An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Kvarner region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2026. After reviewing the bid book: Diversity is Beautiful submitted on 5 December 2023, the jury visited the region, 13-17 May 2024. The aim of the visit was to assess the region’s appropriateness and readiness to host the title in 2026. The jury will prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations to support the region’s journey.
During the visit, the jury met with more than 72 stakeholders from across the mountains, coast and islands such as local authorities, tourism directors, heritage experts, academics, business representatives, educationalists and local entities concerned with the development and protection of Kvarner as a gastronomic region. The jury was pleased to get to know so many stakeholders from public, private, third sector and academic institutions and applauded the efforts of all involved from many sectors in the strategies and plans for the region.
General comments
The jury was impressed by how the vision for Kvarner, European Region of Gastronomy 2026 has been inspired and reinforced by the Action Plan for the Development of Gastronomy in the Kvarner region, which places particular attention on hospitality and responsible destination management. The work of the Kvarner Regional Tourism Authority and Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management has been exceptional in this regard and provides a road map for how multiple sectors working together can ensure the sustainable food future for Kvarner and contribute to an excellent European Region of Gastronomy.
In particular, the jury commended the work of the Kvarner Tourism Board in engaging accommodation providers, food and wine producers, heritage managers, citizens, as well as educationalist across the region. The jury witnessed an emerging interest to preserve the wellness of local citizens as well as their landscapes, food and culture and are confident that if all sectors commit to the Action Plan for the Development of Gastronomy Kvarner will be able to achieve this. In particular, the jury recognised the leadership role of Peršić Živadinov, Director of Kvarner Tourism Board, her team and all the tourism managers from across the region that they met because of their committed to responsible and balanced tourism management. Notable thanks go to all the tourist boards in Kvarner Region, and especially to Opatija Tourist Board; Gorski Kotar Tourist Board; Kastav Tourist Board; Rab Tourist Board; Cres Tourist Board; Lošinj Tourist Board; Krk Island Tourist Board; Vrbnik Tourist Board; Crikvenica Tourist Board; Vinodol Tourist Board; Kraljevica Tourist Board; Rijeka Tourist Board as well as Primorje-Gorski Kotar County; Fužine Municipality; and Cres Municipality.
The jury also commended the work of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management for educating on all levels for a higher-quality and responsible tourism. The Faculty’s research work on gastronomy and sustainability has ensured that the Action Plan for the Development of Gastronomy in the Kvarner Region and the concrete action plans contained within are based on knowledge and evidence.
While there is rich and beautiful diversity to be experienced across the region, the jury also appreciated an emerging common theme about health, well-being, vitality and the importance of local food, medicinal herbs, honey and pure water. These were seen throughout the visit and in particularly during the impressive guided tour of Opatija’s Park Angiolina – Botanical Garden; the visit to Collection Olive Grove on the Trail of Centuries Old Olive Grows on the island of Cres, the Agricultural Cooperative Cres; the House of Nature “Kotač” and in Lošinj`s Fragrant Garden as well as through the important activities of the Association of Beekeepers.
The jury were also impressed by the investment, creativity and innovation with regard to heritage interpretation and they applauded efforts made to connect these to food experiences in interesting ways, as witnessed in Apoxyomenos Museum (Lošinj), Nerezinac Lugger Sailing Interpretation Centre, Frankopan Interpretation Centre at Nova Kraljevica Castle (Kraljevica) and the Rijeka City Museum – Sugar Refinery Palace (Rijeka). On this note, the jury enjoyed the professionalism and knowledge of all the official guides that shared their immense knowledge and love for the region.
The jury agreed that one of the strongest assets within the region is the quantity and quality of indigenous plants (grapes, olives and herbs) and, in particularly the exclusive grape varieties that they were able to discover. The jury were impressed by the exceptionally high-quality wines and congratulate the wineries for their dedication and collaborate through the Association of Wineries and Winemakers and were impressed by the general consensus that wineries can support their local communities more by making sure their wine is exclusive for locals and visitors.
The jury noted the great role that the hospitality sector is playing, and the role that Kvarner Quality Labels will play in helping visitors to identify where they can buy local. The jury expect many more restaurants, wineries, accommodation providers and events across the region will be recognized for their quality and commitment to local food in the future. The jury were pleased to see that Kvarner’s new labels will ensure that good food, across the range, is available for everyone.
