ICRT Balkans was born in 2025 out of the Tourism Think Tank.
The Tourism Think Tank ‘un-conference’ was conceived in 2022 in Montenegro by the then-Director of Tivat Tourism Organisation. The aim was to bring world-class speakers in responsible, sustainable and regenerative tourism together with Western Balkans travel sector players for a bottom-up discussion on the development of tourism regionally and apolitically - but with the hope to influence policy-making.
Dialogue with international guest speakers was hugely motivating for local practitioners, whose experiences in the region were of great interest to the global experts. A mutually beneficial dynamic synergy resulted, all interested in the same: better tourism - in its true meaning.
The 2022 inaugural event was highly successful, quenching a desire for experience exchange, learning, to be listened to, and heard.
Despite being apolitical, a changing context made 2023’s in-person event impossible in-destination, so it was held online. In the same spirit countries came together to share lessons with and from the Balkans. Simultaneous translation from English into 3 local languages enabled comparison and contrast worldwide.
2024 saw the event continue in-destination at The Chedi Lustica Bay, Montenegro, with a great desire to continue and grow connections and participation into a larger network, and so the ICRT Balkans came into being. The Tourism Think Tank will continue as an ICRT Balkans event.
Under the guidance of Professor Harold Goodwin, ICRT Balkans supports the development of Responsible Tourism policies and practices region-wide. We promote the principles of the 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism and the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter to ensure a wider knowledge and implementation of responsible tourism worldwide.
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Better places to live in the Balkans for better places to visit, with thriving, connected communities and healthy ecosystems. Bringing local voices together with global trail blazers in educational-experiential networking for regeneration for the region and beyond.
Events: From Tourism Think Tank ‘unconferences’, to specialized workshops, webinars, masterclasses, or specific-topic events, we can develop hands-on learning experiences, networking and experiences.
Online Courses: Access to ICRT global's expert-led online courses in responsible tourism and destination management, empowering professionals to drive sustainable practices across the Balkans region.
Certification: Need help deciding which certification to pursue, or with the journey? We connect the major certifications, auditors, coaches and resources to facilitate continuous support.
Awards Promotion: From ICRT global to the wider market, we support organisations to showcase achievements and innovations and be recognised for excellence, in and beyond the Balkans.
Marketing & Sales: Strategy, research, brand, data, planning, product, targeting, operations, reporting… we can help you design, develop and sell better tourism.
Bespoke Consultancy: Regional development strategies, innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, training and materials, and cross-border cooperation in the tourism sector, we understand and can help you address the unique challenges and opportunities for responsible tourism in the Balkan region.
Follow ICRT Balkans here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icrt-balkans
Danica, a Tourism Manager with 20+ years of experience, as Director of the Tivat Tourism Organisation (2020–2023), led destination management efforts, positioning Tivat as one of the sustainable development flagships in Montenegro in cooperation with Green Destinations. Previously, at the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro (2004–2020) she played a key role in strategic planning, marketing, and industry collaboration. In the role as one of the founding members and as the first Director of the Montenegro Convention Bureau, Danica was responsible for the promotion and co-organisation of many international MICE events in the country (2008-2019). Danica is passionate about integrating sustainability into destination development to ensure lasting benefits for local communities, the environment, and visitors.
Kirsi, a Balkans-adopted Finnish consultant and educator, specialises in responsible destination management and SME development. With over 30 years of experience in various roles in travel and tourism management and marketing, she is dedicated to helping people and places “keep their promises” focusing on countries and regions in transformation. She advises governments, international organisations, businesses and NGOs, supporting initiatives in ecotourism, rural tourism, and adventure travel. As the founder of HYVÄ Coaching & Consulting and co-founder of the Balkan Green initiative, Kirsi works hands-on with organisations across Europe and beyond, including as a Trained B Leader of B Corp, and certified Coach and Auditor for Green Destinations and Travelife for Tour Operators. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative spirit, Kirsi fosters meaningful connections for lasting positive impacts through tailored mentoring and consulting.
Vicky’s extensive experience, from the mid-90s in tourism and the mid-00s in sustainability, to present, includes management roles in destinations, marketing, ecommerce, heading up operations abroad and online for major tour operators, online travel agents and media, in mainstream tourism, ski, safari, tours, charity challenges and voluntourism, NGOs and sustainable tourism certification. Vicky's grassroots experience includes roles such as ski resort manager, qualified ranger in Africa, charity challenge leader and trustee for Madagascar sustainable development. Academic achievements include a groundbreaking published MSc paper (with distinction) on responsible volunteer tourism and greenwashing. Practitioner, executive, guide, event organiser, academic, consultant, startup founder, Vicky is leveraging her diverse expertise to create and promote positive-impact tourism through Earth-Changers.com.
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