the prize for quality and excellence of tourism in the Alps-Adriatic region
Is the name of the prestigious prize for excellence in tourism in the Alps-Adriatic region a surprise, perhaps even a doubt or a question why? I believe that such thoughts are unnecessary! Jakob is the allegory of the »first« tourist, a tourist traveller, i.e. a tourist desired by today’s Europe in its endeavours for natural and sustainable development of this important economic sector and social movement, which began in the second half of the 18th century, but has a considerably older pre-history. It is particularly this dimension of the tourist cultural heritage, specifically symbolised by Jakob, with which we wish to mark also the most wide-reaching, innovative, creative and other endeavours in tourism of the Alps-Adriatic region.
Prof. Janez Bogataj, President of the International Expert Jury for Jakob prize
These days, the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre has began calling upon the tourism actors in the Alps-Adriatic region to apply for the Jakob prize, i.e. the prize for quality and excellence in tourism. Each year, the International Expert Jury will, in accordance with the written criteria, seek out the best – the one who contributes an important piece into the mosaic of tourist achievements of the Alps-Adriatic region; each year, in a specified area of tourist endeavours and activity. Consequently, applicants will be able to apply for the Jakob prize, which will be awarded for different themes and programmes – a new theme each year, particularly a theme that is already being successfully carried out in a certain field. The theme of the Jakob prize for 2011 is
Innovative incorporation of local and regional gastronomy in the tourist offer.
The received applications for the prize will be assessed by an International Expert Jury, consisting of: Prof. Janez Bogataj, PhD, as its chairman, Joško Sirk, innkeeper and recipient of a Michelin star from Italy, Lojze Wieser, publisher and culinary expert from Austria, and the representative from Croatia, Denis Ivošević. The Jury will assess the projects of various applicants, which innovatively incorporate local and/or regional gastronomy in the tourist offer of places and areas of the Alps-Adriatic region.
Organisers of tourist events, developers of special, gastronomy-based tourist programmes (from inns, restaurants, hotels, and agritourism farms, to companies and agencies and, of course, educational institutions) may all apply.
The International Expert Jury will assess the following:
– comprehensive design and innovation (originality) of themes and projects involving local and/or
regional gastronomy in the tourist offer;
– connection of themes or projects with the efforts for a natural and sustainable tourism development;
– responsiveness and success (in terms of subject, economy, education, etc.) of subjects or projects.
Jakob is on his way to his new mission in the Alps-Adriatic region! Do not miss the deadline for applications, which is 7 January 2011.
There will be only one Jakob prize-recipient each year and in addition to the prize, they will receive:
- optional presentation of the project in the Oddih magazine, supplement of Dnevnik newspaper (1 page);
- unequipped exhibition space of 20 sqm for the presentation of the prize-winning project;
- description of the project at Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre website for a period of 1 year (average visit of 30,000 clicks/month) and in the magazine of the Slovenian Tourist Board entitled Turizem.
More information and the Application Form are available at: www.alpeadria-tourismshow.com
