Students from the Master's Degree in "Tourism Development and Planning", within the Department of Geography of the West University of Timisoara, participated between January 16-18, 2025 at the Vienna Tourism Fair - one of the most important tourism events in Europe. This practical application was a valuable opportunity for students to interact with industry professionals and develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in tourism.

The practical application aimed to develop practical skills in organizing and promoting tourism, explore international good practices and apply theoretical knowledge in real contexts. The agenda of activities was diverse and well-organized:

• Participation in the Tourism Fair: The students were welcomed by Mr. Simion Giurcă at the joint stand of destination management organizations from Timișoara, Oradea and Sibiu, where they learned about creativity, innovation and opportunities within an international fair.
• Interviews with exhibitors: Student teams interacted with staff from various stands, including tour operators, transporters and accommodation units, conducting detailed interviews to analyze their strategies and the impact of participating in such events.
• Meetings with international experts: The students were invited by Ms. Zana Marijan, representative of the Slovenian Tourist Board, to their stand and explained the reasons for choosing to become a partner country in organizing this year's fair, her country's market positioning strategies and details about how these corresponded to the organization and design of their stand.
• Educational visits: The group explored the historic center of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Museum of Natural Sciences, where they discovered innovative ways to promote cultural and natural heritage.
• This application was more than just an educational exercise; it was a transformational experience for the students. In addition to the technical and theoretical skills they acquired, they developed communication skills, teamwork, and adaptability in an international professional environment.
• Another remarkable point was the exemplary behavior of the students, who demonstrated maturity and responsibility throughout the application, being appreciated by the organizers and the partners involved.
• The experience from Vienna will be capitalized on the subjects of the Master's degree "Tourism Development and Management", contributing to strengthening the link between academic theory and professional practice. Also, the results of the activity have already been promoted on the faculty's social media channels, and they will be presented in other academic events.
• Special thanks to the Department of Geography, the Faculty of Chemistry, Biology and Geography and the West University of Timisoara for their support in organizing this practical application. The students leave this experience better prepared for the future, with the desire to return to Vienna, perhaps even as professionals organizing their own stands at international fairs!