At the Arsenal in Zadar, on December 10, 2024, a conference titled "Trends in the Interpretation of Local Gastronomic Heritage" was held, bringing together experts from the fields of gastronomy, tourism, agriculture, and local economy. The organizers of the event, the Tourist Board of Zadar County, the University of Zadar, and Ilirija d.d., with the support of Zadar County, emphasized the importance of gastrotourism as a key driver of sustainable development and the promotion of local culture.

Gastronomic Heritage as the Foundation of Tourist Identity

The conference was opened with speeches by prominent representatives of the local and national community, including Hrvoje Anić, Director of the Tourist Board of Zadar County, Slavija Jačan Obratov, Director of Brand Development and Tourism Products at the Croatian National Tourist Board, Governor Božidar Longin, and the Rector of the University of Zadar, Josip Faričić. Their words highlighted the potential of gastronomy as a means to attract tourists, as well as improve local infrastructure and economy.

The key theme of the event was the reinterpretation of local gastronomic heritage in line with modern trends. Through a series of panel discussions, lectures, and workshops, participants exchanged ideas on preserving tradition while simultaneously introducing innovative concepts into the enogastronomy offer.

Culinary Spectacle by Chef Gabriele Filca

One of the highlights of the event was the performance of renowned chef Gabriele Filca, the head of the Nebo restaurant at the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa, which holds a prestigious MICHELIN star. In her masterclass lecture "Contemporary Interpretation of Mediterranean Cuisine," Chef Filca presented sour cherries as a key ingredient in her dishes, impressing participants with her creativity and technique.

Panels and Discussions on Sustainability

Panel discussions provided insight into institutional frameworks and opportunities for sustainable development. Daniel Segarić, Head of the Department for Agriculture, Fisheries, and EU Funds of Zadar County, Slavija Jačan Obratov, and Tomislav Fain, President of the Croatian Association of Travel Agencies, highlighted concrete examples of good practices and strategies that could further improve the local offer.

Presentation of the New Product "Welcome Taste & Buy"

One of the innovative initiatives presented at the conference was the "Welcome Taste & Buy" project, envisioned as a way to promote local products and connect tourists with producers. Four local family farms – Sokol – Feel Good Estate, OPG Lolina vatrenica, OPG Matulić, and R.O. Moćun – presented their products, emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the region.

Young Chefs as Bearers of the Future

A special segment of the conference was dedicated to young chefs, who demonstrated exceptional creativity in preparing dishes using local ingredients. Under the mentorship of Chef Josip Vrsaljka, the young talents prepared innovative dishes that delighted the audience, while sommeliers further enriched the experience by selecting top-quality wines from the region.

Educational Workshops for Deeper Understanding

The final part of the conference included three educational workshops: tasting sparkling wines, analyzing olive oils, and presenting the cultivation of herbs. The workshops were an opportunity for participants to gain concrete knowledge and skills that they could apply in their communities.

This conference, through the synergy of tradition and innovation, showed that Zadar County not only preserves its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage but also positions it in the context of the contemporary tourist market.