The most important annual gathering of the national tourism industry – Croatian Tourism Days (DHT) – was held in Dubrovnik from the 19th to the 21st of November. Over the course of three days, more than 1,300 participants took part in a programme that brought new energy, a clear vision for the future, and a series of awards confirming the excellence of Croatian destinations and individuals.
The main programme, consisting of panels and lectures, took place at the Valamar Lacroma Hotel and partly at the Dubrovnik President Hotel, while evening events were held both at the host hotel and at Culture Club Revelin.
Croatian Tourism Days 2025 in Dubrovnik were not only a gathering of tourism professionals and an awards ceremony, but also a major stage on which the city demonstrated why it is one of the most desirable year-round destinations in the Mediterranean. Through a rich programme of study tours and thematic workshops, participants had the opportunity to experience Dubrovnik, Konavle and Ston through authentic stories, cultural heritage, creative spaces and unforgettable views. Each programme was designed to showcase a wide range of experiences beyond the summer season, reaffirming Dubrovnik as a destination that lives, creates and inspires 365 days a year.
Dubrovnik – Mediterranean Leader in Sustainable and Quality Tourism
In addition to being the host, Dubrovnik stood out as one of the laureates of the final gala evening of the Croatian Tourism Days, during which the annual Croatian Tourism Awards – the national awards for the best in Croatian tourism in 2025 – were presented. Dubrovnik won the award in the category Best Island / Coastal Destination of Sustainable Tourism. The award was presented to Mayor Mato Franković by the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, and Croatia’s Minister of Tourism Tonči Glavina, confirming Dubrovnik as a destination that develops tourism thoughtfully, introduces innovative management models and strengthens its sustainable transition.
This recognition is also important for the MICE and event sector, which relies heavily on destination management quality, sustainability and global reputation – areas in which Dubrovnik has been a leader for years.
Rovinj was proclaimed the new champion of Croatian tourism, while the best tourist event of the year went to the HeadOnEast festival in Osijek. The annual “Anton Štifanić” Award – individual category – was won by Kristijan Iličić, while the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jako Andabak and Boris Žgomba.
Dubrovnik’s Laureates Who Preserve the Identity, Quality and Experience of the Destination
Alongside the major destination award, Dubrovnik shone through its people – professionals who shape outstanding visitor experiences every day.
In the category People in Tourism, the “Anton Štifanić” Annual Award – companies/institutions/associations – went to the Linđo Folklore Ensemble for its invaluable contribution to preserving cultural heritage.
The winner of the “Employee of the Year – The Key to Success Award” award in the category Caretaker/Handyman/Maintenance Technician was Goran Praštalo from Hotel Bellevue, Adriatic Luxury Hotels, recognised for his professionalism in technical management of a luxury hotel property. His contribution to guest satisfaction confirms that Dubrovnik’s hotels remain a strong pillar of Croatia’s premium hospitality offer.
A finalist in the “Tourist Package of the Year” category, Elite Travel DMC has been connecting global demand with local experiences for decades, creating programmes that are essential for incentive and group travel. Their place in the final reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of Dubrovnik’s travel agency sector.
These awards are jointly presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Croatian Chamber of Economy, across a total of 21 categories.
Croatian Tourism Days 2025: Sustainable Development, Innovation and Global Trends
Through numerous lectures and panels at Croatian Tourism Days, it was clearly confirmed that Croatia aims to be a leader in sustainable Mediterranean tourism. A new initiative for joint international positioning of Mediterranean countries, especially less-developed destinations, was announced during the opening panel, featuring Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina, Italy’s Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, Greece’s Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni and the new Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.
Representatives of Skyscanner, the well-known global search engine for flights and travel offers, presented an analysis of trends that position Croatia as a premium destination. Meanwhile, the presentation by the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) on artificial intelligence demonstrated the path towards more personalised experiences and more efficient operations as key elements of competitiveness. CNTB Director Kristjan Staničić stressed that artificial intelligence and augmented reality do not replace Croatian tradition, culture or emotion – rather, they interpret them in a new, contemporary and attractive way.
A particularly notable lecture, “AI and Travel: Smart Support with a Human Touch,” was held as part of the programme, delivered by Sam Beni, an expert specialising in AI applications. The highlight of the presentation was a live demonstration of AR and interactive 3D experiences, including visuals inspired by Croatian heritage and identity – from the Dubrovnik City Walls and the Baška Tablet to stylised motifs such as the Licitar Heart, the noble pen shell and Croatia’s iconic red-and-white squares. The lecture also emphasised that artificial intelligence does not pose a threat to people in tourism, but is a powerful tool enabling more personalised experiences, more efficient business processes and deeper guest engagement.
Dubrovnik – A Destination of Knowledge, Quality and Recognition
This year’s Croatian Tourism Days proved that Dubrovnik is not only a host of major events, but also a leader in sustainability, service quality and the creation of authentic experiences. Dubrovnik builds its identity on people, tradition, innovation and a strong professional community – foundations that continue to make it one of the most desirable Mediterranean destinations for congresses, incentive programmes and top-level events.