Golden Pen 2026 - the best foreign promoters of Croatian tourism awarded in Rijeka

In a hotel Hilton River Costabella Beach Resort & Spa was held 22st Golden Pen Awards CeremonyThe event is traditionally organized by Croatian tourist agency, this time in collaboration and with the support of the host Kvarner Tourist Boards, which in 2026 will be awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy. The "Golden Pen" awards are given to recognized and well-known foreign editors, journalists, travel bloggers and influencers for the best media publications about Croatia as a tourist destination in the previous year, and this year's ceremony was attended by 23 foreign media representatives from even 14 countries.

The event was attended by Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Ivica Lukanović, Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Iva Rincic, Mayor of the City of Rijeka, as well as the directors representative offices CNTB in foreign markets and other representatives of the tourism sector from the Kvarner region.

The importance of media coverage in promoting Croatia was emphasized by the director Stanicic, who thanked all participants for their contribution in positioning our country as a quality and attractive tourist destination.

"It is our great pleasure to recognize top foreign journalists, bloggers and influencers who, with their work, continuously contribute to the recognition of Croatia as an attractive, authentic and sustainable tourist destination. The Golden Pen Award is a symbol of gratitude to all those who, through their stories, reports and publications, convey the beauty of our country to millions of readers and followers around the world. In times of strong global competition, credible recommendations and personal experiences have exceptional value. That is why the work of the awarded authors further strengthens the image of Croatia as a destination rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage and top-notch gastronomy, but also as a country that continuously invests in the quality and sustainability of tourism.", said the director Stanicic.

All foreign journalists, travel bloggers and influencers present were ceremoniously presented with special awards, while Grand Prize as the most significant "Golden Pen" award awarded in five categories, namely for the best print media report, for the best online media report, for the best radio report or podcast, for the best television report, and for the best publication by a travel blogger or influencer.

Mary Novakovich from Great Britain won the Grand Prix for the best reportage of the print media and thanks to the article "Your ultimate guide to Croatia" published in the prestigious The Daily MailShe is a respected travel journalist who explores lesser-known places, while emphasizing the authenticity and diversity of destinations.    

In the best category online publications, the Grand Prix went to the hands of Chiara Carolei from Italy. In his article on the portal The Italian kitchen, the author presented the main assets of the Lika-Senj County, highlighting the untouched nature, traditional values, and rich gastronomy of this region.

Dohyeong Park from South Korea won the Grand Prix in the category television reports, published on EBS 1TVInstead of classic tourist locations, the show explores Croatia's hidden gems, including Ilok and Pag, with an emphasis on gastronomy and sustainable tourism, which greatly contribute to repositioning Croatia as a premium destination.  

Fergal O'Keeffe from Ireland won the main prize in the category radio reports/podcastsIn his emotional podcast, he highlighted the beauty of the Croatian islands, culture, gastronomy and the warmth of the people. The episode achieved 352.000 downloads, became the most popular episode of 2025 and ranked 1st on the Irish podcast chart.

Grand Prix in the category influencer they won Agata Kopiec i Lukasz Wróblewski from Poland. Their YouTube and Instagram posts "He Vs. She" bring a humorous perspective on everyday situations in relationships. During their stay in Croatia, the creative Polish duo captured Ultra Europe in Split, city walks, Plitvice Lakes and a sunset in Zadar, combining humor, authenticity and a travel story told through the couple's experience.

Exceptionally this year, the following were awarded: two special awards, and for exceptional media contribution to the promotion of Croatia and Croatian tourismHe got one of them. Czech Deník. It is the most widely read newspaper in the country, reaching more than 1,7 million readers. The project Croatian Diary It builds on a tradition dating back to 2007 and 2008, when journalists reported directly from the Croatian coast. Revived as a dynamic digital platform, it continues to bring authentic stories and valuable insights to Czech tourists, and achieved record growth in 2025. The award was accepted by Jan Klitschko i Petr Vaňous.               

Another special award was received by Bartek Kieżun iz Poland thanks to his long-standing promotion of Croatia through the presentation of its culture, gastronomy and natural beauty. In his texts and projects, he continuously presents our country in an inspiring way, using a strong travelogue and visual approach, just like in the program The road through flour.

Let us add that as part of this year's Golden Pens program, the Croatian National Tourist Board and its partners also organized three-day study tripForeign journalists, bloggers and influencers had the opportunity to experience the cultural and historical sights and attractions of Opatija and Rijeka, while special emphasis was placed on the island of Krk, where participants learned about the wealth of indigenous products and tradition through tasting top-quality olive oils, local wines, prosciutto and cheeses.

Croatian tourist agency The "Golden Pen" award has been organized since 2005 with the aim of highlighting the value of a professional approach to reporting on Croatia and its tourism, thus emphasizing the importance of media coverage in the promotion and visibility of Croatia as a tourist destination.