Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) at the International Business School – Bridging Education, Tourism, and Sustainable Development

From May 12 to 16, 2025, the International Business School (IBS) in Sofia served as the coordinator and the host of two Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ Programme. These two initiatives took place simultaneously and brought together participants from various countries, academic disciplines, and institutions through a combination of virtual learning and short-term mobility. The topics focused on sustainable tourism, logistics, and market forecasting within the context of global challenges. With this event, IBS contributed to the development of innovative educational and intercultural practices and reaffirmed its active role in European academic and professional collaboration.

The two programmes – “Tourism, Logistics and Managerial Decisions – the Challenges of Global Uncertainties” and “Tourism, Supply Chains and Forecasting of Market Developments” – brought together over 50 participants from Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal, and Greece. They began with a virtual component on April 30 and continued with short-term physical mobility held at the modern Distance Learning Centre of IBS in Sofia. “It is an honor for us to welcome young people and lecturers from four European countries here at IBS. I believe that the international cooperation that begins today will leave a lasting impact not only on the academic and professional development of the participants but also in the building of intercultural, professional, and transversal competences – a key element for successful realization in today’s interconnected and dynamic world. This event reflects our commitment to contemporary, open, and interdisciplinary education based on collaboration, exchange of experience, and innovation. I hope this week will be a time for learning, inspiration, and new friendships – the beginning of sustainable partnerships and ideas that will grow in the spirit of Erasmus+ and build upon the opportunities created during the programme,” said Assist. Prof. Dr. Irina Topuzova, Erasmus+ Coordinator at IBS, during the programme’s opening.

A key focus was placed on applying modern approaches in tourism management, sustainable logistics practices, and analytical methods for forecasting amid global economic uncertainty. Through practical workshops, lectures, and field research, participants explored real-life scenarios and proposed innovative solutions with the potential to transform the industry. The programmes were delivered with the active participation of faculty and researchers from international partner institutions, including:

• Prof. Dr. Preslav Dimitrov, BIP coordinator and expert in sustainable tourism and international markets;
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stella Baltova, former Minister of Tourism and Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation at IBS;
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Irina Topuzova, Erasmus+ coordinator and lecturer in organizational psychology, leadership, cross-cultural psychology, and more;
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Atanaska Cholakova, head of the IBS publishing house and lecturer in ethics and scientific communication;
• Prof. José Carlos Martins from ISVOUGA, Portugal;
• Prof. Dimitris Aidonis, Dr. Naoum Tsolakis, and Assoc. Prof. Charisios Akilas from the International Hellenic University;
• Dr. Monika Ziółko and Katarzyna Ściecina from Cracow University of Economics.

The topics covered a broad spectrum – from forecasting methods in tourism and electromobility to sustainable supply chain management, circular economy, project management, and open science. The sessions included interactive lectures, discussions, and simulation games through which participants explored current challenges and innovative solutions in the context of global business and societal transformation.

The programme offered a rich experience that combined academic content with cultural and social highlights. Participants took part in field training in Sofia, visiting the National History Museum and the Boyana Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the learning sessions, students engaged in social games, discussion forums, and certification ceremonies that fostered a strong sense of belonging to the European academic community.

The final day of the programme was marked by an atmosphere of recognition, shared experiences, and intercultural connection. The international students and lecturers received certificates of participation, marking the successful completion of the intensive modules. The ceremony became a symbolic conclusion, highlighting not only the academic contributions but also the professional and friendly connections formed. With the implementation of the two BIP programmes, IBS demonstrated its commitment to international academic cooperation, practice-oriented learning, and the integration of European educational values. The programmes reinforced the university’s position as an institution actively engaged in building bridges between knowledge and practice, academia and industry, Bulgaria and the European educational space.

“Our goal is to prepare students who think globally, act sustainably, and adapt confidently to a dynamic world. We believe that it is precisely through such international initiatives that young people develop skills that transcend the boundaries of academic knowledge – communication, teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and innovation,” emphasized Prof. Preslav Dimitrov, lecturer at IBS, during the closing ceremony. He expressed confidence that the successful implementation of the programmes is only the beginning of even more active international cooperation and exchange.