The city that has been setting gold standards of Croatian tourism for decades, the pearl of Istria and one of the most recognizable vistas of the Adriatic, once again has reason for a great celebration. Rovinj, a city of rich history, romantic alleys, and top-notch service, has once again confirmed its dominance on the domestic tourist scene. After being crowned with the prestigious title "Tourist Destination of the Year – Champion of Croatian Tourism 2025" at the recently held Days of Croatian Tourism in Dubrovnik, the time has come to celebrate this great victory with those who are most deserving of it – the citizens of Rovinj.

This title is not just another trophy in the display cabinet; it is a confirmation of the continuity of quality, strategic thinking, and the tireless work of thousands of employees who make up the beating heart of Rovinj's tourism. To worthily mark this triumph, the City of Rovinj-Rovigno and the City Tourist Board are organizing a large public festival which will take place tomorrow, on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Festival on the main square: Gastronomy and music for all generations

The central celebration is scheduled for 11:00 AM at Marshal Tito Square, the main town square that has always been a place of meeting, conversation, and joy. The organizers have ensured that Saturday morning passes in the sign of togetherness and a relaxed atmosphere, turning the city center into a large open-air stage. An invitation has been sent to everyone – from the youngest to the oldest fellow citizens, as well as to all guests who have decided to spend this weekend in Istria.

If you plan to visit this event and feel the victorious atmosphere of the city, be sure to check the available options for luxury accommodation in the center of Rovinj so that you are in the immediate vicinity of all events. The celebration of the champion title is an ideal opportunity for a weekend getaway to a destination that offers a top-notch experience even in the winter months.

The celebration program is designed as a combination of top entertainment and gastronomic pleasure. Citizens and visitors can expect a free gastronomic offer, which is a gesture with which the City and the Tourist Board wish to symbolically "treat" their residents. Although the detailed menu has not been revealed, it is to be expected that traditional Istrian specialties will be found on the plates, prepared with the love and skill of local caterers, because eno-gastronomy is precisely one of the pillars of Rovinj's success.

Musical program: Legend of Rovinj and rhythms for dancing

Not a single true Rovinj festival can pass without a quality musical backdrop. Proven names of the local music scene will ensure a good atmosphere and a dancing square. The main star of the program will be the unique Sergio Preden – Gato, a singer whom many rightfully call the "Rovinj Sinatra".

Gato is an institution of Rovinj music, a man whose velvet voice has been conveying the emotion of Mediterranean flair, jazz, and evergreens for decades. His performances are not just concerts; they are emotional journeys through the history of the city, told in an authentic dialect and through melodies that touch the soul. Alongside Gato, the audience will be entertained by the energetic Party Band, whose repertoire is tailored so as not to leave anyone indifferent. From domestic hits to international classics, the rhythm will dictate the tempo of the celebration until the late afternoon hours.

Significance of the title: What does it mean to be the Tourism Champion 2025?

The title "Tourist Destination of the Year – Champion of Croatian Tourism" is the most prestigious recognition awarded within the scope of the Annual Croatian Tourism Awards. This award is jointly granted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), and the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK). Being proclaimed champion in a year such as 2025, which according to all indicators was extremely competitive and challenging, is a huge success.

Rovinj deserved this title not only through impressive numbers – and let us remind you, the city regularly records over three, and sometimes even four million overnight stays annually – but primarily through the quality of the offer. In an era when Croatian tourism is turning towards sustainability and moving away from mass tourism, Rovinj stands out as an example of a destination that has managed to reconcile a large number of arrivals with exclusivity and the preservation of local identity.

For those who wish to experience this awarded quality firsthand, book accommodation in award-winning Rovinj hotels and see for yourself why the profession and guests consider this city the best in Croatia. Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel in the old core or a five-star resort by the sea, Rovinj's offer satisfies the highest world standards.

Continuity of excellence: Rovinj is not an accidental winner

This recognition is not the first of its kind for Rovinj. The city under the protection of Saint Euphemia has been at the very top of Croatian tourism for years, even decades. However, the title for the year 2025 carries special weight. It comes as the crown of a multi-year cycle of investments in raising the quality of accommodation capacities, arranging public surfaces, and developing year-round tourism.

