PURPOSE: To inhibit the lowering of the catalytic activity of a zeolite catalyst due to repeated regeneration as well as to increase the rate of regeneration by bringing the zeolite catalyst used in a hydration reaction of olefin in a liq. phase into contact with gas contg. molecular oxygen at a specified temp. after the zeolite is treated under specified conditions.

CONSTITUTION: A zeolite catalyst 2 used in a hydration reaction of olefin in a liq. phase in an autoclave react,or 3 so as to produce corresponding alcohol is brought into contact with gas contg. molecular oxygen at ≥400°C after the zeolite is treated at 80-350°C for ≥30min and the catalyst is regenerated. At the time of producing alcohol, a hydration reaction of olefin is carried out using the zeolite regenerated catalyst. The zeolite catalyst is, e.g. mordenite or gallosilicate. The olefin is, e.g. olefin having a straight chain or branched structure or cyclo-olefin.