A strong step forward for European health tourism – from dialogue to clear direction.

Health tourism is increasingly recognized as a key segment of both European tourism and public health development, which was precisely the focus of the HTI Summit 2026 held in Brussels on March 17.

The European HTI Summit, hosted at the European Parliament, brought together policymakers, leading experts, and industry representatives from 24 countries across Europe and beyond to address key challenges for the future of the sector and one central question:
Can Europe become the world’s most trusted health travel destination – and how can we achieve this together?

Throughout the summit, it became clear that Europe already has all the prerequisites for a leading position:

• world-class healthcare expertise
• centuries-old spa and thermal traditions
• a strong medical community and knowledge base
• well-developed tourism infrastructure
• a growing focus on prevention, wellbeing, and longevity

However, it was also emphasized that Europe still too often operates as a collection of individual destinations rather than a connected ecosystem – not only in promotion, but also in research, development, and overall sector organization.

The key opportunity lies in strengthening cross-border cooperation, better integrating the healthcare and tourism sectors, and creating a clearer, unified European positioning on the global market.

Events like this enable the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices while encouraging dialogue on current challenges and opportunities at the European level.
The Summit was attended by the President of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster, Assist. Prof. Vladimir Mozetič, MD, PhD, as well as Ms. Renata Žugić, Director of the Cluster member Health Resort Veli Lošinj, further confirming the Cluster’s active involvement in international initiatives and sector development.

The event was hosted by Member of the European Parliament Nikolina Brnjac. Alongside HTI Summit Director Ivana Kolar, representatives of the European Spas Association (ESPA), the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), and many other stakeholders were also present.

Participation in such events further highlights the importance of strengthening Kvarner’s position within health tourism and its active role in shaping the future of the sector at the European level.

ITB Berlin is one of the most important and largest tourism trade fairs in the world, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and tourism industry professionals from across the globe each year. This year’s edition, held from March 3–5, 2026, was especially significant as ITB Berlin celebrated its 60th anniversary, with an impressive 97,000 business visitors and 5,600 exhibitors from more than 166 countries. This international event serves as a key platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the presentation of the latest trends and innovations in tourism, including the increasingly important segment of health tourism.

At the world’s leading tourism fair, ITB Berlin, the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster was joined by its members Thalassotherapia Crikvenica and the Veli Lošinj Health Resort, which together promoted top-quality healthcare and rehabilitation services, as well as the overall health tourism offer of the Kvarner region within the Medical & Health Tourism pavilion. In addition, within the tourism pavilion, the following Cluster members also participated: Lošinj Hotels & Villas, the Crikvenica Tourist Board, Jadran Hotels & Camps, Jadran hoteli d.o.o., Mediteran Adria, the Rijeka Tourist Board, and Liburnia Hotels & Villas.

Through this joint presentation, the focus was placed on the quality of medical services, the expertise of healthcare professionals, and the unique combination of natural resources and tourism infrastructure that makes Kvarner an attractive destination for health, recovery, and quality of life.

We congratulate our member, the Kvarner Tourist Board, which won the gold award “The Golden Star” for its Kvarner Magazine in strong competition at the international “The Golden City Gate” awards, held as part of the fair.
žParticipation at ITB Berlin continues to strengthen Kvarner’s international visibility and further positions it as a recognizable European destination for health tourism.

The General Assembly of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster was held on 25 February 2026 at Thalassotherapia Opatija, bringing together members to jointly review the results of the previous period and define key guidelines for further development.

During the meeting, current activities, projects, and plans were presented, focusing on strengthening the destination’s competitiveness, developing innovative health tourism services, and enhancing cooperation between the healthcare, tourism, and academic sectors.

As part of the Assembly programme, Sanja Ivetić, Senior Expert Associate for the Preparation and Implementation of EU Projects at the Regional Development Agency of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, delivered a lecture entitled “Funding Opportunities for Projects in Healthcare and Tourism.”

As a guest, the Assembly was also attended by Ms. Alessandra Ban, Head of the Administrative Department for Tourism, Entrepreneurship and Rural Development of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

This year is also an election year for the Management Board of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster, and the members of the Management Board were unanimously elected at the Assembly for a two-year mandate. The elected members represent the following Cluster members: the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Thalassotherapia Opatija, Thalassotherapia Crikvenica, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Polyclinic Terme, Special Hospital Dr Nemec, Special Hospital Medico, Rident Polyclinics, Jadranka Tourism, Liburnia Riviera Hotels, Kvarner Tourist Board, MediteranAdria, and Jadran-Galenski Laboratory.

The Assembly once again confirmed the importance of joint action within the Cluster in positioning Kvarner as a recognizable European health destination.

At the recently held Croatian Tourism Days 2025 in Dubrovnik, from November 19 to 21, our Cluster members were deservedly recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions to the development of health tourism in Croatia. These honors underscore the importance of the health tourism component in strengthening domestic tourism and its goal of achieving year-round operations.

Iva Brozičević Dragičević, PhD in Psychology, Head of the Healthy Lifestyle Program, Board Member, and Director of Poliklinika Terme Selce, received the award in the category “Health Tourism Professional (medical, spa, wellness)”. Her dedication and work demonstrate how medical expertise and tourism can successfully complement each other, often as part of a family tradition and values passed down through generations.

Thalassotherapy Opatija won 1st prize in the “Health Tourism” category, with the award received on behalf of the institution by Director Prof. ddr. sc. Viktor Peršić, MD. Competing with numerous prominent health institutions, this award recognizes excellence in providing high-quality services and continuous commitment to the development of health tourism in the Kvarner region.

