Croatia was the world’s destination of 2016!

As a tourist destination, Croatia has won another among numerous valuable recognitions. In fact, readers of the famous American tourism magazine Travel and Leisure (T+L) chose our country as the world’s destination of 2016! In an online reader’s poll, which was held during October and November, Croatia won the most votes, that is 28 percent of total votes. Portugal won second place with 24 percent of the votes, while Pittsburg ranked third. It is a remarkable success and a great recognition, and the Director of the CNTB Head Office, Mr. Ratomir Ivičić confirmed it:
 
“This year has been extremely successful for the Croatian tourism sector. Good figures and indicators are the results of the efforts and contributions of all tourism stakeholders, and the received awards, like this one, represent additional satisfaction, as well as the motivation for future actions. Croatia’s award for the world’s destination of the year by the readers is evidence of a positive image that our country has among tourists.  I am sure that this award will further reinforce our position in the competitive market and that all Croatian destinations will know how to justify this flattering title”, concluded Director Ivičić. 
 
The magazine described Croatia as a “jewel in the Mediterranean crown” and as a destination that has become very popular in the last few years. The beauties of Zagreb, Istria, Split and the islands of Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, Mljet were highlighted, as well as Dubrovnik, connected to the “Game of Thrones” series, whose photograph also represented Croatia during the voting. In the selection of the world’s destinations of 2016, the nominees, together with Croatia, Portugal and Pittsburgh also included were Hawaii, Paris, New Zealand, Iceland, Rio de Janeiro, and others. Last year’s winner in the T+L magazine reader’s poll was Cuba.
 
Let’s remember that Croatian destinations during the last year won numerous international awards and recognitions, among which are the awards of the European Best Destinations portal for the best European destination (Zadar), the best beach (Stiniva), the best Advent (Zagreb), the most romantic destination (Nin), and there is also the Swiss tourism award that was recently presented to Međimurje.