Marijana Biondić

Director of Crikvenica Tourist Board

After completing her studies in economics at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Rijeka in 1998, Marijana started working at the Tourist Office of the District of Vinodol, first as an expert associate and from 2002 until 2007 as Director. From 2007 to 2010, she was the Director of Senj Tourist Board. Since 2010, she has been Director of Crikvenica Tourist Board, which includes the destinations of Crikvenica, Dramalj, Jadranovo and Selce.

She has a wide experience in creating and developing different projects in tourism, creating destination brands, creating and developing new events such as Vinodol’s Summer Evenings, Uskok Days, Frankopan Days, the CrikvArt street entertainer festival, the Oily Fish Week/Route, (Sr)etno Selce ethno festival, and organising numerous entertainment, traditional, cultural, sports, recreational and other events. She has also coordinated various tourism-related activities of institutions, companies, associations, clubs and individuals on the Crikvenica Riviera. In addition, she has been very successful at marketing and promoting the Crikvenica Riviera, which in 2014 won the award for the most creative destination in the world (awarded by the Creative Tourism Network in Barcelona).

Presentation title: Crikvenica Riviera – Meet the best health tourism destination in Croatia in 2017

Abstract

The mild and healthy climate, clean air and sea water, sunlight and aromatic herbs are some of the favourable natural features of the Crikvenica Riviera that help prevent various diseases and assist in rehabilitation and improvement in the quality of life. Due to these natural therapeutic factors and thanks to the influence of science, this Riviera was one of the first in Croatia to start developing health tourism in the 19th century. The tradition of quality and top health services has been maintained to the present day, fostered by respected clinics. The beautiful natural scenery makes this place perfect for all sport activities, as well as relaxation in the great outdoors. The healthy traditional cuisine, various wellness and spa services and theme projects such as the CIHT Conference or Crikvenica Oily Fish Route also make this Riviera the ideal location for health and well-being. New developments and investments in the area (renovated high category hotels, health clinics, etc.) and modern facilities (electric car charging station, outdoor exercise facilities and smart benches) also contribute to Crikvenica Riviera being the best health tourism destination in Croatia.