Romana Lekić

Dr. Romana Lekić is a Professor and Head of the Department of Tourism at Edward Bernays College in Zagreb. She also holds a permanent position as a Professor of Professional Studies and is a Member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts' Scientific Board for Tourism and Space. Her extensive career includes roles as Chair of the Tourism Department and Deputy Dean for Development at the former Ven Institute, now integrated into Edward Bernays College. She earned her doctorate in Cultural Anthropology from Zagreb's Faculty of Philosophy with a thesis on Croatia's traditional heritage and cultural tourism.

Her research focuses on transformative tourism, cultural heritage interpretation, and sustainable development. Key areas include revitalizing rural tourism through water resources, religious tourism case studies (e.g., Križevci), and integrating intangible cultural heritage into destination branding. She actively participates in EU-funded cultural and tourism projects, emphasizing community engagement and diaspora connections through initiatives like the Glagolitic Colony project in Plomin, which won international awards.

Lekić has authored over 70 academic publications, delivered keynote speeches at international conferences, and taught at institutions in Slovenia and Montenegro. She mentors tourism professionals and has reviewed over 200 student theses. Professional affiliations include AZVO (Higher Education Accreditation Agency), the Croatian Tourist Board (UHPA), and various cultural organizations such as the Glagolitic Society and the Kamelija Opatija Society.

Her awards include the 2020 Milenijski Competition First Prize and the 'Simply the best' tourism award for her innovative heritage projects. She advocates for education in experience economy principles and transformative leadership, combining academic rigor with practical tourism management strategies.