Source: dalmatinskiportal.hr
The Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board (TZ SDŽ) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The ceremony, held at the Meštrović Gallery, was graced by the director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, the prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County, Blaženko Boban, and the mayor of Split, Tomislav Šuta.
The celebration brought together around 200 guests, including former directors of the County Tourist Board, members of the Tourist Council and Assembly, directors of local tourist boards and numerous stakeholders from the tourism, public and private sectors who have contributed to the positioning of the Split-Dalmatia County as a globally attractive tourist destination over the past three decades.
Director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Ivana Vladović, looked back on three decades of continuous work.
– Thirty years of the existence of our Tourist Board testifies to the joint efforts of all who have shaped Central Dalmatia into a desirable destination. Our journey is not measured only by numbers, but by the people, encounters and values we cherish, which have enabled our county to become recognized in the world. Our vision remains clear: tourism that respects space, people and tradition – tourism that does not consume, but enriches, creating a quality life for the local community and an unforgettable experience for every guest – emphasized Vladović.
She said that this is the anniversary of all the people who built tourism, and every family has built something into it. She believes that authenticity is the most important and that Dalmatia must never lose its authenticity.
Kristjan Staničić congratulated the County Tourist Board on three decades of exceptional work.
– They have done a great job in positioning not only the county, but also the whole of Dalmatia, and even Croatian tourism. In the past 30 years, we have been focused on numbers – arrivals and overnight stays – but in the next 30 years, we need to focus on quality and sustainability. I am pleased that the Split-Dalmatia County is the first in Croatia to prepare a study of reception capacities and thus start the path towards a new tourism strategy – said Staničić.
Dalmatia – a special way of life
He emphasized that for him, Dalmatia means a special way of life. That’s what tourists are looking for today – an experience.
– It is up to us to do our best to create such an experience through our offer and activities. We have beautiful natural beauty, cultural heritage, gastronomy, numerous islands and resources for the development of various types of tourism. However, the hospitality of the hosts, the human factor, is key, and that is what sets us apart from other destinations – said the director of the Croatian Tourist Board.
Prefect Blaženko Boban pointed out that tourism in our region has lasted much longer than three decades – over 150 years.
– I always say that tourism is based on three pillars: the first is natural beauty – the sun and the sea – which is a gift from God. The second is cultural heritage, the buildings left to us by our ancestors. And the third, perhaps the most important today – the person. The smile of a person, the smile of a tourism worker, the smile of everyone who meets a tourist on the street, that is exactly what makes the difference. If we treat every visitor with respect and warmth, success is guaranteed. And that is exactly what we have in the Split-Dalmatia County – said the prefect.
Awards and recognitions
As part of the ceremony, prizes and awards were given for special contribution to the tourism of the county.
Recognition for many years of work and contribution to the development of private accommodation was received by Mandalena Jerković from Baška Voda, Margita Visković from the town of Hvar and Božidar Barač from Komiža – private landlords who, according to data from local tourist boards, have been continuously providing accommodation services for the longest time.
In the category of recognition for historical excellence in hotel management and improvement of the tourist offer, the Hotel Palace Elisabeth in Hvar, whose history dates back to 1899, was awarded, while the recognition for contribution to the development of tourism in the County of Hvar was awarded to the first director of the County of Hvar Tourist Board, Mili Razović.
A special award for contribution to destination safety was presented to the Fire Department of the Split-Dalmatia County, and the award for preservation of traditional heritage and contribution to tourism was received by the Jedinstvo Cultural Association and the Sinj Knights’ Alkar Society.
