Award-Winning Pirovac Tourism Professionals Hosted County Prefect Paško Rakić and Guests

Award-winning tourism professionals from Pirovac – Dijana Kurtov-Čubrić, Krešimir Uroda, and Mara and Pave Barić – hosted County Prefect Paško Rakić and other guests in Pirovac on Friday.

Alongside the Prefect, the reception was attended by the Mayor of the Municipality of Unešić, Marko Parat, his advisor Valentin Pranić, Ivana Lušić from the Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board, and Igor Bergam, Director of the Pirovac Tourist Board. The hosts were also joined by Krešimir Uroda’s fiancée Đurđica Reljić, Aunt Mara’s brother Joso Slamić, as well as other family members and friends. The Mayor of the Municipality of Pirovac, Ivan Gulam, was unable to attend due to private commitments but sent his apologies and expressed his support for the award recipients.

The gathering took place in the old stone house of the Barić family in the very center of Pirovac. This authentic Dalmatian house, carefully and warmly managed by Aunt Mara and Uncle Pave, earned them the title of “Best Local Host” in Šibenik-Knin County.

Despite his busy schedule, the County Prefect gladly accepted the invitation and once again congratulated the award-winning Pirovac tourism professionals for their contribution to tourism development and destination promotion.

“Dijana Kurtov-Čubrić, Krešimir Uroda, and the Barić family are a true example of how tourism should be done – with dedication, authenticity, and a long-term vision. These awards are not the result of a single moment, but a confirmation of years of consistent and successful work. Each of them contributes in their own way to the quality of Pirovac’s and the County’s tourism offer – through entrepreneurship, tradition, hospitality, and the promotion of local values. I thank them for their effort, energy, and passion, and sincerely congratulate them. They are a strong inspiration and an example to all private renters and tourism professionals in Pirovac and Šibenik-Knin County,” the Prefect emphasized.

As Aunt Mara Barić originates from Ljubostinje, a small village within the Municipality of Unešić, the visit of the newly elected Mayor Marko Parat added special symbolism to the gathering.

“I sincerely congratulate all the award-winning tourism professionals from Pirovac. I am proud that Aunt Mara Barić’s roots come from Ljubostinje, within our municipality. Your work, effort, and perseverance clearly show that dedication and quality pay off in the long run. Tourism is becoming increasingly present in the Municipality of Unešić, particularly through the development of holiday homes with swimming pools, and more and more visitors are choosing the peace and authenticity of rural areas over the crowds of peak season. Your example highlights the importance of quality, personal approach, and cooperation between local communities. I wish you continued success and many more satisfied guests,” said Parat.

It is worth recalling that the Barić family and their Stone House in Pirovac were named the best “Local Host” in Šibenik-Knin County and were also ranked among the top 20 hosts at the Croatian Tourism Days in Dubrovnik. The County tourism award “Golden Boula” was also presented to the Barić family for the title “Best Host in Family Accommodation.” Dijana Kurtov-Čubrić, owner of the Makirina travel agency, received an award for excellence in agency operations in recognition of her long-standing successful work and contribution to tourism development. Krešimir Uroda was awarded the “Golden Boula” for his olive oil tasting facility, OPG Uroda, confirming the quality and authenticity of his offer.

All guests enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of the Barić family’s old stone house, tasting local specialties and exchanging ideas, experiences, and stories from their rich tourism careers. The gathering was marked by a spirit of unity, pride, and optimism for the continued development of tourism in Pirovac and Šibenik-Knin County.