Croatia nominated for Wanderlust and Food and Travel awards
Two nominations by British tourism media further confirm Croatia visibility in an important emitting market. The focus of readers' interest was on the countryside, Croatian islands, and offers for short trips.
Croatia has entered the running for the reader awards of two well-known British magazines dedicated to travel and gastronomy. Wanderlust nominated it among the most desirable European countries, while Croatian islands were included in the selection of most desirable European island destinations.
At the same time, in the Food and Travel Reader Awards 2026, Croatia is competing for the title of best short-break destination.
British travellers are rediscovering Croatia.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are being held for the 25th time this year. These are reader- and traveller-decided awards, and the organisers expect over 200,000 voters to participate.
Voting is open until 27 October 2026, with the winners to be announced on 4 November during World Travel Market in London. The previous edition showed a strong position for CroatiaIn 2025, Croatia was ranked second among the most desirable European destinations, and Croatian islands were ranked fourth in their category.
Gastronomy strengthens the motivation for short trips
The nomination by Food and Travel Magazine is particularly interesting as it positions Croatia as a suitable destination for short breaks. This category is not just important for classic city break packages. It also encompasses wine tours, gastronomic trips, island stays, and combining city breaks with coastal destinations.
Food and Travel connects the tourist experience with restaurants, local products, and hotel offerings. Croatia's inclusion in the shortlist therefore shows that the country's perception is gradually expanding beyond the traditional summer holiday model. Voting is open after the finalists' announcement, and the winners will be revealed on November 23rd in London.
The value of awards goes beyond mere recognition
Reader awards do not automatically result in a greater number of bookings, but they can have a strong promotional effect. They are particularly important in the UK market, where specialist media and recommendations from experienced travellers continue to influence destination choices.
For the Croatian tourism sector, nominations are an opportunity to more strongly promote gastronomy, culture, and off-season attractions along the coast. Such a combination could precisely increase interest in short trips during spring and autumn.
