Nöbetçi Eczaneler
A lesser known but very fascinating region of Croatia, the county of Medimürje received the FIJET 2024 Golden Apple or “La Pomme d’Or” Award for an exceptional synergy of natural, historical and traditional heritage which greatly helps the destination for a sustainable tourism as well.
Many famous members of the world press, a lot of professionals from the world of tourism and travel and some special guests attended the magnificent award ceremony night. The memorable ceremony was held in the Atrium of the old town of Cakovec, Medimürje. The award ceremony took place at the renovated medieval Zrinski Castle, which was once the home of the noble Zrinski family known for some successful warriors.
The Castle belonged to the Zrinskis between 1546 and 1670 and it was the biggest fortification of this county. Among the World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists (FIJET) guests who attended the ceremony were Tijani Haddad, the president of FIJET and members of the Executive Committee such as Tina Eterovic Cubrilo, the president of FIJET Croatia, Salah Attia, the president of FIJET Egypt, Delal Tahsin Atamdede, the president of FIJET Türkiye, Plamen Starev, the Chairman of the Golden Apple Award Committee of FIJET, Stefan Baciu, the president of FIJET Romania, Najib Senhadji, the president of FIJET Morocco, Marijana Rebic, Secretary General of FIJET, and members of the GA Committee Mohammed Attia and Jacques Campe, also former Secretary of FIJET and F. Sema Kutlu, Chairperson of the FIJET Academy Committee were also among the invitees. There were members of domestic and international media professionals and tourism journalists from Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.
“MedImurje receIves the award deservedly”
The president of FIJET, Tijani Haddad, in his speech, said “We award Medimürje for the synergy of natural, historical and cultural heritage and the traditions in the function of tourism and in order to receive it, the destination must also be sustainable which is not easy to achieve, because the criteria for this are very rigid. Medimurje receives the award deservedly.” While receiving the award, the Mayor of the Medimürje County, Matija Posavec highlighted the importance of being awarded by the World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists (FIJET) as they travel all around the world and see many beautiful places. He also said that tourism is not only sun and sea but history, gastronomy and natural beauty are also very important and that they are trying to create a brand which encompasses all in one region.
“we wIll work hard to develop sustaInable tourIsm In the regIon”
The director of the Tourist Board of Medimürje, Rudi Grula; “Besides the prestige of having the FIJET Golden Apple Award in our basket, it also brings us the responsibility to continue in the same direction and develop the recognition of the region. He also added; “This is one more in a series of recognitions for its success in the development of sustainable tourism. It is especially important to receive this award from such an important and respected World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists. Of course, we will continue to work hard to develop sustainable tourism in the region and at the same time the overall quality of the life of local community here in Medimurje.” The Vice President of FIJET, Tina Eterovic Cubrilo, in her speech, pointed out the historical and important role of FIJET and its contributions in the development of world tourism. She also said; “This award is given to Medimürje to recognize the outstanding efforts in promoting and raising the level of tourism in the region. We are proud of their contribution to the quality of Croation Tourism.”
FIRST GREEN DESTINATION IN CROTIA
FIJET Golden Apple Award is given to Medimürje as a recognition for the care, preservation and investment in the natural, historical and cultural heritage for the development of sustainable tourism in the region. In 2023, in the ITB Berlin Tourism Fair, one of the biggest tourism fairs, Medimürje won the Silver Green Destination award which was also well-deserved and it became the first Greeen Destination in Croatia and the fourth in the world in the Green Destinations certification program.
the respect and care to the envIronment Is extremely remarkable
The local community of Medimurje feel proud to receive these awards, because they believe there is an unnamed race among all of them to have the most beautiful garden, to be more conscious about saving the environment, culture and history. This very special and beautiful race of jealousy continues to increase the value of the region. Almost every family there has an organic garden. It’s not a coincidence to have such a well preserved biodiversity in the area, because the founder of biodynamic approach to agriculture Dr. Rudolph Steiner, who was a well trained scientist and a respected philosopher in his time was born in Kraljevec Medimurje in 1861. Whilst taking a stroll there, one can easily see the results of hard work and effort spent to beautify the area. The biodiversity of the region, the cleanliness of the air, water and the soil, and the respect and care to the environment is extremely remarkable. The area also welcomes study groups from different levels of education system such as primary schools, high schools and even the best universities.
a hIgh standard of servIce wIth a specIal focus on envIronmental Issues
Even though the tourism share in the overall economy of the region is only about 3%, there were 221,103 registered overnight guests last year. Therefore, the county invests considerable amount of money and time to develop not only its tourism income, but also its popularity both on the domestic and international level. Today as many as 13 tourism facilities in Medimürje are holders of “Good Travel Certificate” in Croatia, which means they guarantee a high standard of service with a special focus on environmental issues and protection. In the green tourism strategy, Medimürje ranks at the same level with the most conscious places in the world such as Costa Rica, Azores, Palau in Malaysia, Galapagos and Slovenia.
Why MedImUrje?
Almost 2/3 of the region is on the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It’s green and lush. It has a rich cultural cuisine. Over 20 varieties of wine grapes are grown in this area, which proves that the biodiversity can support culture. Because of the extraordinary biodiversity in the area, many people call it the “European Amazon.” The area is an important habitat for a lot of types of birds. It also is a popular birdwatching area. It is between the Mura and Drava rivers which are bordering the Medimürje region. There are still some very old watermills dating back to the beginning of 19th century. There are also many endangered species of birds, tortoises and beavers living in the area. It also famous for Medimürjean horse breading which are also endangered. The picturesque landscape is becoming rarer and rarer every passing day in the world. The locals are both proud of their culture and preserve it well. The regional songs are soft and relaxing just like the rivers. Medimürje County Museum is also worth seeing. It a wonderful museum that showcases the history and the lifestyle of the locals who lived there. It is a regional cultural heritage museum which has five departments aiming to preserve and promote the county’s rich legacy of heritage, culture and arts: Archeology, Ethnography, Cultural History, History and Visual Arts. Within the ethnographical heritage many local artifacts, traditional ornaments and local lifestyle are depicted and exhibited with samples very well. (see http://www.muzej-medjimurja.hr)
How to get there?
The FIJET member Alex Stamp, who lives in Budapest says for the travelers who will drive from Budapest to Cakovic by car which is approximately 260 kilometer very scenic drive. Just take the west-bound of M7, pass alongside the Lake Balaton to the 24/7 open border crossing called Letenye. After passing through, take the E65 which will lead to Zagreb. After a short while Number 3 road turns off and leads directly to Cakovic. For travelers who will fly to Zagreb from international destination, it is always possible to take the bus to Cakovic from Zagreb. The Castellum Hotel in the center of Cakovic is highly recommended as it is very close the wonderful green park of the Zrinski Castle and the Medimurje County Museum. (see www.castellum-cakovec.com) It is also recommended trying the Stravi Grad Restaurant which was formerly the cellar of the Zrinski Castle and now serves the traditional Medimurje cuisine in a modernized way.
