Croatia honors foreign journalists with Golden Pen awards

The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) presented Golden Pen media awards to 28 foreign journalists from 15 countries, who, through their reporting on Croatian tourism industry in 2024, contributed to its promotion, and the award-giving ceremony was held in Buje, Istria.

Alongside the 28 foreign journalists from Europe and Canada, the event was attended by officials of Istria County, the City of Novigrad-Cittanova, and their respective tourist boards, who, in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, organised both the award ceremony and the journalists’ stay, CE Report quotes HINA.

Awards in six categories

Golden Pen media awards were established in 2005 as a gesture of appreciation for cooperation with foreign media.

The Golden Pen awards are given in six categories - best radio report, best online media report, best print media report, best travel blog, best social media post and best television report.

The Grand Prix for the best print media report went to Canadian journalist Vivian Vassos, whose feature invited Canadians on a "breathtaking" journey along the Adriatic, combining sailing with an exploration of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Dubrovnik and Split.

The Grand Prix for the best online article was awarded to Andrew Eames from the United Kingdom, for his piece highlighting Croatia’s stunning sandy beaches, unspoilt scenery, and crystal-clear sea. His article, published in The Times, reached around 10 million readers.

French journalist Christophe Jicquel received the Grand Prix for the best radio report, titled "Just 2 hours from Paris: Croatia!", in which he showcased Croatia’s beautiful landscapes, rich history, and unique culture, sparking curiosity among French listeners.

The Grand Prix for the best television report was awarded to Polish journalists Piotr Maślak and Piotr Bartosz Gierzyński, along with cameraman Jakub Czyżewski, for the programme "Tańcząca ze światem – Chorwacja" ("Dancing with the World – Croatia"), in which they explored Dubrovnik, Split, Konavle, Sinj and other locations, with a focus on gastronomy and nature.

Adriana Halousková and Matěj Halouska from Czechia won the Grand Prix for the best travel blog. Their piece, titled "12 Best Places to Go in Croatia You Will Never Forget", provided detailed insights into the charms of Croatian cities and towns, including Vis and Zagreb.

Hungarian influencer Luna Joanna Michelle received the Grand Prix for the best social media post — a storytelling feature on the magic of sailing in Croatia, shared across Instagram and TikTok.

Foreign media play a key role in promoting Croatian tourism

At the awards ceremony, the Croatian National Tourist Board director, Kristjan Staničić, expressed pride in the fact that Croatia’s diverse tourism offering, hospitality, and the dedication and hard work of all those involved in the sector have helped maintain the country’s strong position on the global tourism map.

“Our qualities have been recognised by foreign media around the world, whose positive coverage of Croatia’s beauty and values plays a crucial role in promoting Croatian tourism. This is something we are striving to develop further in a sustainable direction,” Staničić said, adding that he believes the continued efforts of international media will further enhance Croatia’s status as one of the most desirable destinations in the Mediterranean.

The Golden Pen awards are named in honour of engineer Slavoljub Eduard Penkala (1871–1922), a renowned inventor who lived in Zagreb. He is the reason Croatia is often referred to as the "home of the fountain pen", having patented his invention of the fountain pen—an item that has become one of the traditional symbols of writers.