The participation of young innovators from Kosovo in the Tourism Technology Festival, held in Salzburg, Austria, was a powerful demonstration of the talent, creativity, and ambition of the country’s new generation. This prestigious event gathered bright minds from around the world to develop digital solutions that could reshape the future of tourism.
Organized as an intense 24-hour hackathon, the festival brought together youth teams to brainstorm, design, and prototype innovative ideas using technology to improve tourism experiences globally. Amidst this international competition, the Kosovo team stood out for their professional approach, teamwork, and forward-thinking mindset, reports AlbanianEducation.net.
A Festival of Innovation and Technology
The Tourism Technology Festival has become one of Europe’s most dynamic platforms for young innovators to showcase their ideas and technical skills. The event’s mission is to connect tourism and technology, encouraging participants to build creative digital solutions that make travel smarter, more sustainable, and more engaging.
Participants were challenged to use cutting-edge tools — from artificial intelligence to app development — to design projects that address real-world problems in the tourism industry. Teams worked around the clock, sharing ideas and pushing boundaries in an atmosphere filled with creativity and collaboration.
Kosovo’s Bright Minds Lead with Innovation
Representing Kosovo at this year’s festival were Elda Gacaferi, Erza Gacaferi, Elton Gacaferi, Tarik Ajvazi, and Malsor Arifi — a team of young tech enthusiasts who demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and problem-solving ability.
Their participation was not only a competition entry but a representation of Kosovo’s growing presence in the international innovation scene. With a strong understanding of digital technology and tourism development, they showcased how youth from Kosovo are capable of thinking globally while acting locally.
Through teamwork, bold ideas, and creative thinking, the group from Kosovo proved that the country holds immense potential in the fields of technology and innovation. Their performance highlighted a new generation of professionals ready to bring Kosovo closer to the digital future of Europe.
The Power of Teamwork and Ambition
The Kosovo team’s approach was marked by collaboration and shared vision. Working in a high-pressure 24-hour environment, they developed innovative solutions that addressed real challenges facing tourism today — including sustainability, user experience, and digital transformation.
Their success was rooted in ambition, resilience, and technical excellence. By demonstrating strong coding abilities, design thinking, and presentation skills, they impressed both mentors and jury members at the festival.
This participation also offered them valuable exposure to global networks of innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology experts — helping to build bridges between Kosovo’s tech ecosystem and the wider European innovation community.
A Reflection of Kosovo’s Digital Future
Kosovo’s involvement in international events like the Tourism Technology Festival symbolizes more than individual success — it reflects a national movement toward innovation, education, and global engagement.
In recent years, Kosovo has seen rapid growth in its tech and startup sectors, driven by a young population that embraces creativity and entrepreneurship. Participation in hackathons and innovation festivals abroad allows these youth to showcase their capabilities, exchange knowledge, and strengthen Kosovo’s image as a country of innovation and progress.
This achievement also emphasizes the importance of investing in youth education, technology training, and international collaboration. Such opportunities empower young people to bring home new skills and inspire others to follow their example.
A Proud Moment for Kosovo
The Tourism Technology Festival in Salzburg became a platform for Kosovo’s youth to shine on a global stage. Their professionalism, innovation, and teamwork captured attention and admiration, showing that Kosovo’s future is being built by creative minds ready to make an impact worldwide.
Events like this highlight that the next generation of Kosovars are not only dreamers but doers, equipped with the technical knowledge and determination to contribute to a smarter, more connected, and sustainable world.