Rovinj is a city that lives tourism to the fullest, but in a smart way. The transformation from a former fishing village into a fashionable destination with the most luxurious hotels on the Adriatic (like those in the Maistra portfolio) is a textbook example of successful destination management. Investment in high-category hotels, such as the Grand Park Hotel, Hotel Lone, or the renovated Hotel Eden, and five-star campsites, has positioned Rovinj on the map of demanding world travelers.

However, besides concrete and glass, much has also been invested in "soft" elements – events, gastronomy, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Batana, a traditional Rovinj boat, is inscribed in the UNESCO register of good practices for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, which is just one proof of how tradition can be successfully integrated into a modern tourist product. Visitors who come to Rovinj are not looking only for sun and sea; they are looking for a story, authenticity, and experience.

Recognition to citizens: "This is your award"

From the City of Rovinj and the Tourist Board, they emphasize that tomorrow's celebration is imagined primarily as an act of gratitude to the local community. "The celebration is imagined as a small sign of gratitude to the entire community, because this recognition is primarily an award to all women and men of Rovinj," the organizers point out.

This sentence is not just an occasional phrase. Tourism is an activity that delves deeply into the life of the local population. Crowds, infrastructure load, and changes in the rhythm of life are the price that citizens pay for tourist success. Precisely because of this, including citizens in the benefits of tourism is key to the sustainability of the destination. The champion title is the result of the synergy of utility workers who keep the city impeccably clean, caterers who welcome guests with a smile, private renters who open the doors of their homes, and all others who directly or indirectly participate in creating the image of Rovinj.

If you too want to be a part of this story and feel the hospitality everyone is talking about, search for the ideal apartment or room in Rovinj for the upcoming holidays. Advent in Rovinj is a special experience, and a stay in the champion city is a guarantee of unforgettable memories.

Days of Croatian Tourism 2025: Context of the victory

The awards ceremony at the Days of Croatian Tourism (DHT) is traditionally a gathering place for all key stakeholders in tourism. This year's DHT, held in Dubrovnik, was an opportunity to summarize the results of another record season. According to data from the eVisitor system, the year 2025 brought Croatia, and especially Istria, extraordinary results in the pre-season and post-season, thereby achieving the strategic goal of year-round tourism.

Rovinj is a leader in this context. Its ability to attract guests even in months that are not July and August – thanks to congress tourism, sports preparations, and weekend arrangements – distinguished it from the competition. In the final for the champion title, Rovinj likely stood side by side with other Adriatic heavyweights like Dubrovnik or Poreč, but consistency and a high level of service in all segments were decisive.

Gastro and lifestyle: Rovinj as a hedonistic mecca

One of the reasons why guests return to Rovinj is also its gastronomic scene. Istria has long been recognized as the best world region for olive oil, and Rovinj restaurants are regularly found in prestigious guides like Michelin and Gault&Millau. Tomorrow's festival will be an opportunity to offer a part of that culinary magic to the citizens.

The combination of fresh fish, Istrian prosciutto, truffles, and top wines (Malvasia and Teran) makes the Rovinj table irresistible. The free gastronomic offer on Marshal Tito Square will, therefore, be a real treat for the palate and an opportunity for socializing over a glass of good wine and conversation about the successes behind us, but also plans for the future.

Look into the future: Sustainability as an imperative

While we celebrate the title for the year 2025, Rovinj is already thinking about 2026. The challenges of modern tourism are great – from climate change to the need for digitization. However, Rovinj has shown that it knows how to respond to these challenges. Investments in green infrastructure, smart solutions for traffic management, and the protection of natural resources (like the Golden Cape forest park) are a guarantee that this city will remain a desirable destination for generations to come.

The champion title obliges. It is not a permission to relax, but an incentive for further work. The bar has been raised high, and the competition does not sleep. Nevertheless, with such community support and a clear vision of development, there is no doubt that Rovinj will continue to be at the very top in the years to follow, not only of Croatian but also of Mediterranean tourism.

Invitation to all: Come and celebrate!

In conclusion, let us repeat the key information once more. The celebration of the title "Tourist Destination of the Year – Champion of Croatian Tourism 2025" takes place tomorrow, December 6, starting at 11:00 AM on the main town square in Rovinj. Excellent music awaits you with Sergio Preden – Gato and the Party Band, delicious food, and, most importantly of all, the company of people who make this city special.

Take the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic. If you are coming from other parts of Istria or Croatia, check the current accommodation offer and extend your stay. Rovinj awaits you with open arms, ready to share the joy of its great success with you.

See you at the square!