Apr 21, 20194 min
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, New York – April 8, 2019 – On an annual basis, the Croatian
National Tourist Board (CNTB) celebrates the top travel journalist from
its various markets at an awards ceremony to recognize the top foreign
journalists and bloggers who have contributed to the promotion of Croatia
as a tourist destination in the various print, online, television and
blogs around the world.
The awards ceremonies are held in various destination around the country
and this year, the CNTB along with its partners and main hosts and
organizer, were the Tourist Association of the Zadar County and the Zadar
Tourist Board which welcomed 24 of the top journalists from 16 countries
to the 15th Golden Pen Awards. The awards, Zlatna (Croatian for Gold)
penkala (Croatian for pen) was named after Croatian engineer and inventor
of Dutch-Polish-Jewish descent, Slavoljub Eduard Penkala who invented the
mechanical pencil in 1906, then named the “automatic pencil” and the first
solid-ink fountain pen in 1907.
“We aim to nourish and maintain the tradition of recognizing foreign
journalist who strive to contribute to showcasing Croatia to their
audience and believe they are an extremely important part of the mosaic
in the tourism industry. These talented story tellers have built a
tremendous level of trust with their audience, therefore, each written
word, photo or tone contributes to the promotion of Croatia’s tourism
industry and the building of the country as a desirable tourist
destination,” said the director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristjan
Staničić. Furthermore, Mr. Staničić added, “the exciting Golden Pen
program, which took place in Zadar city and Zadar County during the three
day event is an excellent prelude to the tourist season ahead for 2019.”
The award ceremony, along with the director of the CNTB and its directors
from its international representative offices, was also attended by State
Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Mr. Tonči Glavina, Zadar County’s
Mayor Mr. Božidar Longin, Zadar’s Mayor Mr. Branko Dukić, the Director of
the Zadar County Tourist Board Mrs. Mihaela Kadija, and the Director of
the Tourist Board of the city Zadar Mr. Mario Paleka, as well as many
other guests.
The Golden Pen celebrates the important work of the Croatian National
Tourist Board, recognizing the country’s best tourism ambassadors and
foreign media representatives, as nearly 90 percent of the country’s
tourism sales are from foreign markets.
The most important recognition during the Golden Pen are the Grand Prix
awards, which are given in three categories: best article in the print
media (national newspapers or magazines), best broadcast media (TV,
radio), and best blog (bloggers, social networks). Nominations for
material from 2018 were received from Great Britain, the Netherlands,
Russia, Italy, the USA, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic,
France, Hungary, Ukraine, Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Slovenia.
This year’s winner of the Grand Prix for Best Print is David Farley of
the United States. Farley, a journalist with articles published in The
New York Times, AFAR, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, National
Geographic, among others, with a focus on travel and gastronomy. He won
the CNTB’s top print award for his article on Dubrovnik, which was
published in National Geographic Traveler magazine titled, “Sun Sea
Savor.” The Dubrovnik Stradun adorned the magazine’s cover of this issue
and the famous Croatian town was presented on 14 pages.
The winner of the Grand Prix for best broadcast media coverage is Vasiliy
Andreev from Russia. He is a well-known producer of Russian national
television Rossiya 1. Andreev won the top broadcast award for his 20
minute piece on Zagreb and Croatia titled “Advent in Croatia.” In
addition to Zagreb’s sights, the program showcased the traditional
production of flour, fritters and kroštula in Slunj. The host of this
episode was the popular Russian actress, Olga Kuzmin, who brought the
Christmas spirit of Zagreb and Croatia during the popular Advent season
closer to Russian audiences.
Italy’s Chiara Marchi won the top Blogger award. Marchi, from Trieste has
edited her highly acclaimed and popular blog called “Missclarie” in 2015.
The winner blog of the publication “Cherso le 7 cosa da sapere” talks
about the untouched nature of the island of Cres, its untouched beaches,
a relaxing holiday by the sea, or the seven reasons why the island of
Cres should be visited.
Unique statues of recognition for this year’s Golden Pen Award by
especially made by the Antique Glass Museum from Zadar and the ceremony
was held in Petrcane in Zadar, and the entire program, which includes
three-days experiencing the sites and attractions of Zadar and Zadar
county, including Starigrad Paklenica, Ugljan and Kali, Nin, as well as
numerous other tourist attractions.
By holding the “Golden Pen” awards, the Croatian National Tourist Board
emphasizes the importance and value of professional travel journalist
showcasing Croatia in the foreign media. Previously, the awards were
hosted in order of the awards inception, in Zagreb, Split, Rovinj,
Opatija, Dubrovnik, Čakovec, Osijek, Otočac, Zadar, Šibenik, Split,
Opatija, Mali Lošinj and Osijek.
Stretching along the Adriatic Sea, just a stone’s throw from Central
Europe, Croatia is a country defined by a rich cultural legacy. Today,
history perfectly combines with a youthful spirit and vibrant energy that
prove irresistible to those seeking diversity. Breath-taking natural
beauty, endless coastlines, diverse gastronomy, adventure, sports and
wellness, can be enjoyed all year round. Whether exploring the old city of
Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, island hopping around the Split
archipelago, truffle hunting in Istria, paragliding across the Plitvice
Lakes, delving into Zagreb’s streets and hidden passages, birdwatching in
Kopacki rit, partying the night away at Zrce beach in Novalja or taking
time out with the family on Zlatni Rat beach, there truly is something for
everyone in Croatia. For more information, visit: http://croatia.hr