The Tourist Board of Central Istria won the prestigious award of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) for its project Digital nomads in central Istria, in the category Transnational thematic tourism products, about culture and heritage. This recognition honors the innovative approach by which the project connects digital nomads with the rich cultural heritage of central Istria, standing out as an example of good practice in the European context.
The European Cultural Tourism Network rewards projects that contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage through sustainable tourism, encouraging innovative approaches and international cooperation in the field. The Tourist Board of Central Istria won 3rd place in the Transnational thematic tourist products category at the ECTN awards, in strong competition.
In the aforementioned category, the Tourist Board of Central Istria won third place with its project Digital Nomads in Central Istria, which represents a great success considering the extremely strong competition. Second place went to the project A Transient Legacy – Digitalization of the Silesian Regional Mining Heritage, which is implemented by the Mining Museum in Zabrze, Poland, in cooperation with the European Route of Industrial Heritage. While the first place was taken by the Camino Portugues Coastal Hiking Route project, organized by the tour operator Follow the Camino, which includes Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo in Portugal and Galicia in Spain.
Third place, as already mentioned, was taken by the Tourist Board of Central Istria for the Digital Nomads in Central Istria project, for contributing to sustainable tourism through innovative programs aimed at digital nomads, such as Live and work in Central Istria, i.e. Live and work in central Istria, and the continuation of the Digital Nomad In-Residence and Gourmet Getaway Workation project. These projects promote the extension of the tourist season by attracting digital nomads for longer
stays, while at the same time promoting socio-economic benefit for the local community, all in accordance with the principles of sustainability.
"This award confirms our vision and commitment in creating a sustainable and innovative tourist product that combines a modern way of life with the rich cultural heritage of central Istria", she stated Sanja Kantaruti, director of the Tourist Board of Central Istria.
In cooperation with the Digital Nomad Association Croatia, the local development agency Srce Istra and other partners and supporters, the project successfully brought together digital nomads from all over the world who participated in local cultural and social activities during their stay, creating strong ties with the local community. Key activities include joint dinners, working holiday design workshops and collaboration with local mentors and entrepreneurs.