[VIDEO] Međimurje Wins EU Tourism and Local Gastronomy Excellence Award

It is not just Croatia’s stunning coast and islands winning tourism awards…

European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN), a European Commission project promoting sustainable tourism development models across Europe, have awarded the northern Croatian region of Upper Međimurje the EDEN Award 2015 for Excellence.

Upper Međimurje were one of the winners of the EDEN Award 2015 in the Tourism and Local Gastronomy category announced on Wednesday in Brussels.

“Europe is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, partly thanks to its high quality gastronomy and the diversity of food produce and local traditions. Food tourism has grown considerably in Europe and has become one of the most dynamic and creative segments of tourism,” the EC said, adding that for 44% of travellers around the globe food is one of the three criteria they take into consideration when they decide where to travel.

The EDEN Awards 2015 recognises the important work that is being done by Međimurje with their specialised tourism offer. The award will help raise awareness for sustainable food tourism, and will draw attention to this exciting, lesser-known destination in Croatia.

Međimurje is in the northernmost part of Croatia. Upper Međimurje’s slopes make it a great spot for vineyards, whilst Lower Međimurje touches the flat Pannonian Plain. The flat parts of the region are also largely used for agriculture, which mostly includes fields of cereals, maize and potato, as well as orchards, which are mostly planted with apple trees.

Check out the video released by EDEN today acknowledging the award.