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality recently hosted Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev for a two-day visit, marking a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts towards advancing sustainable tourism education. This visit follows our team’s recent trip to FH Burgenland, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of our partnership.
Objectives: The primary goal of the visit was to engage in in-depth discussions regarding the experiences and practices that enhance tourism education at both institutions. Given the picturesque locations of our campuses near two stunning lakes, our shared commitment to sustainable tourism is both relevant and inspiring.
Activities: During the visit, participants explored various topics related to sustainable tourism, sharing insights and best practices. The dialogue was enriched by Prof. Dr. Kovalev’s expertise, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at achieving our educational goals.
Conclusion: The discussions held during this visit have opened new avenues for future cooperation. We look forward to the exciting prospects that lie ahead as we continue our journey toward promoting sustainable tourism education.
Next Steps: Further collaboration opportunities will be explored, including joint projects and exchange programs, to enhance the educational experience for our students.
Second Visit to FH Burgenland
Visitor: Prof. Dr. Mihael Risteski, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Ohrid, North Macedonia
Overview:
The University of Applied Sciences Burgenland recently welcomed Prof. Dr. Mihael Risteski for a short academic visit, further strengthening the dynamic cooperation between our institutions. This visit represents an important step in our joint commitment to advancing sustainable tourism education through meaningful academic exchange.
Objectives:
The primary objective of Prof. Risteski’s visit was to initiate collaborative activities within the framework of our joint project focused on sustainable tourism. Special emphasis was placed on designing joint case studies that will involve student groups from both institutions, addressing the sustainable development challenges and opportunities surrounding Lake Ohrid and Lake Neusiedl.
Activities:
During his visit, Prof. Risteski engaged in productive meetings with Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev and Prof. Dr. Tomka Semler-Matošić. The discussions centered around establishing interdisciplinary student teams, sharing pedagogical practices, and exploring innovative approaches to sustainable tourism education. Both parties also exchanged valuable experiences in integrating sustainability principles into tourism curricula.
Conclusion:
The visit laid the groundwork for a deeper academic partnership and set a clear direction for future collaboration in research and education. The shared vision and complementary strengths of both institutions promise a fruitful cooperation in the field of sustainable tourism.
Next Steps:
Planned activities include the development of joint student projects, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research initiatives, all contributing to a richer educational experience and a more impactful approach to sustainability in tourism.
Second Visit to Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Ohrid
Visitor: Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev, FH Burgenland, Austria
Overview:
The Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality – Ohrid (FTU), University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola (UKLO), had the pleasure of hosting Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev from the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, Department of Business Studies, during her visit from June 6 to June 9, 2025. This visit is part of the ongoing cooperation within the joint project dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism education.
Objectives:
The visit aimed to advance project activities related to sustainable cultural tourism and strengthen academic collaboration between the partner institutions. Special focus was placed on pedagogical design, evaluation processes, and dissemination of project results.
Activities:
Throughout her stay, Prof. Kovalev engaged in a series of working meetings with FTU faculty. Discussions included organizational aspects of developing a student evaluation tool following the presentation of case studies, refining teaching guidelines informed by prior research (including desk research, interviews, surveys, and case studies), and preparing for upcoming guest lectures. The meetings also addressed the forthcoming presentation of project outcomes at the “Summer School on Sustainable Cultural Tourism” in September 2025 in Ohrid, along with plans for co-authoring an academic publication.
Conclusion:
Prof. Kovalev’s visit significantly contributed to the advancement of the joint project, strengthening institutional ties and laying the groundwork for future scholarly outputs. The dialogue reinforced the shared vision of integrating sustainability into tourism education and practice.
Next Steps:
Future collaboration will include the finalization of student assessments, joint teaching activities, participation in the September summer school, and the preparation of a peer-reviewed academic article to disseminate key findings and experiences from the project.
Third Visit to Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Ohrid
Visitor: Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev, FH Burgenland, Austria
Overview:
From 7 to 13 September 2025, the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality – Ohrid, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola, had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Dr. Manuela Kovalev from the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland as part of the Ohrid 2025 International Summer School on Sustainable and Cultural Tourism. The event was organized in close collaboration with the COLOURS European University Alliance, bringing together international students, faculty, and experts committed to advancing sustainability in tourism education.
Objectives:
The primary goal of Prof. Kovalev’s visit was to contribute to the academic activities of the Summer School by sharing her expertise on sustainability assessment in tourism. Together with Dr. Michael Risteski and Bojan Srbinoski, she co-led a workshop on evaluating sustainable travel practices, using real-world case studies co-developed by student teams from Austria and North Macedonia.
