CNTB wins Travel Leaders Network’s prestigious „Power of Partnership – Destination Partner“ award

In San Diego, as part of the EDGE conference—the annual gathering of Travel Leaders Network (TLN), the largest American consortium of premium and luxury segment agents—the Croatian National Tourist Board received the award for the best destination partner for 2026: „Power of Partnership – Destination Partner“. Given that the award is presented for exceptionally high-quality cooperation with agents and members of the consortium, which numbers over 60,000, this is a confirmation of excellent and dedicated work in promoting Croatia through intensive cooperation and partnership with the TLN network.

„American agents are increasingly seeking 'slow travel' trips outside the peak season, personalized itineraries, longer stays, and authentic premium experiences. Croatia's exhibition and presentation were rated as highly informative and useful, and the interest of Americans in undiscovered parts of Croatia is particularly striking. Being chosen as the best destination partner by the votes of TLN agents and members represents not only a great success in promotion within the US market, but also a guarantee of further continuous growth,“ stated Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the CNTB Representative Office in the USA.

This year's EDGE event was attended by 2,500 participants, mostly agents from the USA and Canada. In addition to the CNTB, the Korčula Tourist Board—which has been recording double-digit growth from the US market for years and is becoming one of the most desirable destinations for Americans—also presented itself at the gathering. The Impresia Hotels association, whose four hotels are part of the TLN network and for whose members the US market is primary, presented Croatia through authentic destination experiences, while Leonidas Travel DMC, a long-standing member of TLN, affirmed its status as a top-tier destination partner. At a special Luxury Forum event intended for agents of the Luxury Leaders alliance, the Zagreb Tourist Board also presented its offer.

In 2025, TLN realized 185 million USD from travel sales to Croatia, which was an increase of 23% compared to the previous year. This year, demand for nautical travel is growing significantly, and alongside it, small luxury hotels with a highly personalized offer—especially "heritage" hotels—constitute an extremely important segment.

It is worth adding that the annual EDGE gathering represents an exceptionally important sales channel for luxury travel, cruises, organized tours, and tailor-made individual travel. The gathering is intended for agents and agency owners, tour operators, destination marketing organizations, and suppliers within the luxury travel sales chain.

Source and photo: CNTB