November the 21st, 2025 – Međimurje tourism is continuing to shine, with huge amounts of effort poured into carving out a space for this often overlooked but absolutely stunning part of Croatia.
As Varazdinski writes, the national tourism awards are just around the corner, and Međimurje County and its tourism is once again right at the top. In the finals of this year’s Annual Croatian Tourism Awards, which will be formally awarded on Friday at the Days of Croatian Tourism (Dani hrvatskog turizma) down in Dubrovnik, Međimurje has been entered into five categories: Cultural Destination, Rural Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Vaš domaćin (Your Host) – Vesna Osojnički (Apartment Arena Grabrovnik) and Health Tourism – Terme Sveti Martin.
cultural destination
The Cultural Destination category recognises the very many years of work carried out on the systematic development of cultural itineraries, interpretation centres and museum and exhibition spaces that testify to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Međimurje.
This green continental Croatian county abounds in intangible heritage, including the Međimurje folk song inscribed on the UNESCO list, the rich tradition of folk art, architecture and contemporary cultural programmes. All of the above make the entire Međimurje region a recognisable destination for tourism that combines tradition and innovation. The nomination confirms that Međimurje has successfully fused cultural tradition and contemporary programmes, combining history and innovation and showing how tradition and modernity can go hand in hand. For Međimurje tourism, it cannot be overstated that local culture is the driver of its identity and ongoing sustainable tourism development.
Sustainable Tourism
Beautiful Međimurje is also in the finals in the Rural Tourism category, in which cycles of support for local people and the creation of dozens of new tourist products were recognised. All of the aforementioned further enriches the entire region and provides visitors with an authentic experience of rural Croatian life away from the glam of the coastline.
Sustainable Tourism also confirms the position of Međimurje and its tourism as a national leader. It was after all the very first Croatian region to achieve the prestigious Green Destination status. The systematic monitoring of sustainability, investment in the circular economy, the careful preservation of nature and the quality of life of the local community make this idyllic region an example of responsible and strategically focused development.
local host
In the Local Host category, Vesna Osojnički was nominated, whose apartments in Grabrovnik exude warmth, authentic interiors and hospitality. Through the promotion of local products, art workshops and experiences, she also shows how small hosts can become ambassadors of Međimurje’s entire identity.
health tourism
The nominee for Health Tourism is of course the very well known and popular Terme Sveti Martin, which has become a synonym for an innovative blend of wellness, medical programmes and active holidays.
This large number of nominations for Međimurje tourism clearly reflects the integrity of the development strategy of this beautiful green county and confirms that it is continuously working to raise the standards of tourism – from high end services to guests to the loving preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Every local tourist product, every service and each little detail creates an experience that visitors remember. Međimurje continues to grow alongside that and create new value according to the principles of sustainable development.
The development of tourism is carried out by local people, whether they create and promote a new tourist product, or simply arrange their garden to catch the eye of visitors and become an unforgettable experience. It is thanks to them that Međimurje – known as an unspoiled green oasis in the very heart of Europe – moves forward.
