A big day for Kvarner delighted several hundred partners, guests and media representatives!
The Kvarner Tourist Board showed in one day why it is the leader in quality and excellence in the tourist offer of the leading tourist destination in Croatia
In just a few hours of a superbly and impeccably organized event organized by the Kvarner Tourist Board and in cooperation with the Croatian Tourist Board, Kvarner showed the best of the best, thus marking 30 years of activity in an excellent way. As part of this, awards were presented to the best employees, long-time collaborators and other laureates, a ceremony was held to award the title Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026, and the new brochure „Guide to Flavors from Sea to Mountains“ was promoted, through a tasting walk through the flavors of Kvarner prepared on site by about twenty chefs.
Celebrating 30 years of the Kvarner Tourist Board
The Kvarner Tourist Board celebrated three decades of dedicated work on the development of Kvarner as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia and beyond.
„"Over three decades, Kvarner has become a symbol of success, quality and innovation in tourism. This celebration is not only a reminder of everything we have achieved, but also an inspiration for further steps towards the future," said the director Ph.D. Persic Zivadinov.
Deputy Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Marina Medarić, addressed those present and thanked them for their contribution to a successful tourist year, emphasizing that it was in Kvarner that tourism began.
Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), joined in the congratulations and praise, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders in the development of Kvarner as a recognizable and successful destination, and especially the cooperation between the HTZ and the Kvarner Tourist Board on the development and branding of gastronomy.
State Secretary at MINTS, Monika Udovičić, recognized Kvarner for its exceptional successes and joined in congratulating all its stakeholders.
Kvarner Tourism Day served as an opportunity to highlight key projects, successes and achievements. Thanks to the vision, strategy, commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, Kvarner is today writing a successful year-round story, setting a quality example that inspires world tourist destinations.
Awarding of the title Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official awarding of the title "Kvarner - European Region of Gastronomy 2026", which was presented to the director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, Irena Peršić Živadinov, by Jaume Gomila, a board member of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism). In his speech, he emphasized the exceptional beauty of the region, its diversity, discipline and dedicated work that have secured this prestigious title for Kvarner.
The valuable title is a confirmation of work, authenticity and quality, the combination of tradition and innovation, and will certainly further strengthen Kvarner's position on the European tourism scene.
„"This title opens up new opportunities for our region, both in terms of promoting our gastronomy and in creating new tourist experiences for all visitors," she emphasized. Ph.D. Persic Zivadinov.
Kvarner, as a European region of gastronomy, is ready to offer guests from all over the world unique experiences that are one of the most important reasons for coming to the destination.
Award-winning individuals and destinations
As part of the event, awards were given for exceptional tourism successes and results. The names of individuals, institutions and business entities that have been recognized at the national level through the "Man - the Key to Success" campaign were also highlighted. Special thanks and awards were given to the previous presidents of the Tourist Council, Supervisory and Business Boards, who, through their many years of participation, have significantly contributed to the development of the destination and the Kvarner Tourist Board itself.
„"These awards are our gratitude to all those who make Kvarner special. Without their dedication, passion and effort, our tourism would not be what it is today," emphasized the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board. Ph.D. Irena Peršić Živadinov.
New brochure "Guide to flavors from sea to mountains" and gastronomic promotion of Kvarner
After the protocol part, the guests were presented with the diversity of Kvarner gastronomy through a unique concept. Visitors tasted dishes from eight Kvarner subregions through an interpreted, tasting walk through authentic flavors, prepared by about twenty chefs. Students of the "Hospitality School" from Opatija helped in the catering part and learned how to organize a demanding event. Wines of indigenous Kvarner varieties accompanied the flavors, and this wine side of the "Kvarner Wines" story was presented by ten sommeliers.
The promotional brochure "Guide to Tastes from Sea to Mountains" was presented, which is the result of many years of work by the Kvarner Tourist Board on the development and promotion of local gastronomy, as well as extensive analytical and research work. The brochure is printed in 4 languages, Croatian, English, Italian and German.
Kvarner Tourism Day 2024 confirmed Kvarner's status as one of the leading tourist regions that, through visionary action, achieves significant results and achieves visibility on the global market.
The celebration of 30 years of the Kvarner Tourist Board, the official awarding of the title "European Region of Gastronomy 2026" and awards for contributions to tourism, along with a new approach to promoting gastronomy through a new brochure, are just the beginning of new opportunities for Kvarner, a region of gastronomy, a region of experiences, a region with a strong tourism vision.
