Official Kvarner County Tourism Office website

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A great day for Kvarner amazed several hundred partners, guests, and media representatives!

12.12.2024.

30th Anniversary of the Kvarner Tourist Board

The Kvarner Tourist Board celebrated three decades of dedicated work in developing Kvarner as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia and beyond.

"Kvarner has become a symbol of success, quality, and innovation in tourism over the past three decades. This celebration is not only a reminder of all we have achieved, but also an inspiration for the next steps towards the future," said director Dr. Irena Peršić Živadinov.

The Deputy Governor of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Marina Medarić, addressed the attendees, thanking them for their contributions to the successful tourism year, and emphasized that tourism actually began in Kvarner.

Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), joined in with congratulations and praise, highlighting the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the development of Kvarner as a recognizable and successful destination, particularly the collaboration between HTZ and the Kvarner Tourist Board in the development and branding of gastronomy.

The State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Monika Udovičić, acknowledged Kvarner for its exceptional achievements and joined in the congratulations to all of its stakeholders.

Kvarner Tourism Day served as an opportunity to highlight key projects, successes, and accomplishments. Thanks to the vision, strategy, commitment, and collaboration of all stakeholders, Kvarner today writes a successful year-round story, setting a quality example that inspires even global tourist destinations.

Awarding of the title "Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026"

The highlight of the event was the official awarding of the title "Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026", 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 highlighted the exceptional beauty of the region, its diversity, discipline, and dedicated work, which secured Kvarner this prestigious title.

This valuable title is a confirmation of the work, authenticity, and quality, blending tradition and innovation, and will undoubtedly strengthen Kvarner’s position on the European tourist scene.

"This title opens new opportunities for our region, both in terms of promoting our gastronomy and in creating new tourism experiences for all visitors," emphasized Dr. Peršić Živadinov.

As the European Region of Gastronomy, Kvarner is ready to offer guests from around the world unique experiences, which are one of the most important reasons to visit the destination.

Awarded Individuals and Destinations

As part of the event, awards were presented for exceptional tourism successes and achievements. The names of individuals, institutions, and business entities who have been recognized on a national level through the "Human – Key to Success" initiative were highlighted. Special thanks and recognition were given to the former presidents of the Tourist Council, the Supervisory and Business Boards, who, through their long-term participation, significantly contributed to the development of the destination and the Kvarner Tourist Board itself.

"These awards are our way of thanking 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, Dr. Irena Peršić Živadinov.

New Brochure "Guide to Tastes from Sea to Mountains" and Gastronomic Promotion of Kvarner

Following the formal part of the event, guests were introduced to the diversity of Kvarner's gastronomy through a unique concept. Visitors experienced an interpreted, degustation walk through authentic flavors, prepared by twenty chefs, tasting dishes from eight subregions of Kvarner. Students from the "Hospitality School" in Opatija helped with the catering part and learned about the organization of such a demanding event. Wines from indigenous Kvarner grape varieties complemented the flavors, with ten sommeliers presenting the wine aspect of the "Kvarner Wines" story.

The promotional brochure "Guide to Tastes from Sea to Mountains" was presented, the result of many years of work by the Kvarner Tourist Board on developing and promoting local gastronomy, as well as extensive analytical and research work. The brochure is printed in four languages: Croatian, English, Italian, and German.

Kvarner Tourism Day 2024 confirmed Kvarner's status as one of the leading tourist regions, achieving significant results and gaining visibility on the global market.

The 30th anniversary celebration of the Kvarner Tourist Board, the official awarding of the title "European Region of Gastronomy 2026", the awards for contributions to tourism, and a new approach to gastronomic promotion through the new brochure are just the beginning of new opportunities for Kvarner – a region of gastronomy, a region of experiences, and a region with a strong tourist vision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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