October 7, 2022 - Last night, at the traditional conference of tourism workers - the Croatian Tourism Days (DHT) in Šibenik, the first part of this year's awards was given to the best in tourism. Osijek received the most successful Continental City Tourism Destination award, while Slavonia, with all five counties, was declared the most successful rural tourism destination.
As Radio Osijek writes, another award has arrived in Slavonia, more precisely to the Vukovar-Srijem County. Rujana Bušić Srpak, director of the Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, is the employee of the year in the Tourist Board system. And Varja Guttert from Nature Park Kopački Rit was the best tourist guide.
Country club Terra Negra also received recognition as a finalist in the category of a unique gastronomic experience of the year.
"This award is the result of the work of all Osijek tourism workers, restaurateurs, and citizens because they make our city an authentic destination," said Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić, thanking for the award, which declared Osijek the most successful continental city tourism destination.
Hrvoje Jelavic / PIXSELL
"Skyrocketing numbers confirm that Osijek is the most successful continental city tourism destination. For example, this year's September is 30 percent better in overnight stays compared to the record year of 2019. Even for last year's Advent, Easter, and until the summer months just finished, the previous records for the number of arrivals and overnight stays were broken," continued Radić and pointed out that the city is investing in tourist infrastructure: "We renovated the swimming pools at Copacabana in Osijek, which in a month and a half attracted more than 30 thousand visitors. We also landscaped the Drava beach at Kopika. We are restoring the historical core of Tvrđa, which will soon become the pearl of Osijek tourism again. We are building a concert hall. The major renovation of the Osijek Airport is also underway. And the promenade along the Drava - our famous Promenade - will, once we connect the Lower and Upper Towns, become the longest promenade in this part of Europe. We also renovated the pedestrian bridge, a symbol of Osijek and a favorite photo point of our guests," said Radić.
He emphasized that numerous and well-organised sports and cultural and entertainment events contribute to excellent results. "Because that's what Osijek is - a city of sports, a city of culture and entertainment, a city of delicious food, good wines, and authentic socialisation. A city of parks, walks, bicycles, good and open people, and a pleasant place during all four seasons. A city that does not have a season, but a good year-round dynamic, from competitive adrenaline on the sports fields, through summer refreshments at Kopika, to the inner warmth of Advent", the mayor of Osijek stated with satisfaction.
The second part of the awards will be presented today, October 7, for the best in tourism, and among them is the "Anton Štifanić" award in the company/institution/association and individual category, the lifetime achievement award, and special recognitions for exceptional contribution to the promotion of the Republic of Croatia and application of the principles of sustainable development.
As questionable as some of the Croatian Tourist Board's choices are, like their official promo video, the awards given out to Slavonia and Osijek were more than deserved. Congratulations to the recipients!
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