December the 16th, 2024 – Kvarner has been crowned with the title of European gastronomic destination, which has spotlighted the entire region where Croatian tourism actually first began.
As Morski writes, the Kvarner Tourist Board recently celebrated three decades of dedicated work on the development of the region as one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Croatia and beyond.
“Over the past three decades, Kvarner has become a symbol of success, quality and innovation in tourism. This celebration isn’t merely a reminder of everything we’ve achieved thus far, it’s also an inspiration for further steps towards the future,” said the Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, Dr. Irena Peršić Živadinov.
Kvarner Tourism Day served as an opportunity to highlight key projects, successes and achievements in the region. Thanks to the vision, strategy, commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, Kvarner can now boast of writing a successful year-round story, setting a quality example that inspires tourist destinations around the world.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official awarding of the title “Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026”. Kvarner being crowned as the European gastronomic destination is a fantastic step forward for this part of Croatia on the wider European stage. The award was presented to the Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board by Jaume Gomila, a member of the board of the International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism. In his speech, he emphasised the beauty of the entire region, as well as the hard work that secured Kvarner the European gastronomic destination title, Radio Rijeka reports.
“Kvarner being awarded the European gastronomic title opens up new opportunities for this region, both in terms of promoting local gastronomy and in creating new tourist experiences for everyone,” emphasised Dr. Peršić Živadinov.
As part of the event, awards were handed out for exceptional tourism success and excellent results. The names of individuals, institutions and business entities that have been recognised at the national level through the “The Human – The Key to Success” campaign were also highlighted.
Special thanks and recognition were given to the previous presidents of the Tourist Council, Supervisory and Business Boards, who, with their many years of participation, have significantly contributed to the development of the destination and the Kvarner Tourist Board itself.
“These awards also make us show our gratitude to all those who make Kvarner special. Without their dedication, passion and effort, tourism here wouldn’t be what it is today,” emphasised the director of the Croatian Tourist Board.
Guests were then presented with the diversity of Kvarner’s food scene through a unique concept. Visitors tasted dishes from eight Kvarner sub-regions through an interpreted, tasting walk through authentic flavours, prepared by about twenty chefs. Wines made from native Kvarner varieties of grape accompanied the flavours, and this wine side of the “Kvarner Wines” story was presented by ten sommeliers.
Kvarner Tourism Day 2024 confirmed Kvarner’s status as one of the leading tourist regions that, through visionary action, achieves significant results and visibility on the global market. Deputy County Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Marina Medarić, addressed the audience and thanked them for their contribution to a successful tourism year, highlighting how Croatian tourism began right there in Kvarner.
Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić joined in the congratulations and praise, emphasising the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders in the development of Kvarner as a recognisable and successful destination. He especially highlighted the cooperation between the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Kvarner Tourist Board in the development and branding of gastronomy.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Monika Udovičić, acknowledged Kvarner for its exceptional successes and joined in the congratulations sent out to all its stakeholders.