In the category “Emergency Medical Services Professional”, the award went to Senka Kajčić, Director of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Emergency Medical Service, Helicopter EMS, Rijeka base team. This achievement highlights the importance of expertise, responsibility, and dedication in providing emergency medical care and contributes to the overall reputation of the healthcare sector in the region.

We thank all awardees for their dedication and excellence. Your work and commitment make Kvarner a recognized top destination for health tourism, not only in Croatia but internationally as well.

The 12th edition of the Crikvenica International Health Tourism Conference (CIHT 2025) was held at Hotel Omorika in Crikvenica, organized by the Crikvenica Tourist Board and the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster, with co-organizers Thalassotherapy Crikvenica and Polyclinic Terme Selce. The conference brought together domestic and international experts in health tourism.

“CIHT has become a relevant regional platform that brands Crikvenica, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and Croatia as a developed health tourism destination,” said Vladimir Mozetič, President of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster. Marijana Biondić, Director of the Crikvenica Tourist Board, emphasized that health tourism is not seasonal and brings benefits year-round.

The first day featured several panels: the impact of climate change on destinations, personalization in health tourism, and health tourism and sports, with insights from experts and Olympians. A panel on spa resorts highlighted the need to modernize business models, attract investment, and strengthen public-private collaboration. The “Lifestyle Medicine” panel focused on holistic approaches, while the closing panel on digital innovation emphasized the importance of technology across all stages of health tourism.

The second day began with the presentation of the study “Generation Z – Perspectives on the Development of Health Tourism,” involving 500 students, exploring their expectations and engagement in shaping the sector. A student panel showed their readiness to create and use new services. In a neighboring hall, B2B meetings were held to network experts and foster collaboration.

CIHT 2025 was held under the auspices of the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Health, with support from numerous partners and sponsors: the Croatian Tourist Board, Kvarner Tourist Board, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatian Chamber of Commerce, JGL, AmCham, Polyclinic Sinteza, Acibadem, and UHPA.

Our delegation, organized with the invaluable support of Arthure International, participated in a multi-sector business program that included:

From April 13th to 16th, Dr. Vladimir Mozetič, the president from the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster, had the honor of being part of the Croatian business delegation in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), representing the healthcare and health tourism sector.

During a series of high-level meetings with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministries of Health and Tourism, and potential partners, we showcased the strength and potential of our Cluster and the Kvarner region.

Through professional presentations and promotional materials, the focus was placed on sustainability, service quality, and the strong interconnection between all stakeholders – making us truly unique.

Contacts have been established, and the next step includes online meetings and further strengthening of our collaboration!

Thank you to the Kvarner Region Tourist Board for their support in making this business collaboration possible and for the opportunity to grow further!

The Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster successfully participated in the prestigious ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4 to 6, 2025. This leading international tourism trade fair and convention gathered 24,000 visitors and featured 17 thematic sections showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the tourism industry.

Under the motto “The Power of Transition lives here,” ITB Berlin 2025 emphasized the importance of adaptation and sustainable development in tourism, highlighting the growing role of health and wellness tourism. The Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster proudly presented its diverse range of tourism, medical, and rehabilitation services, combining top-tier medical expertise with the natural beauty and healing factors of Kvarner. Our promotion took place at the Health Tourism Pavilion within ITB Berlin, at the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s Health Tourism Community stand.

The following members also participated in this renowned tourism fair: Kvarner Tourist Board, Crikvenica Tourist Board, Rijeka Tourist Board, Travel agency Mediteran Adria d.o.o., Lošinj Hotels & Villas, Jadran Hotels & Camps Crikvenica and Jadran Hotels d.o.o. Rijeka
Our team had the opportunity to engage in key discussions on the future of health tourism, connect with international partners, and present Kvarner as a leading health tourism destination in Europe.

We are also proud to congratulate our member, Kvarner Tourist Board, for winning first place in the “Best International Brochure” category at The Golden City Gate International Tourism Multimedia Award in Berlin, for their heritage gastronomy brochure “A Taste Guide from the Sea to the Mountains.”

A big thank you to everyone who visited our stand and supported our vision for the development of health tourism! We look forward to future collaborations and new projects that will further strengthen our region as a recognized hub for health and wellness.

On February 26th, the regular assembly of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster was held at Hotel Bonavia in Rijeka. Cluster members gathered to discuss current developments in the sector and listen to lectures by distinguished experts: Dane Pavičić, Head of the Sector for Tourism Offer and Investments at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, who spoke about opportunities for financing and encouraging investment in health tourism, and Damir Medved, Director of the EDIH Adria Project at the University of Rijeka, who presented innovative projects and digital solutions in the sector.

In addition to the expert lectures, Dr. Vladimir Mozetič, as the President of the Cluster, presented the Association’s annual report and financial report for 2024 and shared the work plan and financial plan for 2025. This year is also an election year for the President of the Assembly and the President of the Association, and the decision to extend the mandates was unanimously made for both Dr. Vladimir Mozetič, President of the Association, and Prof. Dr. Viktor Peršić, President of the Assembly.

Such meetings are crucial for strengthening collaboration and guiding the development of health tourism in the region. We would like to thank all participants for their active involvement and contributions!

At the ceremonial Kvarner Tourism Day event, held on December 12, 2024, at the Exportdrvo venue in Rijeka, the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster received an award for its contribution to the development of health tourism in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. This significant event was organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Kvarner Tourist Board, further highlighting its festive and celebratory atmosphere.