FIJET Academy for Young Journalists, 2024 Edition, Slovakia

26 Jun, 2024 by FIJET Academy Team

The theme of the Fijet Academy for Young Journalists Program was “The Future of Tourism Journalism” this year. The lecturers and participants had a chance to discuss many of those changes prompted by the rapid development of the technology used in society and the media.

The Future of Tourism Journalism

With the pervasive use of digital media or social media in society, it has become essential to know how, when, where and to what extent to use it. What are our rights? Could it be beneficial or dangerous for us? Have people become used to living detached from society with the domination of social media? Is digital media the future of tourism journalism? Is there a worrying situation regarding the spread of disinformation via social media? It is possible to list many pros and cons of this issue. Therefore, In this edition of the Fijet Academy, discussions were about the topics to better comment on the future of tourism journalism. The professionals of the tourism industry and the professors of the Pan European University in Bratislava have enlightened the participants on topics such as digital media, tourism and neuromarketing in media, podcasting, and tourism and communication, which were very interesting, informative and interactive. The results of discussions were around; even though AI is preferred by many fields, we should keep relying on the human factor to improve the tourism industry.

During the meetings at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Slovakia and the Tourist Offices in Bratislava, Piestany and Tomislava, the participants were informed about the statistics of the recent status of tourism in Slovakia, their plans and ongoing projects.

FIJET Academy Trips in Slovakia

Within the social part of the program, under the patronage of the Fijet Slovakia team, the participants and guest lecturers have visited the most popular tourist attractions of Bratislava, Piestany and Galanta. The group visited the perfectly well-preserved historical attractions of Bratislava, such as the Old Town, Bratislava Castle and Devin Castle. After short sightseeing in the city, a scary Skywalk on the UFO Tower and rafting experiences on the Danubiana were both very interesting and enjoyable for the young journalists. They were welcomed at the historical Stefanka Restaurant and another night at Zylinder Restaurant. While sailing on the river Danube, they had a delicious meal at the cruise ship’s restaurant La Marine in Bratislava. During the short visit to Dajama Print House, they had a chance to talk about the past and recent status of printing in Slovakia. Within the rich social program, they also visited the European Gallery, a modern museum at the Danubiana.

In the second part of the program, the guests visited the gorgeous Piestany region. They walked around the Little Danube, a branch of the Danube, in the park filled with giant trees that are 200 to 300 years old and excellent spa hotels. The participants not only had a walking tour through the Collonade Bridge to see the spa area but also attended the Photo Exhibition of Fijet Slovakia, the theme of which was “Travel and Emotions”. They learned that one of the Fijet Academy for Young Journalists Program participants had been the 3rd runner-up at the competition. Guests also had the chance to eat homemade traditional Slovak meals for dinner, wonderfully hosted by Piestany region officials at the City Restaurant.

As one of the aims of the Fijet Academy training, the group of young journalists learned the culture, history and social characteristics of the region on site. They smelled the linden-scented streets of Bratislava, tasted the homemade duck liver paste with jam in the gorgeous town of Piestany, and enjoyed horse carriage riding in the picturesque area called Tomášikovo. While leaving for their countries at the end of the program, on June 22, 2024, the participants built many nice connections, learned about the culture of Slovakia and expressed their appreciation to the organisers, the Fijet Slovakia team and their partners for their generosity and hospitality.

Now, the Fijet Academy Committee is looking forward to welcoming another group of young journalists in the next edition.

Special Thanks

Ms. Iveta Radičova, PhD., Dean, Faculty of Mass Media, Paneuropean University

Mr. Stanislav Benčić, Professor at the Faculty of Mass Media, Paneuropean University

Mr. Daniel Modrovský, PhD., the president of the Slovak Syndicate of Journalists

Ms. Tomáš Ondrčka, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic

Mr. Peter Dedak, podcast expert

Ms. Anna Schwartzova, Slovakia Travel

Ms. Veronika Hudačkova, Slovakia Travel.

Ms. Anna Molnarova

Ms. Katarina Rohalova

Ms. Tatiana Nevolna Piestany Resort Hotel Park

The authorities and the staff of Hotel Ibıs in Bratislava

Fijet team of Speakers, Professors and Lecturers:

Tijani Haddad, the President

Prof. Ludmila Novacka, President Fijet Slovakia

Asma Jerbi Abouda, JAWHARA FW TV and Radio, Tunisia

Many thanks to Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkiye, which supported the Fijet Academy for Young Journalists Program by sending wonderful, enthusiastic, intelligent and kind young journalism and tourism students to our program.

Fatma Sema Kutlu
FIJET Academy Committee
Chairperson