The "Sunflower Rural Tourism Croatia - Sunflower Award" ceremony was held on November 30, 2023, in Osijek, Croatia. The event recognised stakeholders' contributions to the rural tourism industry, with two stakeholders from Zagreb County receiving gold and silver charters. The ceremony was a success, showcasing the excellence of the rural tourism sector in Croatia and its significant role in the country's economy.

The restaurant Korak, awarded a Michelin star and a special Michelin green star for sustainability this summer, has won the Golden Charter in the category "Projects/holders of protected and marketing labels". This is a remarkable accomplishment for top chef Bernard Korak and his family, who opened the restaurant in Zagreb County only four years ago. The entire region is proud of this achievement, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and excellence in culinary arts.

The Director of the Tourist Board of Zagreb County, Ivana Alilović, congratulated all the award winners for their outstanding work and achievements this year. The winners' contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the overall tourist destination, and each of them has played a significant role in promoting the destination's brand with a strong emphasis on sustainability and preservation of local identity. Ms Alilović believes that these recognitions will serve as a catalyst for all stakeholders of the destination to generate innovative ideas and plans for the upcoming year.

The Holiday House "David" has been awarded the Silver Charter in the "Modern Rural Households" category. Situated just a few kilometres from the metropolis, the property is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a private and top-class vacation experience. The house is equipped with modern amenities catering to discerning travellers' needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This award serves as a testament to the property's commitment to providing exceptional service and amenities to its guests.

The "Traditional Rural Gastronomy" category recognized the "The Crib of Marijagorica" association from the Zaprešić region for their exceptional contribution. The association is renowned for organizing a plethora of gastronomic events, including Štruklijada, Strudlijada, and Kestenijada. These events attract hundreds of visitors who relish the opportunity to indulge in the traditional gastronomic offerings.

The president of the Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development "Club of Members of the Village", M.Sc. Dijana Katica presented the awards and highlighted the significance of rural tourism in revitalising rural development and preserving local identity. As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, she emphasised this factor's importance in promoting rural areas' growth.