Since 1990 Estonian Travel and Tourism Association (ETFL) has been appointing The Best Tourism Establishment and since 1992 also The Best Tourism Promoter in order to raise the public awareness about the significance of the travel industry in the Republic of Estonia and acknowledge successful projects and individuals in the industry.
The nominee to The Best Tourism Establishment Award should be well known, prestigious in the line market and ensure integrity in customer service. The choice is also subject to the novelty of the product (service), originality, good marketing, a quality leap in upgrading the service, etc. An important factor in decision making is the professionalism and international best practice in its business relations with Estonian travel agents.
The Best Tourism Promoter is a person directly, on a theoretical or practical level, involved in the industry, industry infrastructure undertakings or teaching whose work either in Estonia or abroad should have a significant impact on the positive development of tourism in Estonia. He/she should be well known and have immaculate business integrity in Estonian tourism community. The success in launching and implementing new projects is also considered.
The Best Tourism Establishment and Promoter of the Year Awards are traditionally disclosed at the annual Travel Exhibition Tourest by the President of the ETFL and published in the mass media. The Best Tourism Establishment and Promoter of the Year get a plague of honour.
Photo: Erik Peinar
The Best Tourism Promoters
2021 – Aivar Ruukel (National Park Soomaa)
2019 – Raili Mengel (Managing Director of the Estonain Rural Tourism)
2018 – Kadri Jalonen (Promoter of the Ida-Virumaa county tourism cooperation network)
2017 – Merike Hallik (The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations, ECTAA President 2016-2018)
2016 – Urmas Sukles (Mayor of Haapsalu)
2015 – Peter Hunt (Pärnu Bay and Saaremaa Golf courses)
2014 – Tarmo Mutso (Director of Estonian Tourist Board)
2013 – Erik Sakkov (Member of the Board of Tallinn Airport)
2012 – Urmas Dresen (Manager of Estonian Maritime Museum)
2011 – Bert Rähni (Manager of the adventure tour company 360°)
2010 – Feliks Mägus (Managing Director of Nordic Hotels and Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association)
2009 – Jaan Pärna (Master’s Courtyard’s developer)
2008 – Kaja Allilender (Head of the Tartumaa Tourism Foundation)
2007 – Varri Väli (Managing Director of the non-profit organisation Estonian Rural Tourism)
2006 – Heli Tooman (University of Tartu, Pärnu College: Head of Tourism Department)
2005 – Jaan Manitski (entrepreneur)
2004 – Ants Leemets (Leader of the Virumaa Museums’ Foundation)
2003 – Tarmo Sumberg (for opening the boutique hotel “Three sisters” and efforts in launching the brand “Welcome to Estonia”)
2002 – Juhan Paadam (Eurovision Song Contest in Tallinn)
2001 – Tanel Padar & Dave Benton (Eurovision Song Contest 2001 winners)
2000 – Meelis Mõttus (for new product developing in South Estonia)
1999 – Toomas Sepp (Tallinn City Secretary)
1998 – Estonian Concert (for developing culture tourism outside of Tallinn)
1997 – Aivar Ruukel (National Park Soomaa: for developing Estonian nature tourism)
1996 – Toomas Undusk (Chairman of the Estonian Hotel School: for developing new hotel projects and launching Hotel “Central”)
1995 – David I. Gorman (ITC D. Gorman+Partner consultant)
1994 – Silvi Bljumovitsh (Director General of Estonian Tourist Board)
1993 – Steve Serenyi (CeCo Consultant: for developing Estonian tourism system)
1992 – Tiit Kask (Pärnu Tourism Development Manager: for developing tourism projects)
The Best Tourism Establishments:
2021 – Fat Margaret Tower
2019 – Fotografiska Tallinn
2018 – Estonian History Museum Maarjamäe Palace
2017 – Tallinn Creative Hub (Kultuurikatel)
2016 – Estonian National Museum
2015 – Saaremaa Opera Festival
2014 – Lotte Village
2013 – Kiviõli Adventure Centre
2012 – Seaplane Harbour
2011 – Science Centre Ahhaa
2010 – Black Nights Film Festival
2009 – Pädaste Manor
2008 – Meresuu Hotel&Spa
2007 – Park Kadriorg
2006 – KUMU Art museum
2005 – Hop on–Hop off city tour by Hansabuss
2004 – Georg Ots Spa
2003 – Tallinn Christmas Market
2002 – MS “Romantika“ and Tallink Ltd
2001 – Hotel Radisson SAS Tallinn
2000 – Tallinn Airport
1999 – Tartu Marathon
1998 – Timmo Stables
1997 – Tallinn Port
1996 – Pärnu Rannahotell; Niitvälja Golf
1995 – Estonian Open Air Museum
1994 – Hotel Olümpia
1993 – Soots Tourism
1992 – Roosta Holiday Village; Burmani Willa
1991 – Cafe Maiasmokk
1990 – Boutique Hame
Tourism Accomplishment 2007: A special credit for the most important accomplishment in tourism industry was given to the Republic of Estonia for joining Schengen Area. The award was received by Mr. Matti Maasikas, the chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
1998-2000, 2002-2005 – the best rent a car company – AVIS Rent a Car and Leasing
Foto: Erik Peinar
