Vanja Čvrljak is the Director of the Zadar County Tourist Board and an experienced tourism professional with a strong background in destination management, hotel operations and the development of inland and rural tourism products. Prior to his current role, he led the Ravni kotari Tourist Board and the Benkovac Tourist Board, where he played an important role in the strategic positioning and qualitative development of tourism in the wider Ravni kotari, Bukovica and Zadar inland area.

His work has focused on strengthening year-round tourism, agrotourism, cultural heritage, gastronomy, local experiences and sustainable destination development. He has initiated and coordinated numerous activities aimed at developing tourism products in rural areas, connecting local stakeholders and promoting the potential of inland destinations as an important part of broader tourism itineraries.

During his leadership of the Benkovac Tourist Board, he developed a strategic framework for agrotourism and selective forms of tourism, valorising the area’s cultural and historical heritage, gastronomy and traditional culture. He also contributed to the development of excursions, cycling routes, thematic roads, eco-tourism initiatives and events promoting local products and rural heritage.

Before moving into destination management, Vanja gained valuable experience in hospitality and hotel management in Croatia and in leading international hotel brands in London, including Hilton, Marriott, Langham and Crowne Plaza. He holds a degree in tourism and hotel management from the University of Rijeka.