Hospitality Star Search Contest Concludes at RIT Croatia Dubrovnik Campus

The eagerly anticipated Hospitality Star Search contest at RIT Croatia's Dubrovnik campus has come to its end, culminating in the announcement of its winners. The contest finale, held on April 26 at the campus, showcased the talents and potential of ten finalists who participated in a series of rigorous workshops and interviews.

Led by esteemed faculty members, the finalists engaged in immersive workshops aimed at honing their skills in communication and service management. Dr. Vanda Bazdan provided a dynamic session on communication, delving into the important impact of non-verbal communication in interpersonal interactions, both personally and professionally. Meanwhile, Milena Kužnin provided invaluable insights into service failures and strategies for effective recovery.

Following the workshops, the finalists were tasked with presenting comprehensive strategies for managing service, navigating challenges, and delivering prompt solutions within the hospitality industry. Their presentations showcased a deep understanding of the details involved in providing exceptional service experiences.

The culmination of the event was rigorous interviews conducted by a panel of esteemed faculty members, including Ana Bitanga, Milena Kužnin, and Kevin Walker. Each finalist was evaluated based on their knowledge, skills, and potential contribution to the hospitality sector.

After meticulous deliberation, the following winners were selected:

• 1^st place, full scholarship in the amount of 28.800 EUR – Vuk Batrićević (Podgorica, MNE)
• 2nd place, scholarship in the amount of 14.000 EUR  – Charline Tihava (Zagreb, CRO)
• 3rd place, scholarship in the amount of 12.000 EUR  – Tadija Klikovac (Bar, MNE)
• 4th place, scholarship in the amount of 10:000 EUR – Petra Šćekić (Budva, MNE)
• 5th place, scholarship in the amount of 8.000 EUR  – Martina Jarčević (Zagreb, CRO)

The winners demonstrated exceptional ability, creativity, and dedication throughout the competition, earning well-deserved recognition for their achievements. Their success serves as a testament to the caliber of talent fostered at RIT Croatia's Dubrovnik campus and bodes well for the future of the hospitality industry.