Rovinj Wins a Golden Apple Award

On April 13, 2013 Rovinj received a Golden Apple Award from the World Federation of Journalists & Travel Writers (FIJET). The award originally called La pomme d"or is presented to destinations, i.e. places or persons, as recognition for their contribution to the preservation, enhancement and promotion of historic and cultural heritage and tourism development. FIJET is the world federation of journalists and travel writers founded in Paris in 1954 by journalists from France, Belgium and Luxembourg with a mission to promote destinations, tolerance and friendship. Today FIJET has 35 member states and 1000 members. Croatian FIJET has been active since 1964 and has 55 members.

FIJET holds award ceremonies twice a year and this year is truly special with two destinations in the same country presented with this honour. FIJET (Executive Committee) have accepted the proposal to make Croatia a two-time winner by giving their award to Rovinj and Opatija to mark the occasion of Croatia’s joining the European Union. The two destinations were selected as they are founding their development on heritage and tradition while adopting the highest standards of service. Rovinj’s Mayor Giovanni Sponza was presented with the Golden Apple Award by FIJET President Tijani Haddad at the town square ceremony held in the heart of Rovinj. The award arrived in Rovinj by sea aboard a traditional Rovinj wooden fishing boat batana which arrived at the small pier where she was eagerly awaited by Rovinj’s citizens and their guests.