The Zagreb County Tourist Board is set to bestow the prestigious "Rose of Zagreb County" award for outstanding contributions towards tourism. The award is conferred across six distinct categories: vine and gastronomy tourism, sustainable tourism, innovative products and services, socially responsible entrepreneurship, accommodation facilities, and employees engaged in service and other tourism-related activities.

The call for public participation in the competition was announced today during a press conference held at the premises of Zagreb County. Ivana Alilović, the director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, emphasized that the county is recognized as a top destination for wine and gastronomy, located close to the metropolis and offering a variety of cultural, traditional, and modern events.

The area around Zagreb is not only rich in cultural and historical attractions but it also offers a green ring, which is a haven for sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and outdoor activity enthusiasts. The growth in the number of visitors and overnight stays in our destination is a result of the collaborative efforts to create a unique, recognizable, and appealing tourist experience. To create this story, we work closely with valuable tourism workers, recognizable tourism facilities, innovative services, and diverse tourist experiences. Ivana Alilović dedicated the "Rose of Zagreb County" to them. In 2023, Zagreb County saw an excellent increase of about 14% in arrivals and 13% in overnight stays compared to the record year of 2022.

Tourism workers, citizens, and facilities play a crucial role in creating a positive tourism experience and contributing to a destination's overall value. Alilović, while speaking about the "Beauty of Zagreb County" annual award, emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding the hard work of those who contribute to the development of tourism in the area. The goal of the award is to inspire further improvements in businesses and highlight successful examples as a guide for all stakeholders in tourism development. Individuals and tourism workers who have contributed to the growth of continental tourism and helped make Zagreb County a renowned tourist destination are invited to submit successful projects, innovative businesses, and sustainable practices to the public tender.

"Join the 'Rose of Zagreb County' contest! Submit your application by March 21, 2024, and showcase your unique talents to the world!"

The online application form can be found at https://forms.gle/q61jrXo1wjJeR4Mk9, and the rules for awarding the prize are available on the website of the Zagreb County Tourist Board at www.visitzagrebcounty.hr.

The judging panel, comprised of tourism experts, will select the winners. The awards ceremony will take place in April in Velika Gorica.