Activities:
The highlight of the workshop was the practical application of two cross-cultural case studies—focused on sustainable tourism in the Lake Ohrid (North Macedonia) and Lake Neusiedl (Austria) regions. These student-led projects served as a platform for vibrant and interdisciplinary discussion among international participants, who engaged in scenario analysis, programme evaluation, and creative group activities. The sessions emphasized collaboration, intercultural learning, and the co-creation of innovative ideas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Conclusion:
Prof. Kovalev’s engagement at the Summer School demonstrated the power of joint academic efforts and student-driven initiatives in shaping the future of sustainable tourism. The case study-based approach fostered critical thinking and encouraged active student participation. Her visit not only strengthened the institutional partnership between FH Burgenland and FTU Ohrid but also reinforced the shared vision for inclusive, experience-rich, and responsible tourism education.
Next Steps:
Building on the success of this initiative, both institutions plan to continue developing joint teaching modules, engage in collaborative research, and explore opportunities for student exchange and co-publication. A particular focus will be placed on evaluating the learning outcomes of this case-based teaching method and disseminating results through future conferences and academic journals.
Third Visit to FH Burgenland
Visitors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Risteski and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bojan Srbinoski, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola, North Macedonia
Overview:
From 20 to 24 October 2025, the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (FH Burgenland) had the pleasure of hosting a study visit by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Risteski and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bojan Srbinoski, representatives of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality – Ohrid, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola. This visit marked an important step forward in the ongoing cross-border collaboration on sustainable tourism development and education.
Objectives:
The central purpose of the visit was to deepen academic cooperation within the framework of the joint project on sustainable and cultural tourism, especially by initiating the preparation of a joint academic publication. The publication will synthesize project findings, student case studies, and the practical outcomes from both institutions involved in the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities.
Activities:
The visit included intensive working meetings with colleagues from FH Burgenland focused on research planning, coordination of publication tasks, and future dissemination activities. Additionally, the Macedonian team conducted field visits to several locations in the Lake Neusiedl region featured in the Austrian student case study. These site visits provided valuable insight into the local implementation of sustainability principles—spanning accommodation, gastronomy, mobility, and regional planning—and helped align the academic analysis with real-world tourism practices in Burgenland.
Conclusion:
The visit reaffirmed the strong academic ties between the two institutions and highlighted the potential for meaningful, long-term cooperation. By combining field-based learning, intercultural dialogue, and applied research, the project is not only enriching the educational experience for students but also contributing to the regional discourse on sustainable tourism.
Next Steps:
The teams will continue co-developing the academic article, with a view to submitting it to a peer-reviewed journal in 2026. Further cooperation will include joint teaching activities, student mobility programs, and participation in upcoming project events such as the Ohrid 2026 Summer School. Both institutions remain committed to enhancing sustainability education through innovation, collaboration, and shared European values.
Fourth Visit to FH Burgenland
Visitor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Risteski, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola, North Macedonia
Overview:
From 2 to 6 December 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Risteski conducted a study visit to the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (FH Burgenland) in Austria. The visit further strengthened the academic cooperation between the two institutions and advanced the shared goals established through ongoing joint activities in sustainable tourism education and research.
Objectives:
The primary focus of the visit was the finalization and submission of a joint academic article that consolidates the research findings and educational outcomes generated through student-led case studies and COIL-based collaboration. The article was officially submitted to the Horizons International Scientific Journal, a publication of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola (Horizons Journal Website).
Activities:
In addition to research coordination, Prof. Risteski engaged in high-level discussions with FH Burgenland faculty and administrative representatives to explore future avenues of institutional cooperation. These included the potential for:
Staff and student exchanges under Erasmus+ mobility schemes;
Joint participation in future international projects, particularly in the context of Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships;
The development of new COIL-based modules and sustainability-themed academic initiatives.
During the visit, both institutions agreed to initiate the formal process of concluding an inter-institutional cooperation agreement, marking a strategic step toward a long-term partnership framework.
Conclusion:
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both universities to advancing sustainable tourism education through collaborative research, intercultural exchange, and internationalisation. It also underlined the academic value and applied relevance of student-driven initiatives in tourism sustainability, which remain a central pillar of the partnership.
Next Steps:
The next phase of collaboration will include formalizing the cooperation agreement, jointly organizing follow-up teaching and research activities, and identifying further funding opportunities for academic mobility and innovation. Special attention will be placed on the dissemination of project results and the integration of sustainability into international education curricula.