In the beautiful ambiance of the Museum of Apoxyomenos, which preserves the bronze beauty of an ancient athlete, yesterday, September 25, the traditional ceremony on the occasion of World Tourism Day was held. The City of Mali Lošinj and the Tourist Board of the City of Mali Lošinj once again paid tribute to those who form the soul of Lošinj's tourism – the hardworking and dedicated individuals. This event, which year after year celebrates the contribution of people to the success of the destination, confirmed that it is precisely the person who is the key link in the chain of hospitality and quality for which Lošinj is recognized. As the world prepares to mark September 27, the day dedicated to tourism, this year under the global theme "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," Lošinj has shown that sustainability rests on people – their expertise, kindness, and dedication to preserving the local identity.

Awards for excellence: Who are the best in Lošinj's tourism?

Through the commendable action "MAN – THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN TOURISM," designed with the aim of raising the level of service and encouraging excellence, individuals from various sectors who contribute to the overall guest experience with their daily work were awarded. Each of these names represents a story of effort, professionalism, and love for the job. Awards were given in as many as 25 categories, covering all segments of the tourism industry, from agency business to utility services. Among the laureates were: Sonja Pavličić as the best agency employee, Ana Bugarski as an exceptional tourist guide, and Nataša Radeka for her contribution to sales and marketing. The award for the best reception employee was received by Martina Razum, while waitress Daliborka Baljak was awarded for impeccable service in the hotel restaurant. In the category of waiters in a caffe bar, Nenad Borak stood out, and the title of the best bartender went to Andrea Laslo Šutić. The culinary skill of Dinko Lekić earned him the award for the best chef, and for the tidiness and impeccability of the hotel premises, the credit goes to Ivanka Ivatek, awarded as a hotel housekeeping employee. Ondina Saganić Stanić was recognized as the best provider of hospitality services in private accommodation, highlighting the importance of private accommodation for the tourist offer of Mali Lošinj. The security of the destination was also recognized as a key element, so awards were also given to police officer Ivan Henč and firefighter Danijel Crnović. In the retail sector, saleswoman Ksenija Terpich stood out. The contribution to nautical tourism was recognized in the work of Jadranko Jušić, while in the transport sector, Nikola Borić was awarded. Tourist animator Željka Pušeljić took care of the guests' smiles and entertainment, and Leon Lovrić was awarded for sports activities at the pools. The tidiness and beauty of the environment, which is one of the trademarks of the island of vitality, would not be possible without hardworking employees like Vedran Badurina and Marijo Budinić. Technical support and maintenance are key to the smooth functioning of facilities, for which handyman Elvis Bešlagić received recognition, while Tonka Kustić was awarded for horticultural landscaping. In hotel maintenance, Ante Živković stood out, and in the utility program, Ajlen Herceg. The importance of health tourism, a segment for which Mali Lošinj is widely known, was emphasized with the award for Ines Štokić. The future lies with the youth, which was confirmed by the award to excellent student Zara Blagojević for her achievements in competitions.

The Mayor of the City of Mali Lošinj, Ana Kučić, congratulated all the winners with unconcealed pride, stressing that people are the greatest strength and wealth of the city. "These awards are a reward for those who, with their work, dedication, and heart, make Lošinj a place of excellence, community, and progress. Each awarded employee is proof that professionalism and humanity can be combined in a sincere care for the community and its development. The effort, knowledge, and love for the job they invest not only contribute to the success of the institution or company they work for but also enrich the entire community. Let this recognition be an incentive for everyone to continue to believe in themselves, in their city, and in the people around them, because it is the people who make our Lošinj a special place. Our strength is in unity, and today's laureates are the best proof that excellence is recognized and rewarded," said Mayor Kučić.

