Student Volunteering for Sustainable Tourism

On 22 October 2026, students from the Department of Tourism at the Faculty of Central European Studies UKF in Nitra, took part in a study trip to the village of Vojka nad Dunajom and the Gabčíkovo Waterworks, led by lecturers RNDr. PaedDr. Ján Veselovský, PhD. and Mgr. Rozália Hervay. In the village of Vojka nad Dunajom, the students were welcomed by the mayor, Ing. Donald Álló, who explained how the local council operates, the current development challenges and opportunities for tourism development.

A key part of the programme was the volunteering activity as part of the international Erasmus+ SmartTourismAcademy project: Preparing the Next Generation of Tourism Professionals (project no.: 2025-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000362455), coordinated by the Department of Tourism at the Faculty of Central European Studies UKF in Nitra. The project promotes modern education in green and regenerative tourism and links students’ knowledge to the practical challenges of sustainable development.

The students planted fruit trees on the grounds of the local nursery school and collected litter along the Danube in the surrounding natural areas. Volunteering enabled them to contribute directly to the upkeep of the village and its surroundings. At the same time, it showed that even small community initiatives can improve residents’ quality of life and enhance the environment where locals and visitors spend their leisure time. This volunteering experience thus encourages students to think about innovations in tourism services that respect visitors' needs, promote shared experiences across generations, and are environmentally friendly.

Volunteering also has an international dimension within the SmartTourismAcademy project. Project partners organise similarly focused activities in their own countries. They aim to involve students in local community life, strengthen the practical skills of future tourism professionals, and create opportunities for partners to exchange experiences and examples of good practice.

Following the voluntary activity, the students also visited the Jazero Vojka leisure area, where they learnt about the recreational opportunities offered by the lake and its surroundings. Next, they visited the Gabčíkovo Waterworks, where they learnt about its importance for water transport, electricity generation, water management, and tourism. The expert commentary also covered Žitný Ostrov, its water resources and natural assets. The excursion enabled the students to link theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to better understand the connections between regional development, tourism and environmental protection. The voluntary activity also raised their environmental awareness and reinforced the principles of sustainable development.

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