Croatia Airlines to serve passengers specialties from Kvarner

(Photo credit: Ivor Mažar/Kvarner Tourist Board)

ZAGREB, 22 July 2025 – Travellers flying with Croatia Airlines this season will enjoy a culinary journey showcasing the rich and diverse gastronomy of the Kvarner region, as part of the continued promotional campaign Taste of Kvarner.

Running from 1 August to 30 November 2025, the project is a collaboration between the Kvarner Tourist Board, Croatia Airlines, and the Croatian National Tourist Board, aimed at offering passengers a unique gastronomic experience inspired by the Kvarner region’s coastal, island, and mountain cuisine.

This initiative comes as Kvarner prepares to hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2026, making Taste of Kvarner the perfect introduction to its culinary heritage and a strategic step in positioning the region as a must-visit destination for food lovers and seekers of authentic experiences.

In-flight meals with a regional twist

On international economy class flights, passengers will receive crackers flavoured with Kvarner herbs.

Meanwhile, business class passengers on both domestic and international flights will enjoy either a small or large snack box, depending on the length of the journey.

Large snack: Kvarner herb crackers, tuna pâté, green olive tapenade, dried fig balls, and traditional muštaćoni biscuits.

Small snack: Kvarner herb crackers, tuna pâté, and muštaćoni.

Each meal is presented in specially designed boxes featuring Kvarner-themed artwork and includes a QR code linking to the Visit Kvarner app, giving passengers the opportunity to explore the region virtually during their flight.

(Photo credit: Ivor Mažar/Kvarner Tourist Board) 

This marks the third consecutive year of the highly successful campaign, which has played a key role in promoting Kvarner’s culinary identity.

According to Dr Irena Peršić Živadinov, Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, the project not only introduces passengers to local flavours but also supports the preservation of traditional food products, sustainable development, cross-sector collaboration, and the overall improvement of the regional tourism offer.

“Taste of Kvarner significantly contributes to the region’s visibility and highlights its authentic eno-gastronomic experiences,” she said.

(Photo credit: Ivor Mažar/Kvarner Tourist Board)

Croatia Airlines has once again confirmed its role as a cultural ambassador, using its flights to present the country’s culinary traditions.

“We are proud to offer passengers a unique gastronomic experience inspired by Kvarner’s culinary heritage,” said Anamarija Jurinjak, Head of Marketing at Croatia Airlines. “This in-flight service becomes a delicious prelude to discovering the region on the ground.”

The airline also noted the addition of its new Airbus A220 fleet, with one aircraft named Rijeka, further connecting Kvarner with international markets. Marija Pavić, Head of Sales at Croatia Airlines, emphasised how the experience begins onboard, especially on routes such as Munich–Rijeka, operating year-round.

“Passengers will get a taste of what Kvarner offers—from the sea to the mountains, from olive oil to muštaćoni—before even landing,” she said.

Expanding reach during peak season

During the 2025 tourist season, Croatia Airlines will connect Zagreb directly with 23 international destinations, including major cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Milan.

In total, the airline will operate flights to 30 international destinations across 31 European airports, flying 55 regular international routes.

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

A total of over 18,200 flights and more than 2.26 million seats are scheduled for summer 2025, marking a 7 percent increase in flights and an 18 percent rise in available seats compared to 2024.

This growth follows the company’s largest-ever fleet renewal, which began in 2024. Five new Airbus A220 aircraft have now joined the fleet, with all 15 expected to replace the current aircraft by 2027.

The Taste of Kvarner campaign is supported by extensive marketing across Croatia Airlines’ platforms. These include the in-flight magazine, video screens onboard, newsletters, social media, travel agency materials, and a dedicated online section for its culinary offerings.