Representatives of 19 European tourist destinations, including Rural tourism “Stancija 1904” from Istria, Croatia were awarded European Destination of Excellence in Brussels on 11 November. This reward is granted to those locations that develop the tourism offer in a way that is accessible to all people, regardless of physical limitations, disability or age.

Rural tourism “Stancija 1904” was chosen for a national winner in Croatia by an expert committee, composed of representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the Croatian Tourist Board and the Croatian Association of paraplegics and quadriplegics, after the presentation of six destinations that entered this year’s election: Daruvar, Rural Tourism “Stancija 1904”, Jezerčica Spa, Tuhelj, City of Čakovec and the City of Varaždin.

“European tourism sector remained strong in the economic crisis, but European destinations must continue to seek to remain competitive and expand into new markets. One of the tourist sector in Europe, which is still fairly untapped, is accessible tourism for senior citizens and people with special needs. Developing this tourism sector, we not only support equality of opportunity and human rights, but improve the quality of tourist destination and prolong the tourist season. This is why the “Accessible tourism” was the theme of excellence for the 2013 EDEN competition.” said the Commission in a statement.