The "The Fragrances and Tastes of Losinj" project, based on health tourism and a clean environment, came third in the finals, behind Vienna and Peru.
Losinj has scientifically proved that it has all the healing factors - air, sea, sun and plants - and has drawn a parallel with the past.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire declared Losinj a health resort way back in 1892 and today the island's officials want to prolong the tourism season by focusing on guests from Scandinavia, Russia and Great Britain, who stay up to two weeks in search for health.
In 1913, Losinj had 250,000 guests from November to May and nowadays perhaps 25,000, Mayor Gari Cappelli says and adds, "The goal is to extend the season."
Losinj does not want more than 25,000 tourists per season. "Our tourism model has a future. It is based on what the inhabitants on the island want. And that's certainly not mass tourism. It's crucial to manage together with the people who live here" Cappelli says.
In two to three years, the island should get an airport, more hotel beds, and golf courses, which should create jobs, according to the mayor.