ZAGREB, January 23, 2020 - Spaniards like to travel a lot and discover new destinations which is an opportunity for Croatia to utilise also because of the scope of the Spanish market and therefore the Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) intends to open an office in Madrid, Director Kristjan Staničić said on Wednesday at the 40th edition of the FITUR.

FITUR, the largest tourism fair in Spain with 165 countries attending, is running from 22 to 26 January and the HTZ and some ten other exhibitors are presenting Croatia's tourist sector at the show.

They all expect positive trends from the Spanish market and forecast that there will be a growth of 10% in tourism compared to 2019.

Tour operators and partners in Spain who talked to Staničić and Croatian Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli also expect positive trends to continue this year.

Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Hvar and Plitvice Lakes are the most sought-after destinations in Croatia for Spaniards. This year we plan to additionally improve our network of branch offices by opening a branch in Madrid particularly since leading international tourist institutions have their main offices here, said Staničić.

He informed that last year, 315,000 Spaniards visited Croatia and generated more than 708,000 bednights, which is an increase of 10% compared to 2018.

Minister Cappelli said that Spain and France were the forerunners in the UNWTO Programme for sustainable tourism, which is being implemented in cooperation with governments, destinations and tourism companies in an effort to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment, which is an important presumption for Croatia's future tourism policy.

"We are using this visit to Madrid to exchange experiences in conducting a policy of sustainable development which is the linchpin of Croatia's presidency of the Council of the EU in the field of tourism. The experiences and examples of good practice we exchanged with leading tourism authorities and officials will be of great benefit in preparing a new national strategy for tourism development which will be based on quality, responsible and sustainable business with the use of modern technology as creative solutions for the future," Cappelli underlined.

HTZ informed that Spaniards usually travel to foreign countries by plane and each year direct flight connections between Span and Croatia are being improved particularly during the summer timetable.

FITUR introduces itself as a "global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound markets in Latin America."

"At its staging, FITUR broke all previous participation records with 10,487 companies from 165 countries and regions, 142,642 trade visitors and 110,848 visitors from the general public," according to the information provided on the fair's website.

More tourism news can be found in the Travel section.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Crnjak writes on the 21st of January, 2020, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) expects the new portal to be positioned as a central place for the inspiration of its users in the decision-making process when it comes to choosing a holiday in Croatia.

The Croatian National Tourist Board has announced a tender for the creation of a new tourist information portal, Croatia.hr, as well as for the collection and management of databases necessary for the establishment of public e-services of the portal. The tender is being announced as part of the Croatian Digital Tourism (Hrvatski digitalni turizam) project, which is an EU project, managed by the Ministry of Tourism, and the total value of this procurement is 8 million kuna.

As the Croatian National Tourist Board explained, the project is funded by two European Union funds, namely the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, and they play the role of project partner.

The e-tourism project envisages the development and improvement of five public e-services, which will be completed by the end of this year, which will integrate the procedures of several public administration bodies into an integrated state information system. These are the Central tourist register, the e-Visitor guest check-in and check-out system, the Croatia.hr platform, and e-services for both administrative and non-administrative procedures.

''There are two components to the Croatian National Tourist Board, the upgrading of the eVisitor system and the creation of a new Croatia.hr web portal, which will integrate the complete Croatian tourist offer in the future. Accordingly, the procurement process was initiated, the subject of which is the procurement of website services for the tourist information system and the establishment of an IT system, the management of databases necessary for the establishment of public e-services, and the tourist information portal,'' the Croatian National Tourist Board explained.

The goal of the new portal is to connect all tourist boards into one system, so that each destination and tourist board will have its own promotion space on the national website, or on its subdomains. It is also expected to increase page traffic, have better SEO and page ranking and strengthen brand identity.

When it comes to technical features, the new portal needs to be supported through a user-friendly and efficient CMS with different administrative rights and responsibilities.

As explained in the tender documentation, the Croatia.hr pages must be made in accordance with all the latest technological solutions and requirements, responsive to display on all devices, multilingual, capable of commenting and sharing content on all platforms, and should be able to connect with different systems such as the Central tourist register and eVisitor.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for more.

ZAGREB, January 16, 2020 - The 2020 Vienna Ferienmesse tourism fair opened on Thursday with more than 800 exhibitors from over 80 countries including Croatia, which is a favourite destination for Austrian tourists.

"Croatia is one of the favourite destinations for Austrians who travel to Croatia several times a year and in their own vehicles," a press conference heard ahead of the fair being opened where new travel trends for 2020 were presented.

Alongside Italy, Croatia is the most sought-after destination for Austrians travelling by car, the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board's (HTZ) office in Vienna Branimir Tončinić told Hina, adding that according to survey, 49% of Austrians travel with their own transport.

In 2019, more than 1.4 million Austrians visited Croatia and generated 7.7 million bed nights.

Tončinić informed that in the first 15 days of January, there was an increase of 27% in arrivals and an 18% increase in bed nights from Austria compared to the same period last year.

It is expected that the fair in Vienna will attract more than 160,000 visitors.

This week, from 15 to 19 January, HTZ will attend the 50th Vakantiebeurs tourism fair in Utrecth, which is the largest tourism fair in the Netherlands.

Last year, almost 500,000 Dutch tourists visited Croatia and generated 3 million overnight stays and HTZ believes that a positive trend will be recorded again this year from that market.

The presentation in Utrecth and prior to that in the German city of Stuttgart, marks the start of HTZ's promotions at European and global tourism fairs. All in all, it will present Croatia's tourism sector at about 40 fairs.

