Croatia has just introduced a new quality label that celebrates what truly makes a stay memorable-local hospitality. The Local Host badge is more than a plaque on a wall; it’s a mark of trust, authenticity, and connection. Designed to spotlight family-run accommodations that go above and beyond, this initiative invites guests to experience Croatia not just as tourists, but as welcomed friends.
There’s something magical about arriving at a Croatian home-be it a stone cottage overlooking the sea or a countryside villa nestled among olive trees-and being greeted not as a customer, but as a friend. That warm welcome, often accompanied by homemade rakija and a heartfelt smile, is the kind of hospitality Croatia is known for.
Now, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, has taken steps to officially recognize and promote that spirit of welcome. The newly launched “Local Host” label is a fresh initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the best of Croatia’s family accommodation-those who go above and beyond to offer guests a genuine, personal, and high-quality stay.
Why this matters
Family-run accommodation have long been a cornerstone of Croatia’s tourism identity. With more beds in private homes than in any other type of accommodation, it’s a sector that’s both essential and unique. Yet, until now, there was no official way to distinguish hosts who pour their heart into the experience from those who simply rent out a room.
“Family-run accomodation is a tradition of Croatian tourism, and something that sets us apart from other destinations,” said Tonči Glavina, the Minister of Tourism and Sports. “With the Local Host label, we want to highlight this authenticity and support those hosts who truly represent the values of Croatian hospitality.”
Who can get the label?
The “Local Host” label isn’t handed out to just anyone. It’s awarded to hosts who meet a set of carefully developed criteria, including:
• Authenticity of their offer (local traditions, heritage, or cultural identity)
• Hospitality, warmth, and personal engagement
• Eco-awareness, sustainability, and responsibility toward the environment
• Quality communication and guest information
• Ongoing training and dedication to improvement
In short, it’s not about having the fanciest apartment or the most luxurious villa. It’s about heart, character, and the kind of service that makes you feel like part of the family.
A simple process, big impact
Applying for the label is easy and entirely digital. Hosts complete a self-assessment form through the eVisitor platform. If they meet the criteria, they receive a physical plaque to proudly display on their property-and a digital version to use on booking websites, social media, and promotional materials.
The label is valid for three years. To renew it, hosts must undergo the process again to ensure they still meet the quality standards.
Kristjan Staničić, the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, explains the bigger vision: “This is the first time that family accommodation is being promoted in such a structured way, which is extremely important given that Croatia, as a tourist destination, has the highest number of beds in private family accommodation. The goal is to distinguish hosts who carry out this activity with great enthusiasm and effort from ordinary renters. The entire process will unfold in two directions, or rather, in two phases. The first involves encouraging as many hosts as possible to become bearers of this label, and we take this opportunity to invite all family accommodation providers who meet the criteria to join the project. The second phase entails the systematic promotion of the label in source markets so that, among our guests, it becomes synonymous with quality and reliability.” Emphasizing that the awarded label will be valid for three years, and before its expiration, holders will have to undergo the self-assessment and approval process again to ensure the label’s high quality standard is maintained.
What’s in it for hosts?
Plenty. Not only will Local Hosts stand out in an increasingly saturated accommodation market, but they’ll also benefit from special promotional support from the Croatian Tourist Board. Their listings will be included in marketing campaigns and highlighted on booking platforms and tourist portals.
The label also comes with a built-in trust factor. When guests see the Local Host plaque, they know they’re entering a space run by someone who truly cares-someone who will go the extra mile to offer recommendations, share local secrets, and make sure they feel right at home.
Community, connection, and cultural pride
Beyond the business advantages, the Local Host initiative is also about empowering local communities. It encourages hosts to take pride in their culture, revive forgotten customs, and pass on traditions that might otherwise fade. It’s not uncommon for a guest to return home knowing how to bake traditional peka (meals cooked under the bell), recognize a klapa harmony, or understand the significance of a village feast day-just because their host made the effort to share it with them.
This kind of cultural connection builds lasting impressions and lifelong memories, helping Croatia stand out in a global sea of generic travel options. When guests forge bonds with their hosts, they’re far more likely to return, recommend, and genuinely fall in love with the destination.
A vision for sustainable tourism
At its core, this initiative is about more than branding. It’s about shaping the future of tourism in Croatia-one that balances guest satisfaction with local well-being.
The Local Host label supports the broader goals of sustainable tourism. By encouraging personal interaction, cultural exchange, and environmentally conscious practices, it strengthens the link between visitors and local communities. It ensures that tourism isn’t just profitable, but meaningful and respectful too.
A welcome like no other
Whether you’re staying in a hilltop home in Istria, a fisherman’s cottage on the Adriatic, or a cozy room in Slavonia, choosing a host with the Local Host label means something special. It means you’re not just booking a bed-you’re stepping into someone’s story, sharing a slice of local life, and experiencing Croatia the way it’s meant to be experienced: warmly, sincerely, and with a sense of belonging.
So next time you scroll through listings for your Croatian adventure, keep an eye out for a small but powerful sign. It might just lead you to your most memorable stay yet.