Kvarner Opens Doors to Creativity and Sustainable Tourism Through the EU SOCRAT Project
11/03/2026
On March 10, 2026 Opatija (Kvarner Region) became a hub of ideas and collaboration as local stakeholders gathered for a participatory meeting within the EU-funded SOCRAT Project – Socializing Craft & Contemporary Art for Sustainable Tourism.
Connecting Ideas and Creative Minds
The meeting brought together an artist, a representative of the creative industry, and a local association, with the goal of networking and developing a collaborative project through the upcoming Creative Living Lab. The session began with an introduction to the SOCRAT project and a chance for participants to get to know each other.
The moderator from the Sustainability Office presented global tourism trends and the concept of sustainable cultural tourism. Participants explored innovative examples of sustainable tourism and discussed how Opatija’s rich heritage, local resources and community engagement could inspire future projects. Attendees identified their own resources and explored potential synergies, leading to a collaborative project idea through a design thinking workshop. The meeting concluded with presentations of the joint proposal, which were recorded to document this exciting collaboration.
A Blooming Idea: The Camellia-Themed Tour
The participatory session generated a creative project idea that will be further developed in the Creative Living Lab: a thematic tour through Opatija’s parks centered on the camellia, a flower closely tied to the city’s identity.
The experience will begin with a guided walk through Opatija’s historic parks, where visitors can learn about the botanical, cultural and historical significance of camellias and their connection to the city’s landscape. The tour culminates at the Croatian Museum of Tourism, where local artists will lead creative workshops focused on painting camellias. These sessions will encourage participants to slow down, express themselves artistically, and reconnect with their surroundings in a calm and inspiring environment.
Adding a multisensory dimension, participants can taste local products inspired by camellias, such as tea and desserts crafted by local artisans. Beyond its cultural and creative value, the tour will be designed as a gentle wellness experience, offering relaxation and mental restoration for visitors experiencing stress or burnout. This approach aligns with Opatija’s long-standing tradition as a destination for health and wellness, dating back to the 19th century.
By combining heritage, art, well-being and local products, this project aims to create a sustainable, innovative tourism experience that continues Opatija’s historic role as a city of culture, health and relaxation.
Looking Ahead
The participatory meeting successfully brought together representatives from the local creative community, NGOs and artists. Their collaboration has already produced a promising project idea, which will now be refined with the guidance of the Italian mentor and further developed in the Creative Living Lab.
This initiative demonstrates how art, culture and sustainability can come together to create meaningful experiences for both locals and visitors—highlighting Opatija as a vibrant city where creativity blooms alongside heritage and well-being.
