The People of Tourism awards are awards that we traditionally present during Croatian Tourism Days for a special contribution to Croatian tourism. The awards are given for three categories: People, the Key to Success — Employee of the Year, the Annual Anton Štifanić Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the aim of recognising those who leave an indelible and lasting mark on the development and identity of Croatian tourism.
Under the People, the Key to Success — Employee of the Year category, awards are given for 22 subcategories, covering professions directly and indirectly related to tourism, such as agency employees, chefs, waiters, animators, fire-fighters, transport employees and others. The Annual Anton Štifanić Award is awarded to individuals, companies, institutions and associations for their outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of tourism in the previous year. The award bears the name of Anton Štifanić, one of the pioneers of Poreč’s Plava Laguna and the originator of the Poreč Tourism and Hospitality School, who, between 1957 and 1976 and along with a team of employees, developed one of the most important tourism companies in Istria. The Lifetime Achievement Award for tourism pays tribute to individuals whose passion, dedication and vision have shaped Croatian tourism over the decades. The winners leave an indelible mark, inspire new generations and show how persistence and love for one’s work can change destinations and communities. This award symbolises a life dedicated to creating value, promoting quality and leaving a lasting legacy. The awards are traditionally presented at the largest tourism event in the country, the Croatian Tourism Days, broadcast live on the national television network.