THIS FORM OF TOURISM IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR: IS CROATIA READY?

The 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism is being held in the Town of Rab, organized by the Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo”. This year, the event is being organized together with the 9th European Congress on Rural Tourism, with the co-organization of numerous scientific, academic, and professional institutions, including universities, faculties, institutes, tourist boards, counties, and European and regional organizations involved in rural development and tourism.

It is one of the most important professional and scientific gatherings in this field, bringing together around 400 participants from Croatia and across Europe — from experts and scientists to representatives of the public and private sectors — who are discussing the development of rural areas, the introduction of concrete measures, the improvement of tourism offerings, and the strengthening of authentic local content, from local food and accommodation to genuine experiences that form the foundation of modern rural tourism.

“Rural tourism represents a return to people, nature, and the authentic values of life. The Congress is therefore a place for meeting, learning, and dialogue, where participants have the opportunity to learn from one another and discuss innovations and the future of rural areas,” emphasized Dijana Katica, President of the Congress Organizing Committee.

Vlajčić: Rural Tourism Is a Strategic Branch of the Croatian Economy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić emphasized that rural areas should be valued, protected, and developed, and that successful examples of rural tourism development should be promoted more strongly. According to him, authenticity and unique experiences are exactly what can help Croatia stand out and further position itself on the tourism market.

He also stressed that rural tourism is a strategic branch of Croatian agriculture and the economy because it simultaneously revitalizes villages, encourages people to remain in rural areas, and gives farmers and their products added value by connecting production, tradition, and tourism offerings.

Željko Malnar Named Best Young Farmer

Member of the European Parliament Sunčana Glavak highlighted the importance of involving young people in agriculture, emphasizing that young farmers today are not merely beneficiaries of support schemes, but entrepreneurs, innovators, and producers who use new technologies, continuously educate themselves, and create added value for local communities. She stressed that these are precisely the kinds of people Croatia and Europe need.

As part of the Congress, the 11th awards ceremony for the Best Young Farmer was held. Željko Malnar was named Best Young Farmer, while Valentin Krtalić won second place and Krunoslav Zdunić took third place.

Rab Becomes a Hub of Gastronomy and Innovation in Rural Tourism

Through presentations of domestic and international gastronomy, Rab is becoming a stage of flavors, aromas, and identity. Special emphasis is placed on topics such as gastro diplomacy, which explores whether food itself can become a powerful ambassador of a country, as well as the resilience of rural areas through the development of short supply chains.

Mayor of Rab Nikola Grgurić stated that Rab is the ideal host for a Congress on rural tourism because it combines natural beauty, rich history, and a strong tradition of living from both the land and the sea. He emphasized that Rab is a modern tourist destination and a long-standing tourism champion, but also an island where agriculture, fisheries, and tourism have always been interconnected. He added that through the Congress, efforts are being made to preserve tradition and return to the values of sustainable living, while further improving rural development and encouraging young people to engage in agriculture within their local communities.

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County as the European Region of Gastronomy 2026

County Prefect Ivica Lukanović emphasized that tourism is important for Croatia, especially for the development of rural areas, which make up nearly 80 percent of the country’s territory and therefore require special attention in development planning. He stressed that the topics discussed at the Congress are crucial for the future of rural tourism, for keeping people in rural communities, and for improving quality of life. Croatia, he said, should base its development on quality, authenticity, and a diverse tourism offer. He also added that the recognition of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County as the European Region of Gastronomy further encourages the connection between local production and tourism and supports the development of sustainable tourism offerings.

Nearly 80 Percent of NPOO Funds Directed Toward Rural Tourism Development

Monika Udovičić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, emphasized that Croatian tourism must develop in the direction of quality, stronger local communities, and preserving the quality of life in destinations, while maintaining price competitiveness. She pointed out that the Ministry directed nearly 80 percent of the funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan toward the development of rural tourism, enabling investments in new and renovated tourism facilities as well as health tourism, thereby contributing to more balanced regional development and strengthening year-round tourism offerings.

Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristijan Staničić highlighted that green, rural, and innovative forms of tourism are among the key directions for the development of the Croatian tourism sector. He emphasized that rural tourism contributes to balanced regional development and positions Croatia as a destination of diverse, authentic, and high-quality tourism offerings. According to him, rural tourism is increasingly sought after because modern travelers want authentic experiences, nature, and local traditions, and its further development should move toward premium offerings and greater added value.

Photo: Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo”