Kvarner is a region of exceptional geographical diversity where the Mediterranean recesses deepest into Central Europe. This area caters to tourists on the islands, along the coast as well as the nearby hinterland. Altogether this covers a total surface area of 3,600 km² or 6.3% of the surface area of Croatia where 6.8% of the entire population live. 

The tourist attractions are rich and cater to all interests. Rich culture, protected natural heritage, a tourist tradition which includes congress and nautical tourism along with holidays, numerous events, sea activities as well as winter activities are the most common, although not the only, reason for visiting. The tourist tradition in this area stretches back 160 years with Opatija leading the way; its origins in the tourist industry are linked to the year 1884 when Rijeka’s patrician, Iginio Scarpa, built the summer residence, Villa Angiolina. The tourist tradition is also present in other rivieras - the island of Cres boasts a 163 year tourist tradition, Novi Vinodolski Riviera 130 year tradition, the island of Lošinj 123 year, Crikvenička Riviera 120 year etc. and in the continental area of Gorski kotar there is a 133 year tourist tradition.
 
On the Kvarner area today there are 150,000 accommodation facilities with no less than 20% of the tourist capacity of the country, accounting for around a quarter of the tourist trade in Croatia.