Opatija has become a regular destination for numerous visitors from all over the world for the past 180 years, and many of them remain loyal to this Adriatic gem. The Opatija Tourist Board regularly recognizes guests who return year after year, acknowledging them as the best promoters of Opatija tourism.

Mr. Ralf Forst first visited Opatija with his parents on July 17, 1964, when he was four years old. They came from Germany with friends and stayed at the Motel Ičići. They were immediately captivated by Opatija, especially the evening life, parties, and dancing on the terraces. Both families, who had small children, found accommodation with an Opatija lady who rented rooms at Villa Esperia. Mrs. Dolores Prijić, who loved children and was happy to babysit them in the evenings, became the hostess for the Forst family. Ralf and her son Denis quickly became friends, and their friendship has lasted for 60 years. Today, Ralf often visits Denis Prijić as a close friend.

Opatija captivated the Forst family, and they returned every year. Ralf got to know all the Opatija beaches and regularly went to the hotel terraces, enjoying the music of Ivo Robić at the "Kvarner". Later, he visited popular discos like 72, Milde Sorte, Grote, and Mimi. He learned Croatian and enjoys singing the songs of Mišo Kovač and Matko Jelavić, especially loving the song "Serenada Opatiji". For Ralf, Opatija has become a second home, and he intends to continue coming as long as he can.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary
The Opatija Tourist Board organized a reception for Mr. Ralf Forst and his host Denis Prijić, with appropriate gifts. During his address, Ralf emphasized that he finds everything he needs in Opatija and does not seek other destinations. "In my mind, I am German, but in my heart, I am Croatian. Opatija is my greatest love, and after 60 years of friendship, Denis has become my family," said Mr. Forst.

Statements
"A loyal guest is the best guest. Therefore, we are proud of these beautiful, not just years, but decades of loyalty with which our dear guests have honored us. This means that they have recognized the natural beauty, numerous amenities offered by Opatija and its surroundings, as well as the dedicated effort and kindness of our people," said the director of the Opatija Tourist Board, Suzi Petričić.

Stories of loyalty
This anniversary provides an opportunity to remember other loyal guests of Opatija who have achieved notable jubilees. The most interesting story belongs to Mrs. Marion Spiero from Milan, who spent 81 consecutive years vacationing in Opatija, of which she spent 73 years at the Kvarner Hotel, always in the same room!

Mrs. Simon Denis Maudet Odile and Mr. Guy August Jozeph Maudet from Nantes marked 40 years of continuous visits to Opatija in 2014. Mrs. Helma Graf from Frankenthal (Germany) and Mrs. Helga Nüchtern from Vienna celebrated half a century of loyalty to Opatija.

In 2019, father and son Duško and Zoran Đermanović celebrated 50 years of loyalty to Opatija, always staying at the Ambassador Hotel. Mr. Cornelius Mellaart from the Netherlands marked 65 years of continuous visits to Opatija and Ika in 2022.