In 2026, the Fijet Golden Apple Award mark their 55th anniversary, celebrating more than 5 decades of excellence, innovation and impact in world tourism. The awards recognise destinations that sets excellence, new standards and trends in tourism, preserving nature,history, culture and heritage.
Each year, the Golden Apple Committee of journalists evaluates outstanding submissions from across the world. The result is more than an award programme: it is a benchmark for outstanding contribution to tourism exceptional synergy of natural, historical and cultural heritage, a platform for more visibility on world tourism.
We were delighted to receive 4 strong applications for this award 2026. In such challenging times for tourism, that tally is a real testimony to Fijet contribution to world tourism.
Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Golden Apple Committee, all of us were particularly impressed by proposals from Island Lesvos-Greece, Cavtat- Croatia, Iasi-Romania and Kyperounta-Cyprus.
In a world where travellers have more destination options than at any point in history, Golden Apple Award recognition cuts through the noise.
LESBOS, GREECE
Island Lesbos destination for an extraordinary sinergy cultural and natural richness, along with a strong commitment to sustainable and authentic tourism.Big and beautiful Lesbos, or Lesvos, is the third largest Greek island after Crete and Evia, and the birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho.
A Greek island located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, making it the tird largest island in Greece. Island is a true gem known for its breathtaking Geopark its deep and vibrant natural, historical and tradicional heritage. The forest with more than 11 millions olive trees, a strong and proud local cultural identity, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism with thermal sources.
It boasts stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush green mountains, and picturesque villages.
The island’s ouzo and olive oil are celebrated throughout Greece; many of the 100,000 islanders are employed in producing them, often using traditional, small-scale methods.
Golden Apple Award Ceremony will be held 23-26 April, 2026
CAVTAT-KONAVLE, CROATIA
Konavle, the southernmost Croatian region, covers an area of 209 km2, With 9,000 inhabitants living in 33 smaller and larger settlements.
The name Konavle is derived from the Latin word “canale”, “canalis”, in the local dialect “konali”, ”kanali”, which is associated With the aqueduct that in Roman times brought water from Vodovada to Epidaurus, todays Cavtat. Cavtat has a long history, from Antiquity – The Greeks founded the colony of Epidaurus; the Romans developed it into an important City and port (Epidaurum), The area of Konavle and Cavtat comes under the rule of the Dubrovnik Republic in middle ages. Three centuries of trade, shipping. and construction develops. Konavle passes through the rule ofthe French, Austrians, and then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Cavtat remains the administrative and cultural center Of Konavle. Cavtat-Konavle pays special attention to the presewation and presentation of cultural heritage, customs and folklore, which they successfully include in their tourist offer. Cavtat and Konavle have a recognizable identity that is reflected in natural features, preserved local customs and traditions, architecture and gastronomy.
Golden Apple Award Ceremony will be held 28-31 May,
2026
IASI,ROMANIA
Located in northeastern Romania, at the contact between the Jijia Plain and the Bârlad Plateau, Iași used to be the crossroads place of the historic trade routes that passed through Moldavia coming from the Kingdom of Poland, Habsburg monarchy, Tsardom of Russia, and Constantinople. Within the same scape, you can see **Brutalist, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Classical facades**, all coexisting in perfect harmony.creating an architectural identity unique to Iași together, with strong French influences reflect.
There are vast parks everywhere, meticulously maintained with remarkable elegance.Hundreds of hectares of green space stretch through the heart of Iași, including what is considered the largest urban park in Europe, covering approximately **180 hectares**. Iași was the royal city of Romania.The Palace of Culture (often referred to as *Palas Iași* within the wider Palas development) is one of the city’s greatest landmarks. Today it houses a prestigious cultural museum. Iași is also known as the City of a Thousand Churches, with 1,071 churches representing some of the finest examples of religious architecture. Their facades are entirely covered with intricate carvings.These churches are true works of art.
Golden Apple Award Ceremony will be held 19-24 June, 2026
KYPEROUNTA, CYPRUS
The picturesque village of Kyperounta lies at the foot of the Madari mountains surrounded by a green landscape. It is the largest mountain Village of Cyprus, and numbers around 1500 inhabitants, with traditional architecture and rich culture.. It is situated 45 km away from Limassol and 78km away from Nicosia. Kyperounta lies on the slopes of Troodos Mountain (Wonder of nature) which Was formed over 92 million years ago, boasts towering forests and rock formations, made up of rocks of the earth’s mantle.
The physical appearance of the village takes various shades as the seasons change with authentic Experiences
Kyperounta is crossed by main tributaries of Kourris River that divide it in narrow deep valleys creating a magnificent green scenery where the pine forest alternates with vineyards and fruit trees.Rural destination in the mountains of Cyprus, between 10 Unesco Churches. Kyperounta is famous for apple cultivation and the Annual Apple Festival. Apart from grapes, Kyperounta produces a third of all the nations’ harvest of pears and apples. This is why, every year on the second weekend of October, Kyperounta holds an apple festival.
Golden Apple Award Ceremony will be held 9-12 October, 2026
Thanks to National Associations Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Romania for excellent proposals to mark 55 years of Fijet Golden Apple Awards.