ZAGREB, November 18, 2019 - Nautical tourists who rent vessels in Croatia spent 4.8 billion kuna from the start of the year until the end of October, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce stated on Monday.

Of that amount, almost a third, that is above 30%, went on what those visitors enjoyed in cultural tourism and local cuisine.

These figures were presented during the first Yacht Charter Conference called "Booking Manager Summit", which is taking place in Zagreb on Monday and Tuesday.

This educational and networking conference for charter professionals intends to enable charter professionals to gain knowledge from leading experts in sales, marketing, SEO, photography and taxes.

"Yacht chartering is the most important segment of nautical tourism in Croatia," Ivan Soža, the head of the HGK county branch in Šibenik, informed the conference,

Croatia has 4,500 vessels, 140 marinas and 17,000 berths for nautical tourism.

More news about yachting in Croatia can be found in the Travel section.

ZAGREB, October 23, 2019 - In the first nine months of 2019, the Croatian ACI chain of marinas earned a net profit of 33.7 million kuna, 5.7 million or 14.6% less than in the same period of 2018, shows the company's financial report.

Most of the profit, in the amount of 32.5 million kuna, was generated in July, August and September, during the peak tourist season. Compared to the same period of last year, this was a drop of 5.7 million kuna or 14.9%.

The marina operator's revenues in the first nine months totalled 186.4 million kuna, 8.2 million kuna or 5% more year-on-year.

Total expenses, in the amount of 145.3 million kuna, were 15.2 million or 12% higher, with operating expenses increasing by 15.9 million kuna while financial expenses decreased by 700,000 kuna.

The increase in operating expenses was due to the results generated by the Rovinj marina, which was opened in April and recorded negative results, primarily due to depreciation costs amounting to 6.9 million kuna.

On 30 September there were 3,392 vessels moored in ACI marinas on an annual basis, one percent less than in the same period of last year.

The completion of a general renovation of the ACI marina Rovinj was one of the company's more significant investments, costing more than 150 million kuna.

More sailing news can be found in the Travel section.

ZAGREB, October 17, 2019 - Nautical tourism is an important segment of Croatia's tourism because it enriches its offer and extends the season, which is the aim of the tourism policy, President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said on Thursday while opening the 21st edition of the Biograd Boat Show which has attracted a record 400 exhibitors and is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors by October 20 when it closes.

"In two decades this nautical, economic and tourist event has developed into one of the leading nautical fairs in Europe and is visited by thousands of visitors. Fairs like this promote an exceptionally important segment of our tourism offer, nautical tourism, whose development we have to undoubtedly support," said Grabar-Kitarović.

She added that the success and importance of the Biograd Boat Show has been recognised by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) which has organised the Nautical Days for the third year in a row.

The president underscored that it was important for the tourism industry to complement other industries in Croatia, particularly agriculture, "so that we can finally achieve what we are constantly talking about, for green Croatia to feed blue Croatia, for continental tourism to develop," said Grabar-Kitarović.

She said that nautical tourism was important because it attracted higher paying guests who, through higher consumption, contribute more strongly to the economy. Nautical tourism also extends the season as a lot of regattas are organised in the shoulder season and its development stimulates small shipyards in Croatia.

"Nautical tourism gives Croatia's tourism a prestigious image and that is why it is interesting to even the most demanding tourists and puts our country alongside the most developed tourist destinations," she said.

HGK vice president Dragan Kovačević said that Croatia is a nautical superpower and one of the most significant nautical destinations on the Mediterranean, and globally too.

"That is backed by numbers - Croatia has a fleet of 4,300 vessels and more than 140 tourism ports with more than 17,000 berths and one million passengers on cruise liners. Average spending by nautical tourists is €126 a day or €183 for charter passengers, with more than 30% of that money spent on other forms of tourism, from cultural events to wine and food," Kovacevic explained.

More yachting news can be found in the Travel section.

ZAGREB, August 27, 2019 - The Marina Punat Group, which includes a marina, a hotel and a shipyard, plans to invest 160 million kuna in renovation and nautical competitiveness by 2025, reporters were told in Punat on Krk island on Monday.

Minister Gari Cappelli, present at the press conference, highlighted Croatia's nautical tourism and underlined the importance of investing in quality product.

Croatia has 72 marinas with 17,500 berths in total as well as 20,000 dry berths, he said, adding that 480,000 arrivals and 3.1 million nights were expected in chartering this year.

About 54,000 boats have docked in Croatia this year and average spending per person is 126 euro in nautical tourism and 186 euro in boat chartering, the minister said.

Cappelli said nautical and health tourism would be important segments of the tourism development strategy in the future as they resulted in higher spending and demand. "Such guests want high quality, and quality and sustainable development will make our tourism competitive also in the future."

He said accommodation facilities which had invested in quality were fuller this year than others, adding that Croatia did not want to lower prices but offer quality product for them.

The Punat marina is the oldest marina in Croatia and the largest in the northern Adriatic with 1,450 berths on 14 piers for boats up to 40 m in length.

More news about sailing in Croatia can be found in the Lifestyle section.

From the 10 – 14^th April, Split will host the 21^st Croatia Boat Show where Croatia Yachting will premiere three new boats; the Hanse 458, Hanse 508 and the new flagship of the Bali brand – the Bali 5.4.

Croatia Yachting are set to attract a lot of attention at the Croatia Boat Show this year with an attractive exhibition space and as much as three Croatian premieres.

Croatia Yachting are the Croatian Authorised Dealer for Hanse, Dehler, Fjord, Sealine and Bali Catamarans. They proudly represent the most innovative brands on the market; so, it is no surprise that they often premiere new models, which showcase new trends in shipbuilding.

