Kvarner: From Tourism Pioneer to Elite Destination and Hub for Premier Business Meetings and Opportunities

One of the assignments was to showcase to companies the nearest seaside destination and region that, within a compact area, offers an exceptional range of services tailored for MICE clients, along with a selection of employee benefits. Our partners—Hotel Miramare and Amadria Park Grand Hotel, together with friends from TZ Kvarner, TZ Opatija, and TZ Crikvenica—were not only incredibly warm and welcoming but also highly professional, giving us an impressive insight into everything the Kvarner region has to offer.

To begin with, it’s worth noting that Kvarner—a region rich in culture and history, and the birthplace of professional tourism—is located just 550 kilometers from Belgrade. It offers the closest and most convenient seaside getaway, reachable by car from Belgrade in just a few hours. This is truly a top-tier tourist destination, renowned for its exceptional gastronomy, a source of pride for the locals. During our visit with the companies, we explored the romantic town of Crikvenica as well as the “Old Lady” of tourism, the majestic and historic Opatija.

Upon arriving in Crikvenica, we discovered a small, cozy paradise—a charming town nestled right on the seafront. Accompanied by representatives of the local tourist board, we explored the region’s rich gastronomy, especially timely as Kvarner will be recognized as a European Region of Gastronomy in 2026. Lunch was hosted at the Burin Restaurant, followed by a short city tour, a scenic boat ride, and a Wine & Paint workshop combining art and wine. Our first hotel visit was to the Aminess Younique Narrivi Hotel, a boutique property located in the heart of Crikvenica, thoughtfully designed for luxurious relaxation.

The next hotel, and the one where we stayed, was the Miramare — a hotel with a century-long tradition of welcoming guests, exuding luxury and charm at first glance. The hotel was completely renovated a few years ago, subtly and stylishly, blending modern comfort with the timeless elegance of its historic architecture. Dinner was a spectacular showcase of flavors and culinary delights, hosted in the hotel’s restaurant. We enjoyed it in the company of hotel representatives, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their offerings for both leisure and corporate experiences.

The following day was dedicated to exploring Crikvenica, including the city museum and aquarium. Afterwards, we set off with hosts from the local tourist board toward Novi Vinodolski and the Pavlomir Winery. After a hearty lunch and a wine tasting, we enjoyed a brief interlude with a performance by a local traditional music ensemble. Refreshed and full of enthusiasm, we then continued our journey to Opatija.

Our accommodation was right in the heart of the city, at the Amadria Park Grand Hotel 4 Opatijska Cvijeta. After a welcome drink, we set out with a representative from the Opatija Tourist Board for a city tour. As we strolled through the streets, we discovered the many treasures Opatija holds and understood why it is rightly regarded as the finest destination in this part of the world. Dinner was organized at arguably the best restaurant on the coast, Plavi Podrum, where we enjoyed exquisite delicacies and a fine dining experience, accompanied by a representative from TZ Kvarner, soaking in the wonderful atmosphere.

The following day, we toured all the hotels within the Amadria Group, witnessing firsthand their impeccable and professional standards—both in hospitality and facilities. In one of the venues designed for meetings or conferences, we explored the full range of amenities and services that the hotel and destination can offer, not only to corporate clients but also to families and individual travelers.

We enjoyed lunch right on the waterfront at the Yacht Club Restaurant before visiting the modern Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton, located in the city center. After a brief refreshment, we continued to the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa Hotel. At the reception, hotel representatives welcomed us and gave a thorough tour, showcasing all the amenities and services available to their guests, including the rooms and villas within the resort.

Dinner was hosted in the impressive historic old town of Kastav, a place that perfectly blends unspoiled nature with the region’s rich historical heritage. Our hosts at the Kukuriku Restaurant served traditional Kvarner delicacies with a modern “twist,” presenting them in a creative and engaging way.

The final day was reserved for relaxation and enjoying the hotel’s spa facilities, after which we headed to our next destination. The saying “the smaller, the sweeter” was perfectly illustrated by the incredibly luxurious boutique hotel Ikador. The hotel representative showed us that, despite having only 16 rooms, this small property commands extraordinary attention. It is one of the few hotels proudly holding a Riva license—a luxury brand that, in only seven locations worldwide, features a unique lounge and pool bar alongside the iconic Riva Yacht speedboats.

After visiting Ikador, we explored the modern, minimalist-designed Navis Hotel, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The hotel is fully equipped to welcome not only leisure guests but also corporate clients and companies, providing excellent facilities for both relaxation and work. In addition to conference halls, the property offers a full range of amenities, including a restaurant with top-tier gastronomy. After lunch and a short break, we began our journey back to Belgrade.