A significant milestone for Rijeka’s hospitality sector was marked recently at the iconic Grand Hotel Bonavia. Jadran hoteli Rijeka and Marriott International officially signed a franchise agreement that will bring Rijeka’s landmark Grand Hotel Bonavia under AC Hotels by Marriott – marking the city’s entrance onto the world stage of contemporary, design-driven hospitality.
The signing ceremony gathered distinguished guests, partners, and media at the Bonavia. On this occasion, the audience was addressed by Vedran Vivoda, Deputy Mayor of Rijeka, Kristian Šustar, CEO and Member of the Management Board of Jadran hoteli Rijeka, and Silvija Lovreta, Marriott International’s Vice President of Development for Central and Southeastern Europe.
This agreement represents the third international franchise partnership for Jadran hoteli Rijeka, following earlier collaborations with other global hotel leaders. It marks a decisive step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its portfolio and continually elevate the quality of Rijeka’s hospitality offer.
“By bringing the AC Hotels by Marriott brand to Rijeka, we are not only modernising 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. It is a clear signal that Rijeka is ready to compete on the world stage – and that Jadran hoteli Rijeka will continue to be a driver of growth, innovation, and excellence in the region’s tourism industry,” emphasised Kristian Šustar.
For Marriott International, the collaboration with Jadran hoteli Rijeka is equally symbolic and strategic.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Jadran Hotel Rijeka to introduce AC Hotels by Marriott to Rijeka. This property will reflect the brand’s purposeful design, flexible spaces, and signature moments for a new generation of discerning business and leisure travellers. Croatia remains an important market for Marriott’s expansion plans in the region, and we continue to see a strong demand for our renowned brands in the country,” said Silvija Lovreta.
Stefan Catic, Head of Operator Search at the PKF hospitality group, added: “We are pleased to have Marriott as a partner at our side, bringing a well-aligned brand concept to this location while enabling a financially sustainable operation. AC Hotels by Marriott fits exactly with our vision of a contemporary hotel operation in Rijeka – high-quality, clearly positioned, and with a long-term perspective.”
The arrival of AC Hotels by Marriott in Rijeka, through the vision and leadership of Jadran hoteli Rijeka, is far more than the opening of a global brand in a historic hotel. It is a statement of ambition – proof that Rijeka is stepping confidently onto the European and global tourism stage. This milestone injects new energy into the city’s cultural and economic life, strengthens its international visibility, and confirms Rijeka’s role as a destination ready to welcome the world with style, character, and vision.
Mayor Rinčić’s Deputy, Vedran Vivoda, emphasised the importance of this agreement for the city, noting that it not only strengthens Rijeka’s position on the European tourism map but also brings new value to its hospitality and service offerings, making the city an even more attractive destination for visitors from around the world. He added that the city strongly supports projects that ensure the long-term development of tourism and further reinforce Rijeka’s identity as an open, dynamic, and modern destination.
With the addition of Grand Hotel Bonavia, AC Hotels by Marriott, Jadran hoteli Rijeka confirms its long-term commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and excellence. The transformation of Bonavia under the AC Hotels brand will deliver a refined and thoughtfully designed experience, blending contemporary style with authentic touches of Rijeka’s character – perfectly aligned with the AC philosophy of elegant essentials and purposeful details.
