Hvar Town Collects Croatian Tourism Award for Top Destination

Vecernji List's Tourism Patrol awards Hvar Town top spot after 12 years, as details of a letter from King Abdullah of Jordan are revealed.

The island of Hvar's successful tourist season continued on September 10 2011, as Hvar Town Mayor, Pjerino Bebic collected an award fromVecernji List's chief editor, Goran Ogurlic, in recognition of the town finishing top destination in Vecernji's 35th Tourism Patrol. Hvar last won the award in 1999.

Hvar Beats Dubrovnik, Bol and Korcula

The award, the oldest in Croatian tourism, according to Ogurlic, is yet another plus in what has been a star-studded season for the sunniest island in the Adriatic, and was awarded after the Croatian daily's undercover team spent forty days travelling the length of the coast in order to find the best and worst aspects of Croatian tourism. Other towns which fared highly included Dubrovnik, Korcula and Bol on neighbouring Brac.

Ogurlic presented the mayor with a plaque on the terrace of Hotel Adriana, one of the luxury hotels completely refurbished by ORCO Group, the main shareholder in Suncani Hvar Hotels. The contribution of the group to elevating the standards of tourism on the island cannot be understated.

An Undercover Survey

"The criteria are very simple," said Ogurlic. "We want to be as honest and objective as possible. Undercover reporters tour places, taste and experience everything as a tourist would, showing no favouritism. Our reporters recognised Hvar as the best tourist destination in a competitive field with some of there top destinations."

The paper pointed out some of the things that were impressive about Hvar, including the atmosphere, cleanliness and welcome.

It has been a busy summer for the island and, although the peak season is now over, Hvar Town is still very busy. The town is enjoying a boost from two recent celebrity incidents, namely Prince Harry jumping fully clothed into top Hvar nightclub Veneranda, closely followed by Beyonce revealing her baby bump at trendy beach bar Hula Hula.

Praise for Jadrolinija and Hvar's Residents

In his thank you speech, Mayor Bebic paid tribute to the island's local population and ferry company, Jadrolinija.

"This award belongs to all of Hvar's residents, and I heartily congratulate them. But I must mention that this award belongs in part to Jadrolinija, who should finally realise that its ferries are the only connection between Hvar and the world." Bebic also paid tribute to the role of the media in promoting Hvar, as well as inviting criticism of the tourist offer, so that Hvar can offer an even better service to its visitors.

A Royal Letter from the Middle East

Bebic also revealed that he had received a letter from another royal, King Abdullah II of Jordan, who wrote to the mayor after visiting Hvar with his wife, Queen Rania.

"Dear friend, your kingdom is truly beautiful," wrote the monarch. " Thank you for your hospitality and I invite you to visit us soon."

The attentions of many of the island's residents will now turn to the vineyards and olive groves, with the grape harvest imminent, followed by the olive harvest in November. It is a chance to relax and prepare for what promises to be a bumper 2012 season for the island.