The Tourist Board of the Municipality of Vrsar has once again proven that dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking can lead to exceptional results on the tourist map of Croatia. At the 25th anniversary edition of the Business-Tourist Exchange PUT, which this year took place on April 9, 2025, in Toplice Sveti Martin, Vrsar shone among the best, winning two prestigious Simply the Best awards, organized by the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA) and the PUT Tourist Exchange.

These are annual awards that have been presented for the sixteenth consecutive year with the aim of recognizing and valuing exceptional achievements in Croatian tourism, with special emphasis on originality, quality, and contribution to the local community and the destination's identity. In competition with several dozen candidates from different parts of Croatia, Vrsar excelled by winning awards in two key categories – innovative souvenir and best gourmet event.

Illustrated puzzles: a souvenir that tells a story

In the souvenir category, the attention of the expert jury and the public was drawn to an extremely interesting and aesthetically pleasing project – illustrated puzzles of Vrsar. This unique souvenir is the result of collaboration between the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Vrsar, the renowned hotel group Maistra, and the talented illustrator Mateja Kovač. Each segment of the puzzle is carefully designed to bring to life the visual essence of Vrsar – its recognizable coastline, historical landmarks, picturesque streets, and the warmth of local life.

Unlike classic souvenirs which often have an exclusively decorative function, the puzzles are designed as an educational-entertaining tool that allows visitors to get acquainted with local features and cultural heritage in an interactive way. Through the process of assembling, users symbolically connect with the destination, reconstructing its story piece by piece.

This approach also encourages a deeper emotional connection between tourists and their place of stay, as it invites them to reflect on the identity of the space they are in. The puzzles have already become a favorite souvenir among families with children, but also among collectors and design enthusiasts who appreciate creative solutions in the tourist offer segment.

Amaretto Day: a sweet homage to local tradition

The second award went to an event that is becoming an increasingly recognizable symbol of Vrsar – Amaretto Day. This gastronomic event is dedicated to the autochthonous hazelnut sweet, known as amaretto, which is traditionally associated with the Istrian region, and especially with Vrsar. However, the event is not just a classic cake fair, but a comprehensive interpretative-cultural platform that combines history, cuisine, education, and community spirit.

During Amaretto Day, various workshops are held where participants learn the techniques of preparing amaretto, often with the involvement of local grandmothers who pass down knowledge from generation to generation. In addition to workshops, the program also includes presentations on the origin and significance of this dessert, competitions in making the most original variations of amaretto, and a special gourmet zone where local producers present their products to visitors.

A special charm is given to the event by the fact that it is not aimed exclusively at tourists, but actively involves the local population, entrepreneurs, caterers, and cultural associations. In this way, a sense of community is created, but also sustainable development is promoted through the preservation of gastronomic identity.

Strategy based on local values

Dr. sc. Klara Trošt Lesić, director of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Vrsar, expressed satisfaction with the achieved success, emphasizing that such awards confirm the correctness of the strategic direction based on promoting authenticity, quality, and involving the local community. According to her, the key is the synergy between tourism stakeholders, from institutions to small producers, artists, and citizens.

"No project arises by itself. Every idea goes through numerous discussions, consultations, and reflections. We stand firmly behind the belief that tourism should not be just a commercial product, but a bridge between people, space, and the story that space carries. These awards are proof that even smaller destinations, if they act with heart and thoughtfulness, can be carriers of quality at the national level," said director Trošt Lesić during the award ceremony.

Tourist potential and accommodation offer of Vrsar

Besides the cultural and gastronomic dimensions, Vrsar can also boast an exceptionally developed accommodation infrastructure. Numerous high-category hotels, private apartments, family accommodations, campsites, and luxury villas offering privacy and exclusivity are available to visitors. Among the most famous is the Maistra hotel chain, which combines modern design and local tradition, offering service at the highest level.

In addition to classic accommodation, interest in thematic stays such as agrotourisms and creative residencies, which allow guests to delve deeper into the local way of life, has been growing recently. Furthermore, more and more facilities are implementing sustainable practices, from environmentally friendly materials to the use of local products in their catering offer.

Vrsar – a destination for all senses

Located on the west coast of Istria, Vrsar exudes history, tradition, and the charm of a Mediterranean fishing town. Its stone streets, panoramic viewpoints, churches, and cultural monuments testify to a rich past, while its natural beauty and mild climate provide the perfect setting for year-round tourism. Vrsar is not just a summer destination – its facilities and events are designed to attract visitors throughout all seasons.

The combination of cultural heritage, top gastronomy, innovative projects like the puzzles and Amaretto Day, along with an outstanding accommodation offer and the warmth of the local people, makes Vrsar one of the most attractive destinations in Istria. Its ability to develop based on authenticity, rather than mass tourism, is an example of sustainable and thoughtful tourism development that many other destinations could aspire to.