Simply the Best as a confirmation of direction: how "Water of Little Giants" is changing tourism practices

At the 26th PUT Tourism Fair, held in Cres, traditional awards were given "Simply the Best", which have recognized innovation and quality in tourism for more than two decades. This year's edition brought together a large number of stakeholders, with even 397 nominations, which additionally confirms the competitiveness and dynamics of the sector.

In the category of new projects implemented in the tourist board system, the award was won by the "Water of Little Giants" initiative, a project Šibenik-Knin County Tourist BoardThe award was received by the director Krešimir Šakić, emphasizing that this is an important recognition of the profession at the national level.

"This award represents confirmation for us that the initiative has been recognized within Croatia, which is especially important to us because we are talking about a project that arose from a local need", said Sakic.

From award to model of good practice

Although the "Simply the Best" award represents an important moment for the project, the "Water of Little Giants" initiative has already received an international certificate of quality. Namely, the project is in 2025 awarded with a gold award Golden World Awards for Excellence which is awarded by International Public Relations Association.

It is one of the most relevant global recognitions in the field of sustainability communications, which positions this initiative outside the national framework. However, the key value of the project does not come from the awards, but from its application in the field.

Basic idea: water as a resource and a message

The "Water of Little Giants" initiative is based on a simple but operationally significant concept - encouraging the use of free drinking water in the hospitality industry, with the aim of reducing plastic waste and strengthening awareness of local resources. The initiative was initially focused on the hospitality sector, but it quickly outgrew its initial framework.

"In the last year, we have noticed great interest from various stakeholders. The project has involved caterers, schools, public institutions, but also individuals who have offered cooperation and ideas themselves.", emphasizes Sakic.

Today, the network includes more than a hundred locations - from restaurants and hotels to museums, educational institutions and other entities. Thus, the initiative acquires the characteristics of an integrative model that connects tourism with the local community.

Education as the foundation for long-term impact

One of the key elements of the project's development in 2026 was the focus on education. During March, activities in schools throughout the Šibenik-Knin County, which directed the project towards a long-term impact. Thirteen schools and higher education institutions were involved in the program, and emphasis was placed on developing awareness of the importance of water as a resource.

"In this way, we create a foundation for the future - children learn about the importance of water and develop habits that have a long-term impact on society.", emphasized Sakic.

This approach indicates the expansion of the initiative beyond the tourism sector, towards the field of education and social responsibility.

Return to tourism during the summer season

After the educational cycle, the project's focus returns to the tourism sector.

"After this educational part, during the summer we return to the tourist and hospitality offer, where 'Water of Little Giants' has its application in everyday contact with guests", explains Sakic.

In practice, this means expanding the network of partners and further implementing the initiative into a destination product. Special emphasis is also placed on the communication aspect of the project, with the planned inclusion of "ambassadors" or famous people from the Šibenik-Knin County who can further promote this commendable initiative.

Field implementation and stakeholder involvement

The project has quickly developed into an example of good practice in destination management. By involving different sectors - from hospitality and tourism to education and public institutions - the initiative contributes to the development of social and environmental sustainability.

An important element is the spontaneous involvement of stakeholders, which indicates the acceptance of the project in the local community. At the same time, the initiative maintains a clear operational value: reducing the use of plastic and promoting local resources as part of the tourist identity.

Sustainability as an operating model, not a communication tool

The example of Water of Little Giants shows how sustainability in tourism can move from a communication concept to a concrete operational model. The combination of education, local community involvement, and implementation in the tourism offer creates the foundation for long-term development.

The "Simply the Best" award in this context does not represent a goal, but rather confirmation that such an approach has professional and market relevance.