The American magazine Global Traveler hosted the 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards in Philadelphia, where readers of this popular magazine, for the second consecutive year, voted Dubrovnik as the best destination for group travel - Best Leisure Destination for Groups. The award was received by Ela Urlić-Jakić from the Croatian National Tourist Board's Representation in the USA.

"Awards like this confirm Croatia's excellent position on the world tourism map. We are pleased to be recognized once again as a quality, attractive, and sustainable destination, with the current champion of Croatian tourism, the city of Dubrovnik, taking the lead among globally popular and renowned destinations," said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, adding that the American market is the most important for Croatian tourism.

In the category where Dubrovnik took first place, destinations such as Italy, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Napa Valley in California were featured. In addition to this category, readers also voted on the best destinations and facilities in categories such as Best Historical Attractions, Best Adventure Destination, Best Leisure Destination, Best International Ski Destination, Best Luxury Cruise Line, Best Golf Destination, Best All-Inclusive Resort, and others.

"These awards in the tourism sector are highly valued because they are based solely on readers' votes, and we are extremely pleased that they have once again recognized and rewarded our Dubrovnik. We are delighted to be distinguished for our quality and offerings in the large and very important American market, where Dubrovnik enjoys the status of the most popular Croatian destination," said Miroslav Drašković, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.

Through the awards ceremony, Global Traveler magazine highlights the best in the travel sector. "These awards are highly regarded and impartial, based solely on readers' votes, thus rewarding the best in the travel sector, including tourist destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises, and various tourism products and services," explained Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board's Representation in the USA.

Moreover, with over 817 thousand readers, Global Traveler represents one of the important places connecting numerous travel enthusiasts with tourist destinations and entities worldwide, and research shows that its audience is mainly Americans with higher purchasing power.

It is worth noting that in the current part of the year, Americans in Croatia have realized 103,000 arrivals and 266,000 overnight stays, representing a 9 percent increase in arrivals and 6 percent in overnight stays compared to the previous year.