The municipality of Iași has been named the winner of the international “Golden Apple” (Golden Apple) trophy, 2026 edition, awarded by the World Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers (FIJET). The official award ceremony will take place on June 20, at 17:00, in the Voivodes’ Hall within the Palace of Culture in Iași, in the presence of the federation’s leadership, marking an important recognition of local tourism development and promotion efforts.
The “Golden Apple” (Pomme d’Or) distinction, established in 1970 and considered the equivalent of the Oscars in tourism, has been awarded 73 times globally to date. Iași becomes the seventh destination in Romania to receive this trophy, joining the list that also includes Bucovina, the Danube Delta, Mărginimea Sibiului, Târgu Jiu, Oradea, and Timișoara. Mayor Mihai Chirica emphasized that this award confirms the visible increase in the number of domestic and foreign guests, extending his thanks to the Tourism Press Club – FIJET Romania.
FIJET is one of the oldest media associations in the world, founded in Paris on December 2, 1954, by a group of travel writers from France and Belgium, who were later joined by journalists from Greece, Italy, and Luxembourg. Currently, the organization brings together over 30 affiliated national associations and plays an essential role in promoting landmark tourist destinations globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Golden Apple award?
The Golden Apple (Pomme d’Or) is an international award established in 1970 by FIJET, considered the equivalent of the Oscars in tourism.
What other destinations in Romania have received this award?
Iași is the seventh Romanian destination to be awarded, after Bucovina, the Danube Delta, Mărginimea Sibiului, Târgu Jiu, Oradea, and Timișoara.
When and where will the award ceremony take place?
The official ceremony will take place on June 20, at 17:00, in the Voivodes’ Hall within the Palace of Culture in Iași.