Central Dalmatia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism), confirming its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. The signing was celebrated during the 29th Platform Meeting hosted by Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2025 – from 5–9 May 2025 – marking an important step for the region as it joined the Platform and engaged in meaningful knowledge exchange with fellow candidate and awarded regions.
The agreement was signed by Ivana Vladović, Director of the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County, in the presence of Maja Franetović, also representing the Tourist Board and Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT. Dalmatia now embarks on its candidacy journey with the aim to highlight and share its rich culinary heritage and cultural identity with a broader European and global audience. Later this month, a jury of independent IGCAT experts will visit Central Dalmatia to assess its candidacy and readiness to host the title in 2027, one year after Kvarner region, also from Croatia.
Central Dalmatia enters the candidacy process with the ambition to preserve and promote its gastronomic authenticity and agricultural biodiversity, while benefitting from the insights and examples shared by other Regions of Gastronomy during the Platform Meeting. The region aims to balance tradition with innovation, safeguarding its culinary heritage while envisioning new models of sustainable tourism and food systems.
Kvarner, awarded the title for 2026 and represented by Dr. Irena Peršić Živadinov, Director of the Kvarner Region Tourist Board, fully supports Dalmatia’s candidacy as something truly wonderful for Croatia. “We genuinely hope that, if Central Dalmatia is selected, new opportunities for cross-marketing and collaboration will emerge for the benefit of all our regions because Croatia is so rich in gastronomy,” said Peršić Živadinov.
“We are thrilled to welcome Central Dalmatia into the World Regions of Gastronomy Platform as a candidate for the 2027 European title. Each region brings something unique, and we look forward to discovering the cultural and culinary treasures that Dalmatia has to offer,” stated Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President.
Ivana Vladović noted the importance of learning from others while cultivating Dalmatia’s unique strengths: “It is a moment for reflection, collaboration, and mutual support. The exchange of knowledge from regions all over the world, whether awarded or candidates, is a tremendous asset for all of us.”
As the region begins its journey towards the title, it joins IGCAT’s growing Platform of regions dedicated to safeguarding culinary heritage and reimagining food roles in tourism, education and community well-being.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/European 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; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.