Special awards for guardians of heritage and promoters of the destination

In addition to the awards for individual excellence in tourism activities, special awards were given to individuals and associations whose work goes beyond the scope of their professions and leaves a lasting mark on the cultural and social life of the island. For his exceptional contribution to tourism, a special award was given to DARIJO KUČIĆ, described as a true guardian of heritage and a tireless driver of the community. His work in enriching folklore, klapa singing, and preserving the tradition of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago represents the foundation on which an authentic tourist story is built. He summed up his life philosophy in a simple but powerful message from his native Belej on Cres: "I have a very happy life."

The ceremony was also an opportunity to mark major anniversaries. The Josip Kašman Wind Orchestra received an award for an incredible 150 years of continuous activity, with which they have enriched the cultural heritage and become one of the symbols of Mali Lošinj. Their rich history was also immortalized this year in a valuable monograph. The Osor Musical Evenings also celebrated half a century of existence, a festival that has hosted almost 800 concerts in the unique setting of the Osor Cathedral and has become an unmissable place for lovers of classical music. Another important anniversary, 40 years of operation, was celebrated by the Mali Lošinj Airport, a key point of the island's transport connectivity. In that spirit, an award was also presented to the famous Lošinj historian Julijan Sokolić, as the individual who initiated the traditional Emigrants' Day on the island of Susak, an event that also celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and which gathers numerous people from Susak scattered around the world every year.

Culture, tradition, and innovation as pillars of tourism

Special awards for their contribution to the preservation of cultural and traditional heritage were given to Irena Dlaka and Lidija Kosmos for their key contribution to the realization of the feature film "Zeleni barba." This film is dedicated to Professor Ambroz Haračić, a visionary whose passion for afforesting the island shaped the present-day recognizable, wooded appearance of Lošinj. An award was also received by Silvana Peroš, an active lover of culture, art, and the island of Unije, dedicated to preserving the tradition and cultural offer of that island. Research work and love for Lošinj also brought an award to Dr. sc. Vedran Vukotić. Since 2011, the Betanija House in Veli Lošinj, under the leadership of the Merciful Sisters of the Holy Cross, has become a sanctuary for physical and spiritual health, offering various spiritual programs, which has significantly enriched the destination's offer, for which they received a well-deserved award. For its contribution to the preservation and development of professional fishing in Croatia, the Association of Professional Fishermen "Ježinac" from Mali Lošinj was awarded. A rich body of journalistic work dedicated to the tourism, maritime affairs, and shipbuilding of Lošinj also brought an award to Rita Cramer Giovannini.

Promotion through sport was also not forgotten, and the coach of the Lošinj women's volleyball team, Žarko Rogić, was awarded. Innovation and safety were recognized in the safe camping project of Camp Čikat, while for setting the Guinness World Record for the largest croquant in the world, the award was accepted by Petar Goleš from Gelateria Moby Dick, thus putting Mali Lošinj on the world map of record holders.

Tastes and scents of Lošinj: A new member of the local products family

The "Lošinj Local Products" project, which aims to promote authentic and high-quality products from the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, has gained a new member this year. It is the "Parfem Victory" by Irena Dlaka. This unique perfume, made from essential oils of sage, immortelle, and laurel, is inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of father and son Andrija Linardić, pioneers of distilling essential oils from Martinšćica on Cres. With this new product, the "Lošinj Local Products" family now has 19 producers with 73 products that proudly bear this label, guaranteeing authenticity, recognizable origin, and original design. All awards and commemorative prizes in the form of Lošinj local products were presented to the winners by Mayor Ana Kučić and the Director of the Tourist Board of the City of Mali Lošinj, Dalibor Cvitković.

Director Cvitković concluded that World Tourism Day is the ideal opportunity to pay tribute to the people who make Lošinj special. "Their dedication, from heritage to innovation, shows that tourism brings value not only to guests but to all of us. With these awards, we thank everyone who, with their work and passion, shapes Lošinj as a unique destination, and their contribution – from preserving tradition to new and creative ideas – is the best proof that tourism can be both successful and sustainable," said Cvitković, extending his congratulations and thanks to all the award winners for their effort and dedication.