STUDENT CHALLENGE

Join the BEST STAY 2026 Student Challenge: Design the Future of Travel!

Presented by BEST STAY & Sponsored by PAVE EUROPE

Are you ready to step into the shoes of a Mobility Innovation Officer for a top destination? Want to showcase your creativity and lead the next big shift in how people move through cities, resorts, and hotels?

This is your chance to stand out — and help shape the future of hospitality and tourism with autonomous vehicles (AVs).

The Challenge

This year, you’ll design a pilot project that integrates autonomous vehicles into the tourism and hospitality ecosystem of either Zagreb or a coastal resort.

Your solution can target guests, locals, staff, or all three — from last-mile transport and sightseeing experiences to hotel logistics and airport shuttles.

But it must be smart, inclusive, sustainable — and ready to launch by 2030.

Why Join?

  • Network with Tourism and Tech Leaders - Meet decision-makers from hotels, destinations, councils, and AV innovators.

  • Shape What’s Next - Help redefine guest experiences, hospitality careers, and sustainable mobility.

  • Stand Out Professionally - Add a real-world, future-facing project to your portfolio and CV.

What’s In It for You?

  • Present your concept live on stage at Best Stay 2026

  • Get mentorship from mobility and tourism leaders

  • Gain recognition from PAVE EUROPE and global partners

  • Win exclusive prizes and professional endorsements

Your Mission

Act as the Mobility Innovation Officer of a destination and develop a feasible, impactful AV pilot. Your solution must support:

  • Tourism and hospitality operations

  • Local communities and sustainability goals

  • New job roles and skills for the future

What You Need To Submit

  • 2-page concept document with your AV use-case, stakeholders, job roles, and impact

  • Visual storyboard (PDF or PPT) showing the guest/local journey

  • 1-minute video pitching your idea in your own voice

Deadline: [INSERT DEADLINE]

This is the event you don’t want to miss!

If you're passionate about mobility, technology, and hospitality — and want to be part of real change — the BEST STAY 2026 Student Challenge is for you.

STUDENT CHALLENGE PARTNERS

Samsung logo in black and white with bold letters.
CROATIA AIRLINES logo with the phrase "A STAR ALLIANCE MEMBER" beneath it.

Deadline: October 31, 2025

You can find the rulebook here.

Learn more about our partners at: PAVE EUROPE, BWH Hotels, Croatia Airlines

The logo of BWTHots, featuring the text 'BWTHots' in white letters on a transparent background with a vertical line and a star in the middle.

STUDENT CHALLENGE JURY

  • Black and white portrait of a man with short dark hair, wearing a pinstripe suit and tie, looking directly at the camera.

    Kristian Šustar

    CEO and Member of Management Board, Jadran hoteli Rijeka, Croatia

  • Black-and-white photo of a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a blazer and a necklace, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression, in an indoor setting with glass walls.

    Ana Bogović

    Hotel Manager, Hilton Hotels Zagreb, Croatia

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length hair stands with crossed arms in front of a wall with the word 'travel' partially visible.

    Antonija Šarić

    Talent&Culture Manager, Movenpick, Croatia

  • A smiling man in a suit standing in front of a wall of framed photos, with one hand resting on a piano.

    David Taylor

    CEO & President of Management Board, Adriatic Luxury Hotels, Croatia

  • Black and white portrait of a woman in professional attire with long hair, smiling confidently with arms crossed.

    Katica Šamija

    HR Director, Aminess Hotels & Resorts, Croatia

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with short, styled hair, wearing a dark top with sheer sleeve details and light pants with a dotted pattern, posing with her hand near her face against a plain background.

    Martina Lucić Čanak

    Director, Best Stay Event, Croatia

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with short hair resting her chin on her crossed arms in front of a simple background.

    Dinka Krčelić

    CEO, Trainer and Executive Coach, Projectus grupa, Croatia

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling man with beard and short hair, wearing a white collared shirt.

    Rusmir Rieger

    Cluster Operations Manager, Numa, Germany

  • Ivona Meissner BWH Hotels Best Stay Event 2025

    Ivona Meissner

    Area Director Austria & Central Eastern Europe, BWH Hotels Central Europe, Austria

  • Takuya Aoyama Hyatt Best Stay Event 2025

    Takuya Aoyama

    Vice President, Development, Hyatt International (EAME) LLC, Switzerland

  • Yvonne Tesch Falkensteiner Best Stay Event 2025

    Yvonne Tesch

    Group Director of Quality, People Development & Operational Excellence, Falkensteiner, Austria