Transforming the future of tourism in Croatia: TOURISM 365 conference and b2match.

The TOURISM 365 conference is a landmark event in Croatia’s tourism calendar, aimed at promoting year-round tourism, cutting-edge trends, and fostering innovative solutions for the industry's future.

Established eight years ago by tourism expert Ivana Kolar, the conference has grown from a local initiative into an international gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. With its unique format, TOURISM 365 combines strategic discussions, success stories from the field, and tangible actions to drive results.

The event is built on three pillars:

1. fostering strategic dialogue,
2. empowering large enterprises,
3. uplifting small businesses in the tourism sector.

It’s not just another conference — it’s a dynamic hub for shaping the future of tourism in Croatia and the broader region.

B2B Marketplace workshops: A game-changer

In 2023, TOURISM 365 took a significant leap by integrating a B2B matchmaking workshop to connect Croatian tourism suppliers with international buyers, including agents and tour operators. This innovation added substantial value to the conference, ensuring it wasn’t just a forum for discussion but a platform for tangible results.

However, managing such a workshop comes with various challenges. This is why Ivana and her team turned to b2match, a powerful event matchmaking platform, that allowed event attendees to pre-schedule 1-on-1 meetings.

Using b2match’s user-friendly platform, this year TOURISM 365 facilitated nearly 600 meetings in a single day, involving 84 delegates from 16 countries.

Matchmaking made simple

For Ivana and her team, b2match proved to be an indispensable tool for managing the complexities of B2B matchmaking. The platform’s user-friendly interface streamlined scheduling hundreds of meetings, saving valuable time and reducing stress for the organizing team. As the event grew, the platform adapted automatically, accommodating the increasing number of participants and meetings.

Reflecting on her experience, Ivana shared, “Without a platform like b2match, organizing so many meetings would have been nearly impossible. It added tremendous value to the conference and ensured its success.”

The feedback from participants proved the effectiveness of the B2B sessions. Croatian suppliers expressed appreciation for the structured meeting format and the opportunity to connect with buyers who could genuinely impact their business. Buyers, many of whom were visiting Croatia for the first time, praised the organization and the seamless experience provided by b2match.

The growth in participation from both buyers and suppliers between the first and second year of the B2B workshop further highlights the value of these matchmaking efforts.

A platform for growth

Despite being organized by a small but mighty team, TOURISM 365 continues to innovate and grow. Always seeking new ways to engage their audience and enhance their event, Ivana shares:

“The b2b workshop has been instrumental in making our conference a hub for meaningful connections. We see b2match not just as a tool but as a partner in our mission to position Croatia as a leading destination for strategic tourism development.”

By bridging the gap between local suppliers and international markets, TOURISM 365 transformed into a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of tourism in Croatia and beyond.