Voting for this prestigious title, which is a synonym for European excellence, will be open from January 20 to February 10 at the following site: www.europeanbestdestinations.org.
The contest is organised by a nonprofit travel organisation, the Brussels-based European Best Destinations, whose goal is to develop and promote culture and tourism in Europe in partnership with participating tourism offices. Apart from promoting excellence through this contest, winning cities benefit by having their reputation enhanced and in that way they attract more visitors.
A marketing study carried out for the European Best Destinations portal by the independent agency "Cision" showed that Porto, the city voted the best European destination in 2014, benefited greatly from the award securing wide media coverage at the European level valued at more than ten million euros.
Winning destinations can also use the logo indicating that they have been chosen as one of the ten best destinations to visit in Europe and their news, photos and videos are shared throughout the year via the web portal and the major social networks.
The contest does not just rely on the most on-line votes for a particular destination but takes into consideration those sites that are continually advertised on the European Best Destinations portal and its social networks. The 2015 best European Destination will be authorised to use the title and affix the "European Best Destination" logo on all its communications, adverts, website and photos; it will also have the right to authorise its own public and private partners to use the logo, which improves their recognisability, the portal says.
Last year, Zagreb was voted as the second best European destination. Voters highlighted the city's welcome and friendly atmosphere, beautiful squares and churches, as well as acceptable prices. The impressions of some voters can be summed up in a single sentence: A large city which managed to stay romantic and safe.