November 23, 2023 – The Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo,” hosted by the County of Osijek-Baranja, is organizing the awards ceremony for rural tourism in Croatia. “Suncokret ruralnog turizma Hrvatske – Sunflower Award”, will take place on November 30, 2023 in Osijek, at the Business Centre of Osijek- Baranja County, starting at 7:00 p.m.
This year, at the ceremony, for the first time, the Charter “Dr. Eduard Kušen Award” for a special contribution to the development and promotion of rural tourism will be awarded, which recognizes a person who has made extraordinary efforts, hard work, and achievements in the development and promotion of rural tourism.
9 Rural Tourism Projects from Split-Dalmatia County
In the Traditional rural households category, Budiša entered with the Budiša Rooms and Apartments project, which presents rooms and apartments with a tavern that serves food and operates in a sustainable manner.
In the traditional (rural) gastronomy category, the Kaštelanski Crljenak Association entered with the Fešta o Boba project, which takes place every year in May in Kaštel Kambelovac and is one of the most interesting and massive gastronomic events in Dalmatia. More than a dozen teams from Kaštela and the surrounding area participate, preparing traditional and innovative dishes with beans, be it savoury, spicy, sour, or sweet.
In the Craft tourism category, there are Dinaric Guides – hiking, kayaking, and organized excursions into nature. The group consists of the best guides (international UIAA standard) and adventurers from the Cetina region, who have been organizing excursions and guiding numerous groups of hikers for more than 10 years all across Europe.
In the same category, Obrt Tropic was registered with the project “Prva Makarska Pivovara” (first brewery in Makarska), with seven types of beer in their permanent offer, complemented by special limited editions of types of beer that are produced in cooperation with other, smaller producers. Also, the offer is filled following the seasons of the year.
In the category of Rural tourism projects, the Tourist Board of the City of Supetar submitted its project “A DAY WITH RENDIĆ – Cultural excursion with Rendić”, where after the user downloads the application, following a digital map, they get twenty points. When they arrive at one of the stops, a description of the stop appears in the application, 360 view, and an overview of how to get to the next stop. After the user passes all the stops of interest, they arrive at the Supetar cemetery, where they’re greeted by none other than Ivan Rendić himself.
In the same category, the Sinj village fair with the project of the same name was registered, which, in addition to the exhibition part, combines an interesting, entertaining, and educational program through the performances of many members of the traditional association who stage the dances, customs, and songs of their region, with the aim of preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage, educational workshops of traditional crafts, crafts, and skills, and the promotion of the local enological and gastronomic offer.
In the traditional (rural) gastronomy category, the Lovari Association entered Roma House with the Sarmva project, which the Roma in Maglenča prepare in a unique way.
Furthermore, in the same category, a historical stage spectacle was submitted – The Siege of Sinj 1715 with the project of the same name. It is a dramatic performance that celebrates the strength of the human spirit and perseverance in the face of great challenges and takes you through the epic battle of the siege of Sinj 1715 in two acts with exceptional performances by actors, dance, stage, light, and sound effects.
Likewise, in the mentioned category, the Association of the Bible Garden of Stomorija – Kaštela was registered with the project of the Bible Garden in the shrine of Our Lady of Stomorija and the Way of the Cross, where numerous cultural, traditional, and spiritual manifestations are held.
OPG Ivanović was registered with the program of the same name, representing the production of natural cosmetics, macerates, and other preparations that refine the original product – olive oil.
Rural tourism in Croatia is an important factor in the reactivation and development of rural areas, which helps preserve local identity, traditions, and customs, protects the environment, strengthens local and ecological production, and can rightly be called the future of world tourism.
The Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development “Klub članova Selo” is awarding the best for the eleventh time, and this year 197 applicants in eight categories are competing.
