Google provides funding and support services to the organizations that presented the best charitable projects, to promote an increasingly digital economy with a focus on the need for social inclusion.
At UP FTŠ Turistica, we believe that the pandemic and technological advancement will only widen the digital divide between rural providers and providers in urban areas. The award-winning LocalsFromZero model was developed by our students and professors with many domestic and foreign partners as part of the UP FTŠ – sTOUdio Turistica program. With Google's help it will assist rural experience providers in taking the next step towards digitalisation in tourism and becoming competitive in the market.
“We are building a supportive environment for peripheral tourism and educating such tourism providers in digitalization and entrepreneurship. We invite all curious and responsible travellers to create pleasant memories and new acquaintances in their authentic environment,”
said assoc. prof. dr. Dejan Križaj, idea creator of the pilot R&D education programme UP FTŠ – sTOUdio Turistica, upon receiving the funds.