Mali Losinj selected in the Top 100 sustainable destinations in the world
For the sixth time in a row, but for the first time online, a global conference dedicated to sustainable destination management and the award ceremony for the Top 100 sustainable destinations of the world was held.
Mali Losinj on island Losinj is again in the group of the best, and this year it competed in the categories “Culture and Community” and “Nature and Ecotourism“.
Competition for 100 sustainable destinations is organized to show stories of sustainable tourism and good practices as inspiring examples to other destinations, tour operators and travellers. By publishing this annual list and sharing awards of good practice and success stories in destination management, the initiators recognize the steps taken to make tourist destinations more sustainable, responsible and attractive to visitors.
This year, the selection was more than ever determined by the quality, effectiveness and portability of good practice stories delivered by destinations. The entire procedure was coordinated by the “Green Destinations”, and the submitted nominations were evaluated by the “Sustainable Top 100” team, experts from countries around the world and partners of the “Green Destinations”.
Sustainable development management, which is a strategic issue and a great responsibility, is carried out at all levels of the destination, as evidenced by the fact that we are ranked among the Top 100 sustainable destinations in the world for the fifth time. The Tourist Board of the Mali Losinj town is among the leaders in sustainable development in Croatia. We were among the first to join the project of the European Commission: ETIS – European Tourism Indicator System for Sustainable Destinations, we participate in the project CROSTO – Croatian Observatory for Sustainable Tourism Development and many others. This year, as an example of good practice, we presented the Integrated Quality Management in Destination (IQM) project, which involves more than 130 stakeholders in the destination with the aim of raising quality in all segments, creating quality standards, stakeholder connectivity and recognizability of Lošinj as a destination of excellence. We are glad that, along with Lošinj and Lika, the destination was chosen in the Top 100 sustainable destinations in the world, because this is proof that our strategy of sustainability and balance of tourism and environmental development is moving in the right direction.
Dalibor Cvitković
Implementation of optical infrastructure
One of the ways to improve and modernize the island is also the implementation of the optical infrastructure.
Hrvatski Telekom, the largest private investor in digitalization in Croatia, has started implementing the most modern optical infrastructure in the area of Mali Losinj, which will provide 5,000 households with gigabit speeds and the best experience in using telecommunications services. The investment is worth HRK 12.5 million.
The project of implementation of optical infrastructure is divided into three phases with regard to the size of the project and the complexity of the implementation of the network in the inner city, which is in some parts a protected cultural asset. The implementation of the first phase has already started and it includes about 1,500 households that will receive optics by the end of 2020. The remaining two phases are in preparation and their implementation is expected in 2021.
In addition to the superior experience of home Internet connection, which is necessary for working from home, holding distance learning and enjoying entertainment such as gaming, the implementation of this project will improve the use of advanced digital products and services such as e-Citizens, e-schools, e-health, e-parking and other projects in the field of smart cities. As Mali Lošinj is a well-known tourist destination, high speeds and internet availability will also improve the tourist offer and help the local community to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate the development environment and economic activity.
Hrvatski Telekom continues to invest in optical infrastructure even in these challenging times. Optical infrastructure and fast and quality internet access will enable the entire community of the town of Mali Lošinj to increase economic activity and the quality of life of citizens.
Boris Drilo, Member of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom for Engineering and Information Technology
As mayor, I welcome this valuable investment that will ensure the fastest and highest quality telecommunications network for citizens and visitors to Mali Lošinj. Innovative solutions that raise the level of quality of life and work nowadays are mostly related to high communication standards and digitalization of society, and in that sense, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to be part of this important project of Hrvatski Telekom.
Ana Kučić, Mayor of Mali Losinj
Sources: Mali-Losinj.hr and Otoci.net
