STUDENT CHALLENGE

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

Are you ready to step into the shoes of a Mobility Innovation Officer for a premium 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 — ideally in Zagreb, but you’re welcome to choose any destination in Croatia, from coastal resorts to rural escapes.

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 before live event
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 for submission of solutions: November 23, 2025

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.