The KultuRi conference – Conference on the Valorization of Cultural-Historical and Sacral Heritage in Tourism was held on in Rijeka on the 9th and 10th of April, 2026. This year again, it brought together key stakeholders from the fields of tourism, culture, and education, with the aim of exploring sustainable destination development through the integration of heritage and gastronomic resources.
Aspira, as a co-organizer of this event, was represented by Vice Dean Petra Mandac and International Cooperation Associate Branka Bezić Filipović.
Branka Bezić Filipović
The KultuRi conference program was designed to encourage the systematic valorization and promotion of cultural, as well as natural heritage, as key tourism resources. This year’s edition placed special focus on culinary heritage, recognized as a powerful tool for developing tourism offerings and destination branding.
Through educational lectures, participants had the opportunity to learn about examples of successfully implemented projects and events based on gastronomy, which today represent recognizable and competitive tourism products.
Special emphasis was placed on a panel discussion bringing together prominent experts in gastronomy and tourism, through which participants gained key knowledge about the development and interpretation of culinary heritage in the context of tourism at the national level.
In addition to the educational segment, the conference also provided a platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and developing new collaborations and marketing strategies.
During the two-day program, numerous experts from the fields of culture, tourism, and hospitality discussed the role of gastronomic heritage in shaping competitive destination products. It was emphasized that the layered historical cultural influences have resulted in an authentic gastronomic identity of Croatia, representing significant potential for differentiation in the global tourism market.
KultuRi is becoming a meeting place for all those who wish to actively participate in creating a modern, sustainable, and premium tourism offer, focused on preserving identity and creating authentic experiences, elements that are increasingly important in a demanding and competitive tourism market.