Being a trendsetter means having the courage to try new things; pushing the boundaries to present innovative designs and solutions, and never resting on one’s laurels. Hanse Yachts and Bali Catamarans have this courage, and prove this year after year. This time, the Hanse 458, Hanse 508 and Bali 5.4 will have their Croatian premieres.

New Hanse 458 – innovative design, exciting performance

The new 8 Series embodies quality, performance and comfort like no other sailing yacht series. Hanse invented the integrated self-tacking jib and brought all the lines to the helm, making it perfect for one-handed sailing and enjoying. The new Hanse 458 is no exception to the Hanse philosophy of innovation; ergonomic plotter pods, double anchor arm for code zero, no freestanding mast support. The main bulkhead is a composite construction with carbon reinforcement which provides sturdy and direct mast-keel connection, this creates more space inside, giving the salon a loft-like design.

The new Hanse 458 has been designed to allow for excellent sailing, without compromising on style and comfort; the user experience at the forefront of their mind. There are more windows in the aft cabins, plus ample windows in the salon to allow for natural light to flood the spaces, complemented with a dimming system to create ambience and atmosphere. The spacious and stylish interior combined with numerous creative features, place the Hanse 458 as a leader in her size range.

New Hanse 508 – distinguished in every detail, built for blue water sailing

The Hanse 508 has been designed with true, blue water sailing in mind – the incredible storage, large cockpit, elevated bulwark and the second forestay for a Genoa, combined with the self-tacking jib, all speak to this yacht’s capacity for excellent sailing performance. Just like the 458, Hanse have replaced the free-standing mast pole with the new carbon composite main bulkhead.

The interior of the Hanse 508 again, surprises with its stylish design and unique features. Take, for example, the saloon and galley, this new model is the only Hanse yacht with a longitudinal galley which creates beautiful flow. The owner’s cabin/master cabin has a king size island berth and a designer, ensuite bathroom. Above, the retractable table in the cockpit with comfortable cushions, creates another beautiful and practical space for relaxation and enjoyment. The optional wet bar with BBQ, fridge and sink creates yet another social element to this yacht. Picture summer days, anchored in the middle of a gorgeous bay, grilling fresh fish while your guests sit, dangling their legs from the bathing platform, sipping a glass of local white wine… these are the moments that sailing is really about, and this is what the Hanse 508 provides.

The subtly concealed storage features above and below deck, make the Hanse 508 practical yet she retains her stylish minimalistic design.

Potential owners and charterers are sure to be thrilled with everything these two new Hanse models offer and everyone can head to the Croatia Boat Show in Split, to see for themselves.

New Bali 5.4 – the new flagship of the brand

The new Bali 5.4 brings a wealth of innovative solutions and unique design features to create the best possible experience. There is fantastic inside-outside flow and several areas to enjoy and relax in. Thanks to the tilting door design, the rear glass wall of the saloon opens up, to create a rear cockpit entertainment area. The front cockpit, with access from the saloon, is comfortable and easily accommodates the crew; while the flybridge is a luxurious design with sunbeds to relax. The galley is U-shaped which any cook will enjoy, and the storage and fridge space is any sailor’s dream.

Owners or charterers will find all of the cabins more than ample in space, comfort and design; and the en suite bathrooms with separate shower stalls are absolute luxury. All of the cabins on Bali catamarans have been designed with plenty of windows and hatches to allow for natural light and maximum airflow.

With all of the different areas to enjoy and innovative design features, this Bali 5.4 is absolutely a home away from home for owners and charterers.

Visit Croatia Yachting at the Croatia Boat Show to see a multitude of new models for ownership or charter, and you can even chat to them about the easiest way to own a yacht with their world-class charter management program.

For more information, you can visit their websites; Hanse Yachts and Bali Catamarans, keep up-to-date with the latest news and offers on their Facebook page or check out charter yacht options here.

ZAGREB, January 26, 2019 - Five Croatian yacht charter companies, backed by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), are among more than 600 exhibitors from over 170 countries at this year's New York Times Travel Show, the largest travel show in North America which is taking place from January 25 to 27, the HGK said on Saturday.

The five companies - Nautika centar Nava, SunLife Charter, Adriatic Cruising, Phoebus and Nauticki centar Pina i Mare - have formed the Croatia Charter Experience group to present their services on the American market and "to promote Croatia as a perfect holiday and sailing destination," said Dragana Buzdovačić of SunLife Charter.

With 20 years' experience in boating tourism, the group operates a fleet of 130 ships, yachts, catamarans and sailboats.

Some 565,000 charter visitors visited Croatia in the first eleven months of 2018, generating nearly 3.7 million bed-nights, which is an increase from 2017 when 3.2 million bed-nights and 500,000 arrivals were recorded, the HGK said.

Of the 565,000 charter visitors last year, 26,000 came from the United States, generating 174,000 bed-nights. US charter visitors ranked ninth in terms of bed-nights, accounting for 4 percent.

Paško Klisović, the head of the HGK's association of providers of boat charter services and CEO of Nauticki centar Pina i Mare, said that their aim is to keep the traditional markets, such as Germany and Austria, and make a stronger inroad into the US market which, along with the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Australia, has huge growth potential.

The New York show is expected to draw about 35,000 visitors.

More news on the Croatian yachting industry can be found in the Travel section.

It used to be a luxury yacht, but decades spent in a port in Montenegro have left their mark.

Thirteen people were on aboard and they have been rescued.

The band came to Croatia to perform for a Chinese entrepreneur.

ZAGREB, February 28, 2018 - Croatia's nautical tourism company Adriatic Croatia International Club (ACI) last year generated a net profit totalling 20.3 million kuna, which is nearly 86% more than in 2016, ACI said in a press release on Wednesday.