by croatiaweek
November 22, 2025
in
(Photo: HTZ)
The final evening of this year’s Days of Croatian Tourism (DHT) was held on Thursday in Dubrovnik, bringing together more than 1,300 industry professionals for the annual ceremony celebrating excellence across Croatia’s tourism sector.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Annual Croatian Tourism Awards, recognising standout destinations, events and individuals for 2025.
Rovinj was crowned Tourist Destination of the Year, earning the title of Croatia’s new tourism champion.
Osijek’s vibrant HeadOnEast festival was named Tourist Event of the Year, while the renowned Linđo Folklore Ensemble from Dubrovnik received the Anton Štifanić Award in the company/institution/association category.
(Photo: HTZ)
In the individual category of the same award, travel content creator Kristijan Iličić was honoured, while two long-standing industry leaders, Jako Andabak and Boris Žgomba, received prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards.
As tradition, the Croatian National Tourist Board presented its “Man – the Key to Success” Employee of the Year Awards, recognising outstanding professionals across 22 categories, including travel agency staff, tour guides, receptionists, waiters, police officers, firefighters and hotel housekeeping employees.
(Photo: HTZ)
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport also presented special “Ambassador of Croatian Tourism” awards. This year’s recipients were Zrinka Ljutić, Dina Levačić, Velimir Šandor, Emma Mečić, and the Croatian men’s handball team, with head coach Dagur Sigurdsson accepting the award on their behalf.
(Photo: HTZ)
A new category was introduced this year, Local Host of the Year, with the inaugural award going to Selma Seifert, owner of the charming Divjake Log Home – Queen of the Forest in Plevci, Gorski kotar.
The awards are jointly presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Croatian Chamber of Economy, covering 21 categories across the tourism spectrum.
(Photo: HTZ)
(Photo: HTZ)
These include distinctions for the best tourist package, gastronomic experience, hotel and campsite of the year, as well as awards in active, cultural, nautical, business, rural and health tourism.