Ph.D. at Faculty for tourism and hospitality management, Croatia.
Karmen Mikulić is a dedicated academic and researcher specializing in Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality. Currently pursuing her PhD at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka, Croatia, she focuses on the intersections between the creative economy and tourism. With extensive professional experience in academia and project management, she brings a multidimensional perspective to her research and teaching. Beyond her academic endeavors, Karmen has a deep appreciation for art, which fuels her passion for cultural tourism and creative industries. She is also a devoted mother, successfully balancing her career and personal life with enthusiasm and dedication.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Karmen Mikulić embarked on her academic journey at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka, earning a Master of Economics degree in Tourism Management in 2007. She continued her educational advancement by enrolling in the PhD program in Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality at the same institution in 2019. Her dissertation explores the interrelations between the creative economy and tourism, with a focus on European Union countries. In addition to her formal education, she has attended numerous specialized training programs, including EU project management, business leadership, and research methodologies, enhancing her expertise in economic and tourism development.
Experience
With a robust professional background, Karmen Mikulić has been a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka, since 2019. In this role, she contributes to courses on macroeconomics and health tourism, integrating research with education. Before transitioning to academia, she amassed over a decade of experience in project management at Saipem S.p.A., a leading international energy company. Her responsibilities included procurement, contract accounting, and project oversight for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. This diverse experience has equipped her with a strategic understanding of economic development and project execution.
Research Interest
Karmen Mikulić’s research primarily focuses on the creative economy, creative tourism, economic growth, and regenerative tourism. She explores how creativity and innovation can drive sustainable economic development, particularly within the tourism sector. Her work aims to provide empirical evidence on the impact of cultural and creative industries on tourism competitiveness and destination attractiveness. Additionally, she examines the role of creative tourism in fostering cultural engagement, community development, and economic resilience, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Awards
Throughout her career, Karmen Mikulić has received recognition for her contributions to tourism research and economic studies. She has been nominated for academic and research excellence awards, highlighting her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. Her participation in international conferences and research projects has earned her accolades for innovative approaches to integrating creativity into tourism development. These recognitions underscore her influence as a thought leader in the field of tourism economics.
Publications
Mikulić, K., & Jelušić, A. (2025). Composite indices for the creative economy: a review and evaluation. Cultural Trends, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/09548963.2025.2459777
Jelušić, A., & Mikulić, K. (2023). Connecting tourism, economic growth, and quality of life: the case of Croatia. Ekonomski pregled, 74(6), 840-870. doi: 10.32910/ep.74.6.3
Mikulić, K. (2022). Book review: Creative tourism activating cultural resources and engaging creative travellers. Tourism and Hospitality Management, 28(3), 711-715. doi: 10.20867/thm.28.3.11
Mikulić, K., & Jelušić, A. (2021). Creative tourism as a contemporary tool for sustainable growth. EBOR Conference 2021 – 4th Economics, Business & Organization Research Conference, 57.
Mikulić, K., & Jelušić, A. (2021). Unlocking the potential of creative tourism to support tourism competitiveness. Economic and Social Development – 74th International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development, 151-163.
Božović, T., Miljković, J., & Mikulić, K. (2021). Goals and outcomes of slow tourism: Case study of Vojvodina province. ToSEE 2021 Conference Proceedings, 125-135. doi: 10.20867/tosee.06.9
Jelušić, A., & Mikulić, K. (2021). Enhancing competitiveness for economic and tourism growth: case of Croatia. ToSEE 2021 Conference Proceedings, 387-403. doi: 10.20867/tosee.06.26
Conclusion
Karmen Mikulić is a distinguished scholar whose research significantly contributes to the fields of tourism and creative economy. Her work integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, addressing contemporary challenges in tourism development and economic sustainability. With a strong academic background, extensive professional experience, and a passion for creativity, she continues to shape the discourse on tourism’s role in fostering economic and cultural growth. Her dedication to academia and industry engagement positions her as an influential figure in the field of tourism economics.