The Zagreb County Tourist Board has opened applications for the fourth edition of the annual Zagreb County Rose Award, a prestigious recognition celebrating excellence, innovation, and dedication within the county’s tourism sector. The award was established to encourage higher standards, foster innovation, and promote the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. It is presented annually to legal entities and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of tourism in Zagreb County.
Eligible applicants include stakeholders from both the private and public sectors, headquartered or operating within the county, for projects, products, or activities implemented over the past year. Applications may be submitted by project holders and by local tourist boards of the cities and municipalities where the projects were carried out. Submissions can be made via the official application link.
Eight Categories, Sixteen Awards
The award is presented across eight categories, with two recognitions granted in each category, for a total of sixteen awards. The Sustainable Tourism category is dedicated to projects and initiatives that promote sustainable development, responsible resource management, and environmentally friendly solutions within the tourism sector. The Innovative Products and Services category rewards creative and original tourism products that enrich the destination’s offer and enhance the county’s competitiveness in the tourism market. The Wine & Gastronomy (Eno-Gastro Tourism) category recognises exceptional contributions to promoting wine and culinary offerings, including restaurants, wineries, events, educational programmes, and products that celebrate the region’s authentic flavours. The Accommodation category highlights excellence in hotel, rural, and private accommodation, with a focus on service quality, authenticity, and sustainable management.
Awards are also presented to Outstanding Tourism Professionals and individuals in related sectors whose professionalism, hospitality, and dedication significantly enhance service quality and positively influence the guest experience. The Corporate Social Responsibility category is aimed at entrepreneurs and companies that promote responsible business practices, environmental care, and commitment to the local community and employees. The Digital Innovation in Tourism category recognises the best digital projects, tools, and campaigns contributing to tourism promotion and development. Finally, the Best Event category honours tourism events, festivals, fairs, and manifestations that attract visitors and enrich the county’s cultural and tourism offering. ________________________________________
Refreshed Visual Identity Inspired by Tradition
The fourth edition of the award introduces a refreshed visual identity inspired by traditional geometric patterns found in the folk costumes of the Turopolje and Posavina regions. These patterns originate from weaving techniques that naturally produce structured, grid-like forms with remarkable geometric precision. The central motif of the new identity is a stylised rosette composed of diamond and rhomboid elements arranged in concentric rings and eight radial directions. This design symbolically connects the rich heritage of Zagreb County with a contemporary design approach. Each of the eight award categories is represented by its own distinctive colour, creating a visually rich, cohesive, and easily recognisable identity system across all communication channels.
Application Content
Each application must include the applicant’s details, such as company name or full name, email address, telephone number, and the title of the project or nomination. Applicants are also required to submit a written explanation of up to 1,000 words that aligns with the evaluation criteria and outlines why their project deserves recognition. The third mandatory component is supporting documentation demonstrating the implementation of the project, activity, product, or service. This may include photographs, reports, media coverage, statistical data, or any other materials that substantiate the application.
Evaluation Committee and Assessment
An independent panel of five members evaluates applications: four experts in tourism and media specialising in tourism monitoring, and the Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
Each application is assessed on a scale from 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest score) based on four key criteria: originality of the project or initiative, quality of implementation, achieved impact, sustainability and continuity of results The committee reserves the right to request additional information if deemed necessary for decision-making.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online application form. The submission deadline is 24 April 2026..
Application documentation and all additional information are available on the official website of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
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