On this note, the jury wish to thank everyone that provided incredible food, hospitality and generosity throughout the visit and especially: Bitoraj Hotel & Restaurant; Heritage Hotel and Restaurant Kukuriku; Plavi Podrum restaurant; Navis Boutique & Design Hotel; Agricultural Cooperative Cres; EVOO Macmalić; Dairy Farm Loznati and Bukaleta tavern; Moby Dick Gelateria; Ružić Winery; Plovanić Winery; Wines Komadina; Nada Restaurant and Winery; Katunar Estate Winery; Gospoja; Šipun Winery; Agricultural Cooperative Vrbnik; “šurlice” home-made pasta presentation; Eva restaurant; Lošinj Hotels & Villas – Villa Alhambra; Alfred Keller Restaurant; Dida Restaurant; Na Kantunu tavern; Heritage Hotel Imperial, Opatija; Boutique Hotel Esplanade, Crikvenica; and Boutique & Design Hotel Navis, Opatija.
The jury noted the important role of the ambassadors for their commitment to protecting and promoting the regional food, as well as their efforts to raise the visibility of the candidacy.
The jury furthermore wanted to thank each and every person they met that collectively and by working together for the region have created a wonderful impression of Kvarner as a world-class gastronomic destination:
Irena Peršić Živadinov, Director Kvarner Region Tourist Board
Renata Vincek, Head of Projects Management Kvarner Region Tourist Board
Irina Ban, Gastronomy Projects Associate Kvarner Region Tourist Board
Alessandra Ban, Head of Department for tourism, entrepreneurship and rural development Primorje-Gorski kotar county
Dora Smolčić Jurdana, PhD, Tenure Professor, Head of Institute of Tourism, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Greta Krešić, PhD., Tenure Professor, Head of Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Marko Perić, Ph.D., Full Professor and Dean, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Siniša Bogdan, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Vice Dean for International Cooperation, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Krešimir Mikinac, Ph. D., Assistant Professor Head of the Institute of Hospitality, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Ana Čuić Tanković, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Marketing, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Žarko Stilin, Kvarner Wines Ambassador
Marinko Kauzlarić, ambassador and owner, Bitoraj Hotel & Restaurant
Nenad Kukurin, ambassador and owner Heritage Hotel and Restaurant Kukuriku
Davor Andrić, ambassador from the island of Rab
Egle Katunar, Ivan Katunar Wine House and ambassador
Vlasta Brozičević MD, ambassador and owner of Terme Selce Clinic
Daniela Kramarić, ambassador and owner of Plavi Podrum restaurant
Kruno Kapetanović, ambassador and owner of Navis Boutique & Design Hotel
Petar Hrg, Director, Gorski kotar Tourist Board
Saša Brusić, Director, Kastav Tourist Board
Emma Superina, representative, Opatija Tourist Board
Ivana Matušan, Director Rab Tourist Board
Zeljka Stašić, Director, Cres Tourist Board
Zrinka Masalin, Marketing Manager, Lošinj Tourist Board
Dalibor Cvitković, Director, Lošinj Tourist Board
Nino Čutul, Director, Vrbnik Tourist Board
Marijana Biondić, Director, Crikvenica Tourist Board
Gordana Jelenović, Marketing Manager, Crikvenica Tourist Board
Alenka Spoja, Director, Vinodol Tourist Board
Jelena Mateševac Skočilić, Director, Kraljevica Tourist Board
Petar Skarpa, Director, Rijeka Tourist Board
Antonija Kardum, representative of Rijeka Tourist Board
Silvija Sobol, Director, Department for Tourism, Fužine Municipality
Marin Gregorović, Mayor of Cres Municipality
Prof. Dražen Lušić, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Health Studies of the University of Rijeka, and President of the Beekeepers Association of Primorje-Gorski kotar County
Irina Tomić, President of the Board, Jadran dd Crikvenica
Miroslav Palinkaš, winemaker and President of the Kvarner Wines Association
Franko Ružić, winemaker, Ružić Winery
Dejan Rubeša, winemaker, Plovanić Winery
Marko Komadina, Wines Komadina
Ivan Juranić, Nada Winery
Toni Katunar, Katunar Estate Winery
Anton Brusić, Gospoja
Ivica Dobrinčić, Winery Šipun
Denis Matanić, Agricultural Cooperative Vrbnik
Emil Brusić, oenologist
Željka Dobrinčić, presenter of “šurlice” home-made pasta
Jelena Milošević, Beekeeper and producer
Vid Arbanas, producer, House of nature “Kotač”
Mateo Ferarić, Agricultural Cooperative Cres
Daniele Surdić, producer and certified taster, EVOO Macmalić
Sandra Nicolich, owner, Lošinj`s Fragrant Garden
Bruno Žic, Producer, Dairy farm Loznati
Vesna Jakić, President, Ruta Wool&Design Association
Petar Goleš, Moby Dick Gelateria
Zrinka Ettinger Starčić, Director, Lošinj Museum of Apoxyomenos
Karlo Asl, Captain, Nerezinac Lugger
Sandra Polić Živković, Heritage Interpreter at the Routes of the Frankopans, Nova Kraljevica Castle Interpretation Centre
