The Zagreb County Tourist Board invites local hosts to showcase their hospitality and contribution to the destination's quality.
The Zagreb County Tourist Board has launched a Public Call for Applications to select the Best Local Host of Zagreb County 2026. The call is open to holders of the Your Host / Local Host designation, an initiative established by the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia to recognise high-quality, authentic and sustainable family-run accommodation. Applications are open until 4 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m..
The way a host welcomes guests often shapes their first—and most lasting—impression of a destination. Personal recommendations, stories about local traditions, a homemade welcome gift or the opportunity to experience everyday local life transform an ordinary stay into a memorable experience that visitors are eager to share.
"Local hosts are true ambassadors of our destination, presenting its values to visitors in a personal and authentic way. Through their recommendations, stories and genuine hospitality, they reveal the character of the place they call home and allow guests to experience Zagreb County from a local perspective. We currently have 37 holders of the Your Host / Local Host designation in Zagreb County—37 ambassadors of our tourism—and we hope that number will continue to grow. We encourage all eligible family accommodation providers to apply for the designation, while inviting existing holders to present their work and compete for the title of Zagreb County's Best Local Host," says Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board..
The Vaš domaćin/Local Host designation helps visitors identify accommodation that stands for verified quality, responsible destination management and the personal commitment of the host. For its holders, the designation provides greater market visibility, the right to use the official visual identity of the programme and additional promotion through the Croatian National Tourist Board's marketing activities and digital communication channels.
Criteria for choosing the best host
The Best Local Host will be selected based on criteria including authenticity and a strong connection to the local community, outstanding hospitality and a personalised approach to guests, sustainability and environmental responsibility, high-quality guest information and communication, in-depth knowledge of the destination, continuous professional development, and active cooperation with local stakeholders. Guest reviews and ratings on online accommodation booking platforms will also be taken into account as part of the evaluation process.
Application process
Applications must be submitted exclusively by email to rh.ytnuocbergaztisiv@ofni no later than 4 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m., with the subject line: "Application for the Public Call – Best Local Host of the Year / Your Host – Local Host".
Along with the completed application form, available on the of the Zagreb County Tourist Boardwebsite, applicants may also submit photographs and video materials showcasing their accommodation.
Further information and application details are available at the following links:
Announcement of the Winners at the Croatian Tourism Days
The Best Local Host from each Croatian county and the City of Zagreb will receive their award during the Croatian Tourism Days on 19 November 2026. The national winner, Your Host of the Year / Local Host, will be announced at the closing ceremony on 20 November 2026.
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