When I arrived in Split to begin my Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs exchange, I was excited to finally put my business idea into practice. I had already developed a clear vision of building a business focused on digital communication and sales optimisation for tourism companies, but I knew that understanding how these processes work in real life would be essential. Looking back at the first half of my exchange, I can honestly say that the experience has been exactly what I hoped for.
From the first day, my host entrepreneur, Ornela Krezić, welcomed me as part of her daily work. Instead of simply observing, I have been actively involved in understanding how COOL-TURA operates, how guests interact with tourism experiences, and how enquiries are transformed into bookings. Seeing these processes from behind the scenes has given me insights that cannot be gained from theory alone.
One of the most valuable parts of the exchange has been analysing how communication influences customer decisions. Together, we have reviewed how enquiries are received, how tours are presented to potential guests, and how follow-up communication can improve the overall customer experience. We have discussed ways to simplify responses, make communication more consistent, and better organise information for future guests. It has been rewarding to see that my ideas and observations are welcomed and that I can actively contribute while continuing to learn from my host’s extensive experience.
Another important aspect has been discovering how storytelling and sustainability are naturally integrated into tourism services. Observing how Green Sail principles and authentic local experiences are communicated to guests has helped me better understand what creates real value for visitors. This perspective is something I hope to integrate into my own future business.
On a personal level, living and working in Croatia has been equally rewarding. Experiencing a different business environment, working closely with an experienced entrepreneur, and adapting to everyday life in another country have made me more confident, independent, and open to new ways of thinking.
Fortunately, there have been no significant challenges during the exchange. Communication with my host has been excellent throughout, and we regularly discuss our progress and the next steps. I feel that the objectives we defined at the beginning of the exchange are being achieved as planned, and at this stage I do not see any major adjustments that are needed for the second half of the programme.
As the exchange continues, I look forward to becoming even more involved in improving communication processes, refining practical solutions together with my host, and further developing my understanding of customer journeys, booking processes, and business development within the tourism sector. I am confident that the knowledge, practical experience, and international perspective I have gained so far will provide a strong foundation for launching my own business after the exchange.
This experience has confirmed that joining the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme was the right decision. It has already given me valuable practical knowledge, professional inspiration, and the confidence to transform my business idea into a sustainable reality. I am excited to continue learning, contributing, and making the most of the remaining months of this journey.