Daria Dadić, Museum Curator, Rijeka City Museum – Sugar Refinery Palace
Marijan Mavrić, local painter
Dušan Rebernik, President, Fishing Association Arbun
Josip Pizent, local fisherman
Katarina Mureta, Association of pensioners of the City of Crikvenica and the Municipality of Vinodol
Daliborka Todorović, Director, Vladimir Nazor school
Desire Pečaver, Director Vladmir Car school
Mario Šubat, owner, Eva restaurant
Daniel Kućica, owner, Bukaleta restaurant
Michael Gollenz, chef, Alfred Keller Restaurant
Zoran Pejović, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer Jadranka Tourism – Lošinj Hotels & VIllas
Mario Bobanović, Corporate Culinary Chef, Jadranka Tourism – Lošinj Hotels & VIllas
Dida Restaurant
Na Kantunu Tavern
Heritage Hotel Imperial, Opatja
Villa Alhambra, Lošinj
Boutique Hotel Esplanade, Crikvenica
Boutique & Design Hotel Navis, Opatja
Marina Iskra, guide
Livio Karavanić, guide
Branka Fugošić, guide
Sandra Bandera, guide
The jury wish to note that the Award will give extra stimulus for the stakeholders to continue and deepen their cooperation; share knowledge and cross-marketing opportunities with other awarded and candidate Regions of Gastronomy, thus providing international visibility.
Recommendation
The jury appreciated that the bid:
- integrates the six different focus areas of IGCAT;
- has had a genuine development with multiple stakeholders participating;
- includes plans for Kvarner’s participation in IGCAT joint projects that show a commitment to the European dimension;
- presents a long-term lasting legacy for the region;
- shows a strong commitment from the regional partners to sustainability and quality food products.
The jury agreed that the exceptional food and hospitality found in Kvarner, the culture and indeed harmony of culture, heritage and well-being makes Kvarner’s application extremely strong.
Therefore, based on the written application and visit to the region, the jury decided that Kvarner region should be recommended for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
The jury will submit in the coming weeks their recommendations to the region and IGCAT will approve this recommendation at the next IGCAT Advisory Forum scheduled for 26 June 2024.
The jury very much hope to see preparations unfold for the region’s Award Ceremony this year, which will be an opportunity to share Kvarner’s food treasures with the world.
Jury composition
Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President accompanied the independent jury to ensure that all financial, governance and legal aspects will ensure a long-term legacy for the region. The independent jury members were:
Barbara Zmrzlikar, from Slovenia European Region of Gastronomy 2021 and IGCAT expert on tourism focussed her attention on innovation, creativity, tourism and job opportunities;
Jaume Gomila, from Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022 and IGCAT Expert on Culture and Education who focussed his attention on culture, citizen engagement, empowerment and educational initiatives;
Jens Storli, from Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of gastronomy 2022 and IGCAT expert on Local Strategy Development and Communication, focussed his attention on visibility, communication, marketing, legacy and evaluation;
Sari Kaasinen, Executive Manager Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy 2024 focussed her attention on environment and sustainability.
The press conference was held on 17 May 2024, at the beautifully designed Navis Boutique & Design Hotel in Opatija and the recommendation was given to Kvarner Region Tourist Board with compliments to their outstanding work.
About the World/ European Region of Gastronomy Award
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is the operative institute that oversees the management and coordination of the World and European Region of Gastronomy Award. IGCAT believes that cross-sectoral collaboration will help regions find solutions to current day challenges and thus, the Award is not only given because a region has great gastronomy but because the whole region is working together to create a more sustainable food future. IGCAT encourages not only hospitality industries to participate but everyone across the whole eco-system including public, private, NGO and academic institutions.
The first step in applying for the Award is to bring these different entities together. The next stage is to create a bid book that pulls together as many great initiatives as possible so that people within the region themselves can begin to appreciate how rich their resources are. The third stage is a jury visit that concludes with a recommendation for IGCAT Board and a report to help the region in preparing a successful journey.
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and ultimately they contribute to community health and well-being.
