A key step for Rijeka’s hotel market
The signing ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel Bonavia, gathered city officials and industry representatives, including Vedran Vivoda, Deputy Mayor of Rijeka, Kristian Šustar, CEO of Jadran hoteli Rijeka, and Silvija Lovreta, Vice President of Development for Central and Southeastern Europe at Marriott International.
This represents Jadran hoteli Rijeka’s third international franchise partnership, part of its strategy to expand and enhance the quality of Rijeka’s hotel offering.
“By bringing the AC Hotels by Marriott brand to Rijeka, we are not only modernizing and repositioning one of the city’s most iconic hotels but also creating a meeting point where global standards intersect with the uniqueness of Rijeka. This partnership strengthens our vision of Rijeka as a destination that speaks to international travellers while staying true to its cultural identity.” – Kristian Šustar, CEO, Jadran hoteli Rijeka
Marriott expands its footprint in Croatia
For Marriott International, the collaboration underlines the group’s commitment to expanding in Central and Southeastern Europe.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Jadran hoteli Rijeka to introduce AC Hotels by Marriott to Rijeka. This property will reflect the brand’s purposeful design and flexible spaces, catering to a new generation of business and leisure travellers. Croatia remains an important market in our regional growth plans.” – Silvija Lovreta, Vice President of Development for Central and Southeastern Europe, Marriott International
“We are pleased to have Marriott as our partner, bringing a well-aligned brand concept to this location while ensuring a financially sustainable operation. AC Hotels by Marriott fits perfectly with our vision of a contemporary, high-quality hotel offering in Rijeka.” – Stefan Catic, Head of Operator Search, PKF Hospitality Group
Strengthening Rijeka’s international visibility
For the city, the arrival of a global brand represents more than a rebranding—it reinforces Rijeka’s international positioning and economic appeal.
Vedran Vivoda, Deputy Mayor, emphasized that the partnership “not only strengthens Rijeka’s position on the European tourism map but also brings added value to the city’s hospitality offer, supporting its long-term development as an open, dynamic, and modern destination.”
Through the transformation of the Grand Hotel Bonavia into an AC Hotels by Marriott, Jadran hoteli Rijeka reaffirms its commitment to innovation and international collaboration. The project will combine modern design with local authenticity, reflecting AC Hotels’ philosophy.
This alliance marks a forward-looking step for Rijeka’s hospitality industry — blending the strength of a global brand with the vision of a regional operator determined to elevate the city’s position on the global tourism stage.
