The 23rd International Business and Tourism Exchange PUT officially opened Monday evening in Velika Gorica with the Best Best award for 2022. The prestigious tourism awards, Simply the Best for Innovation and Creativity in Tourism have been awarded by the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies and the Business Tourism Exchange PUT for 14 years.

Zagreb County showcased its premium wines, wine routes, and culinary delights during the event's inauguration. This presentation allowed attendees to discover the region's rich gastronomic heritage and sample its finest wines.

"I am pleased to express my satisfaction as the mayor of Velika Gorica that such a gathering of tourism professionals is being held in our city. The International Business and Tourism Exchange is the most significant tourism event that Velika Gorica has ever hosted. I think it is also the biggest business event in our city so far. With the recent construction of new accommodation facilities and hotels, like the one we are in today, our city will host many more business and professional gatherings in the future. I want to congratulate and thank Mrs. Alilović, who brought and organised this gathering in Velika Gorica," said Krešimir Ačkar, the mayor of Velika Gorica.

Ivana Alilović, the director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, stated that Zagreb County is a sustainable tourist destination. She emphasised the importance of active participation from all stakeholders in developing quality standards, understanding the destination's quality goals, being familiar with their role, and monitoring indicators of the destination's quality to improve its services and products. The focus is on preserving the region's value, community, and small businesses. Furthermore, two awards were given to Zagreb County. The restaurant "Samoborska Klet" won in the "Restaurants" category, and the Kos-Jurišić Winery from Sveti Ivan Zelina was awarded for the "Picnic in the Vineyard" project in the "New Projects in Tourism" category.

On behalf of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies, Ivana Maltar said that " The International Business and Tourism Exchange PUT" is an opportunity for new business meetings and getting to know new destinations and the director of " The International Business and Tourism Exchange " Maja Šimenc said that she is sure that travel agents will include Zagreb County destinations in their arrangements. Yesterday, the participants of the "Exchange" visited the Special Hospital "Naftalan" in Ivanić-Grad and got acquainted with the destinations of Velika Gorica; today, they will visit the tourist destinations of Zaprešić and Jastrebarsko.

In the HOSPITALITY category, awards were given in two groups: Excursions and Restaurants.

According to the judgment of the expert jury, the best picnic spot is Vuglec breg, winery, guesthouse & restaurant, Škarićevo, and the best restaurant is Restoran Samoborska klet, Samobor.

In the Travel Agency category, Sunturist agency in Novalja was awarded for their collaboration with the local community to enhance the tourism experience.

In the MANIFESTATIONS category, awards were given in four groups for quality and contribution to the tourist experience:

Kajkavian culture week in Krapina,

Festivals: Rab Fair, Rab,

Entertainment: Sonus Festival in Novalja

Croatian Walking Festival in Gospić-Otočac. Sports and recreation event. 

Prizes were given to the Entrepreneurs group and the Tourist Board System Local Self-Government group in the NEW PROJECT IN TOURISM category.

Štruklionica, Villa Zelenjak Ventek, Kumrovec emerged as the winning category among the group of entrepreneurs.

Visitor Center Đurđevački pijesci, Bažuli is the winner in the tourist board and local self-government group system.

Person category winners for exceptional contributions to tourism development this year are:

Tina Eterović Čubrilo, FIJET Croatia,

Sanjin Debelić, Windsurfing Club Južina, Rab,

Nada Maršić, Kaštela Tourist Board , Kaštela,

Karin Mimica, Gastronaut, Opatija,,

Goran Rihelj, HrTurizam (Croatian Tourism), Vinkovci.       

Three exceptional prizes were granted to those who continuously demonstrate a creative approach to designing and developing new tourist products that refine and complement the destination's offers. These awards were presented to:

To the Tourist Board of Lošinj - for being the best island destination,

To the Tourist Board of Rivijera Crikvenica - for being the best coastal destination,

To the Tourist Board of Virovitica Podravina County - for the best continental destination.

The PUT Business Tourism Exchange will be held from November 28 to 30, 2022 in Velika Gorica, hosted by the Zagreb County Tourist Board. The event aims to connect industry players and provide a platform to showcase the latest developments in the tourism sector. It also offers an opportunity to network, learn about the destination, engage in professional content and socialising.