Kvarner’s gastronomic story returns to Croatia Airlines flights

Croatia Airlines, in cooperation with the Kvarner Tourist Board, is continuing the successful implementation of the “Flavours of Kvarner” project this year. This unique initiative combines travel and gastronomy, bringing passengers closer to the authentic flavours of Kvarner. From 1 April to 31 July 2026, passengers on Croatia Airlines flights will be able to enjoy specially designed meals inspired by Kvarner cuisine, which blends coastal, island and mountain flavours.

The meals are packaged in specially designed boxes featuring distinctive and attractive Kvarner motifs. Each box includes a QR code allowing passengers to download the Visit Kvarner app and explore the destination during the flight itself. The selection includes products such as rosemary sausage, crackers with žlahtina wine and sage, green olive spread, fig biscuits, and almond and lemon cookies.

“We are pleased to continue the ‘Flavours of Kvarner’ project this year, as it uniquely combines travel, gastronomy and destination promotion, offering passengers an authentic Croatian experience already during the flight. The specially designed meals and recognisable packaging allow passengers to discover the tastes, aromas and story of Kvarner—European Region of Gastronomy 2026—even before arriving at their destination. Through this project, Croatia Airlines further confirms its role as an ambassador of Croatian tourism, while strong marketing support through our inflight magazine, newsletters, social media and web channels ensures Kvarner’s visibility on the international market and inspires passengers to explore new travel and gastronomic experiences,” said Anamarija Jurinjak, Head of Marketing at Croatia Airlines.

During the summer flight schedule, Croatia Airlines is further strengthening Croatia’s connectivity with European markets, with planned flights to 32 international destinations and a total of 33 European airports, operating across 53 international scheduled routes. The Rijeka – Munich route operates twice weekly, further enhancing Kvarner’s international connectivity.

“We are especially pleased that the ‘Flavours of Kvarner’ project further enriches our offer during the summer flight schedule, when Croatia Airlines connects Croatia even more strongly with European markets. Kvarner plays an important role within this network, particularly through the year-round Munich–Rijeka route, which enables easy access to the region throughout the year. Additional value to the passenger experience is brought by the new generation of Airbus A220 aircraft, including the aircraft named Rijeka, allowing passengers to experience the modernity and quality of our fleet while also enjoying a small gastronomic introduction to what awaits them in Kvarner—a blend of sea, mountains, tradition and authentic local flavours,” emphasised Marija Pavić, Head of Sales at Croatia Airlines.

In the year when Kvarner holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy, the project gains additional value as a powerful promotional tool positioning the region as an attractive destination for lovers of fine food and authentic experiences.

“In the year Kvarner holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy, it is particularly important for us to showcase the diversity of our region—from the coast and islands to the mountains—and inspire visitors to experience it firsthand. Through projects like this, in partnership with Croatia Airlines, we bring Kvarner closer to passengers on all domestic and international flights through recognisable visuals, storytelling and experiences that spark curiosity and interest in the destination. The digital component adds further value, enabling passengers to easily access additional information about Kvarner and explore everything the region has to offer. This form of cross-marketing allows us to communicate with guests in a modern and inspiring way, encouraging them to choose Kvarner as their next travel destination,” said Irena Peršić Živadinov, Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board.

Robert Matić, Deputy Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, highlighted that the project is an excellent example of how travel and gastronomy can be combined into a powerful promotional tool that introduces guests to the unique identity of the Kvarner region from the very beginning of their journey:

“For many passengers, flying is their first contact with a destination, and the opportunity to taste Kvarner flavours creates a memorable experience that encourages interest in visiting. Although we are recognised as a car destination, initiatives like this further strengthen the visibility of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and its attractiveness as an air travel destination. We are especially pleased that the project is being implemented in the year when Kvarner holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy, further reinforcing its recognition on the European tourism and gastronomic map.”

The “Flavours of Kvarner” project demonstrates how authentic gastronomy and tourism together can create a unique experience for visitors while further promoting the region internationally. With its rich flavours, traditions and diversity, Kvarner once again stands out as a destination of outstanding gastronomy and authentic experiences, while Croatia Airlines reinforces its role as an important promoter of Croatia.

Source and photo: Kvarner Tourist Board / Croatia Airlines