Croatian Island to Host International Symposium on Olive Oil and Tourism
Experts from across the olive oil and tourism sectors will gather on the Croatian island of Brač this September to explore how Adriatic olive oils can drive new opportunities in tourism, hospitality and regional development.
Olive oil producers, tourism officials, hospitality professionals and international experts will gather on the Croatian island of Brač this September for the second “Olive Oils of Croatia and the Adriatic Coast” symposium, a two-day event exploring the growing role of high-quality olive oil in regional tourism and economic development.
Scheduled for September 26 and 27 in the seaside town of Postira, the event will examine how the international recognition earned by producers from Croatia and neighboring Adriatic countries can translate into stronger tourism experiences, more distinctive hospitality offerings and clearer destination branding.
Despite the acclaim Croatian and Adriatic olive oils have gained worldwide in recent years, organizers say many of the millions of visitors who travel to the region each year leave without discovering the quality, diversity or cultural significance of the oils produced there.
The event is being organized with support from Olive Oil Times, the Postira Tourism Board and regional institutions and will feature presentations, discussions and networking sessions covering olive oil quality, gastronomy and sustainable tourism development.
Perched above the Adriatic in Postira, the Grand Hotel View will host this September’s symposium on Brač. (Photo: TZ Postira / Domagoj Blažević)
“Croatia and the Adriatic region are producing some of the world’s most highly awarded olive oils, yet many visitors leave without ever discovering them,” said Curtis Cord. “This symposium is about exploring how producers, chefs, hoteliers and tourism leaders can work together to create experiences that connect travelers more directly with the region’s olive oil culture and identity.”
Ivana Jelinčić, director of the Postira Tourism Board, said the return of Olive Oil Times to Postira reflects both the town’s growing international profile and the broader appeal of authenticity in travel.
“For a small Mediterranean community, this is an extraordinary recognition — proof that quality and tradition can gain worldwide attention and respect,” she said. “It also creates real opportunities for knowledge exchange, international cooperation and the promotion of authentic Dalmatian culture.”
Vodice olive grower Tomislav Duvnjak speaks during a panel at last year’s symposium in Postira. This year’s event will focus on olive oil tourism, regional cooperation and connecting Adriatic producers with the region’s millions of visitors. (Photos: TZ Postira / Domagoj Blažević)
The program will include discussions on olive oil tourism strategies, regional cooperation and consumer education, along with sessions designed to help producers and tourism operators build practical partnerships.
Croatia has emerged as one of the most decorated countries at international olive oil quality competitions in recent years, consistently earning high rankings at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition and gaining recognition among consumers and culinary professionals worldwide. The symposium will also consider how that reputation can support rural economies, extend tourism seasons and open new opportunities for producers across the Adriatic basin.
The event will be held at the Grand Hotel View in Postira, a coastal town known for its olive groves, stone architecture and relaxed Mediterranean pace — a setting organizers say was chosen to reflect the connection between olive cultivation, gastronomy and the Adriatic way of life.
Registration for the event is open on the Olive Oil Times Education Lab website.