On Friday, November 22, 2024, in Opatija, the Days of Croatian Tourism (DHT) were concluded, the largest annual gathering of tourism professionals in Croatia. The ceremony was held in the Crystal Hall of the Kvarner Hotel, where annual awards were presented to the best in tourism. The city of Poreč was declared the tourism champion for 2024, while the Lika-Senj County received special recognition from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports under the name "Croatia, naturally yours".

Distinguished Guests and Award Ceremony

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, President of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković, European Commission representative Dubravka Šuica, and numerous ministers, county prefects, mayors, municipal heads, and representatives of the tourism sector. The award for the Lika-Senj County was received by County Prefect Ernest Petry, who was handed the award by former Minister of Tourism and current Member of the European Parliament Nikolina Brnjac.

Messages from the Prime Minister and President of the Parliament

Prime Minister Plenković emphasized the importance of moderation in pricing and maintaining Croatia's reputation as an attractive destination. He stressed the need for Croatia's coast to remain accessible to local citizens. President of the Parliament Jandroković congratulated all award winners, highlighting that the tourism sector, despite challenges such as geopolitical tensions and climate change, achieved excellent results thanks to cooperation between the private and public sectors.

Awards for Tourist Events and Programs

Among the numerous awards, the award for Tourist Event of the Year was given to the 500th Krk Fair – Lovrečeva, while the award for Tourist Program of the Year went to the program "Nibs and Sips of Croatia – Culinary and Cultural Odyssey". The Gastronomic Experience of the Year was "Dalmatian Marenda".

Recognitions in Cultural and Active Tourism

In the category of cultural tourism, the Museums of the Croatian Zagorje were awarded, and in active tourism, the "Catch the Wind" Bicycle Marathon was recognized. Marina of the Year was Marina Punat from Krk, while the special recognition for the development of premium offers in the charter industry was awarded to the company Adriatic Sailing d.o.o./Adriatic Sailing.

Awards in Health, Business, and Rural Tourism

In health tourism, the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Naftalan was awarded, and in business tourism, Amadria Park – Convention Center & Hotel Ivan. In rural tourism, the Baranja Wine Events were highlighted.

Recognitions for Campsites and Hotels

The Campsite of the Year was Aminess Avalona Camping Resort, the small hotel was Maslina Resort, and the large hotels were Grand Park Hotel Rovinj and Amadria Hotel Millenij Opatija.

Awards for the Best Employees of the Year

The best employees of the year in various categories were also awarded:

• Travel Agency Employee: Nicolas Bajlo


• Tour Guide: Andrea Tedeschi


• Sales and Marketing: Darko Bilandžić


• Animator: Sandi Štrk


• Receptionist: Bruno Antončić


• Waiter: Jure Vojković


• Chef: Bernard Korak


• Hotel Housekeeper: Damira Imširović


• Accommodation in a Household: Lucija Njirić


• Farm Stay: Tomislav Smrček


• Coast Guard: Mladen Plavčić, Robert Brečević, and Karmelo Miš


• Firefighter: Nikša Dužević


• Transport: Roberto Šantić


• Saleswoman: Željka Komorčec


• Rescue Worker at Beaches and Pools: Mate Đaković


• Health: Milica Birk


• Yachting: Ivan Soža


• Tourism Community System: Marija Dejanović


• Environmental Management: Denis Raos

Annual "Anton Štifanić" Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Annual "Anton Štifanić" Awards were given to Vladimir Škrobi-Baja, owner of Baranja House, the Hospitality School Opatija, and the Folklore Ensemble Jedinstvo Split. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Vlado Miš, Director of the Rab Destination and Advisor to the Management Board of Imperial Riviera from the Valamar group, and Vojko Pleština, CEO of Fiscalis and the Management of the Tourist Festivals Interstas, ITF-CRO, and KEA-CRO.

Recognitions for Lika-Senj County and Croatian Tourism Ambassadors

Lika-Senj County received another recognition, and Goran Šuper, one of the three finalists in the active tourism category, was awarded for the Adventure-Excursion Center Rizvan City.

Special recognitions were also given to Croatian tourism ambassadors – athletes from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including:

• Barbara Matić


• Anđela Mužinić Vincetić


• Martin and Valent Sinković


• Donna Vekić


• Water polo players with coach Ivica Tucko


• Sandra Elkasević


• Miran Maričić


• Dino Sinovčić


• Deni Černi


• Luka Baković


• Lana Stojković

Contribution to Croatian Tourism Through Regional Initiatives

Croatian tourism relies on the wealth of regional diversity, which through its specifics contributes to strengthening Croatia's brand as a globally recognized tourist destination. Examples of this include projects such as the revitalization of traditional customs, investments in infrastructure, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Various events such as the Krk Fair, Lovrečeva, and wine and gastronomic events in Baranja provide visitors with a unique experience of authentic Croatia.

Sustainable Tourism as a Priority

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports emphasizes the importance of sustainability as a key segment of tourism development in the future. Projects focusing on reducing the ecological footprint, such as investments in bike paths, eco-camps, and green technologies in hotels, are increasingly important for attracting modern travelers looking for destinations with ecological awareness.

Challenges and Perspectives for 2025

The tourism sector faces challenges related to adapting to changes in tourism trends. Geopolitical tensions, rising travel costs, and climate change are significant factors that will impact future business operations. However, Croatia has the potential to further strengthen tourism through the digitalization of services, expanding the offer for the pre-season and post-season, and improving the quality of accommodation and services.

Conclusion on Future Development

Although facing numerous challenges, the Croatian tourism sector continues to be a key pillar of the country's economic development. The Days of Croatian Tourism not only celebrate the sector's achievements but also lay the foundations for further development and innovation. Given the achievements to date and the plans for the future, Croatia remains one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.