Representatives of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster participated in the international TOURISM 365 conference, held in Zagreb from 5 to 7 October.

The Cluster was represented by Dr Vladimir Mozetič, President of the Cluster, and Marija Banac, Cluster Manager, who took part in a professional meeting and networking event with health tourism representatives from around ten European and international markets. The meeting was held as part of the HTI Health & Wellbeing 365 Executive Study Tour and the 10th International TOURISM 365 Conference.

The aim of the professional meeting was to bring together Croatian and European experts in health tourism, health resorts, rehabilitation, medicine and wellness, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience, share the latest market insights and explore new ideas for cooperation.

The meeting brought together leading representatives of European and international organisations, including the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), the European Spas Association (ESPA), the Slovenian Spas Association (SSNZ) and the Saudi Health Tourism Association, alongside numerous other experts, delegates and decision-makers from the health tourism sector. Participants came from a range of European and international markets, including Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, France and Bulgaria.

One of the highlights of the conference was the panel discussion “The New Traveller – Health and Meaning,” which explored how destinations, clinics, spas and wellness providers can respond to the evolving expectations of today’s travellers.

The discussion emphasised the importance of creating higher-value tourism experiences, in which health, wellbeing, quality of life and meaningful destination experiences are becoming increasingly important travel motivations.

Participation in this professional meeting represents a valuable opportunity to position Kvarner as a recognised health tourism destination, strengthen international connections and develop new opportunities for networking and future cooperation with relevant partners across European and global markets.