More tourism news can be found in the Travel section.

ZAGREB, January 15, 2020 - 2019 was the best year yet for the Croatian tourism industry, with nearly 21 million arrivals and 108.6 million overnight stays, up by 5% and 2.4% respectively, while 2020 is expected to see a continuation of positive trends, with tourist turnover increasing by 3-5%, Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli told a press conference on Tuesday.

Cappelli said he expected total revenues to have increased by up to 8%, but added that exact figures would be released by the central bank at the end of March.

"Based on the data for the first nine months of 2019, when revenues were 9% higher, we can say that revenues for the whole of 2019 will be about 5%, and possibly up to 8%, higher than in 2018. This is supported by excellent spending during the Christmas period and the total increase in daily tourist spending in the last year and a half by about 20%, from 79 to 97 euro," the minister said.

"Already now we know that last year spending by visitors staying at hotels increased by 18% to about 140 euro a day, spending by those staying at campsites rose by about 8% to 70-odd euro a day, and spending by tourists staying in private accommodation increased to about 96 euro a day," he added.

Cappelli also noted the increased quality of service, saying that 1.05 billion kuna had been invested in the tourism industry last year, and based on a survey conducted by the ministry, investments are expected to increase this year by about 20% to 1.07 billion kuna. A further 3-5 billion kuna was expected to be invested this year as a result of a new bill on tourism land, which should be passed in the first half of the year.

Cappelli said that a national plan for sustainable tourism was expected to be presented later this year. "This is an important goal for us during the Croatian presidency of the Council of the EU. We will call on the EU member states to follow in the same direction because only quality, responsible and sustainable tourism, which incorporates digitisation and smart solutions, has a future."

Announcing major promotional activities for 2020, Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) Director Kristjan Staničić said that the aim was to strengthen the brand, tourist spending and Croatia's position in remote markets, while maintaining its good position in the European markets.

"Because of the Croatian EU presidency, the HTZ has already begun a branding campaign in several European markets, which will be conducted basically all year round," Staničić said, adding that a special focus would be on promoting nautical and business tourism and on further cooperation with large global companies such as Google, LonelyPlanet and Expedie. He said that Croatia would participate in over 40 international travel shows and about 100 presentations.

More news about Croatian tourism can be found in the Travel section.

The Croatian EU presidency is now in full swing. Having taken over the EU's rotating presidency from Finland, the next six months will see Croatia partake in influential decisions within the bloc. Not only that, but as Brexit is set to occur at the end of this month, seeing the UK enter into a transitional period, Croatia will take a leading role in helping to negotiate the UK's (hopefully) smooth exit.

Hotels, particularly those in the capital city of Zagreb, are also experiencing a boom which is expected to continue as the city plays host to many EU delegates, and Croatia's presence grows more strong on the European tourist map. Owing to that, the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) has decided to use the Croatian EU presidency as a way to attract tourists from the country in which Brussels is situated - Belgium.

As Marija Crnjak/Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 8th of January, 2020, HTZ's director Kristjan Staničić has stated that guests from Belgium usually book their holidays between December and February.

HTZ is conducting a major promotional outdoor advertising campaign in Brussels to mark the beginning of the Croatian EU presidency. During January and mid-February, public transport, buses, trams, airports and the most frequent and representative city locations in Brussels will be adorned with Croatian motifs, all with the aim of further emphasising that Belgians should pay a visit to the youngest, and also the most beautiful, member of the EU.

"The Croatian EU presidency is an ideal opportunity for the further promotion of the country, so before the very beginning of the presidency we started this campaign that we believe will have positive promotional effects. We also support the timing of the campaign, which fits in perfectly with the Belgian "tourist" calendar, as market research by the umbrella association of Belgian tour operators ABTO shows that guests from Belgium most often book their holidays between December and February,'' and Kristjan Staničić, adding that more than 220,000 arrivals and almost one million overnight stays were realised in Croatia from the Belgian market last year alone.

As part of the Brussels campaign, 25 buses and trams operate on which citizens of the European Union's capital, as well as its numerous visitors, can see pictures of Croatia with a focus placed on the country's nautical tourism.

Advertising activities are also carried out through large posters located at subway stations in Brussels, in the city centre, and in the so-called "European Neighbourhood", in selected attractive city locations and through large digital screens positioned at the most frequent locations within Brussels Airport, which sees over 26 million passengers annually.

Make sure to follow our dedicated travel page for more.

ZAGREB, January 7, 2020 - During the Christmas and New Year holidays 238,000 tourist arrivals and 621,000 bed nights were recorded, which is an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) said on Tuesday.

The HTZ was citing data on tourism turnover in the commercial and non-commercial sectors as well as nautical charters, taken from the eVisitor system for the period from 20 December 2019 to 6 January 2020.

HTZ director Kristjan Staničić said in a press release that the results are beyond expectation and confirm that Croatian destinations are continually developing their year-round offer.

"We have created attractive content and rich Christmas market programmes that ushered in 2020 in a positive atmosphere. We are faced with a very challenging tourism year but we are optimistic about retaining our competitive position on the large international market," Staničić said, adding that the most bed nights during the Christmas and New Year season were generated by visitors from Croatia, Austria, Slovenia, Germany and Italy.

As for tourism turnover on the coast, Adriatic counties recorded 134,000 arrivals and 405 bednights during the Christmas and New Year holidays while turnover in continental regions, including the city of Zagreb, amounted to 104,000 arrivals ad 216,000 overnight stays.

The most bednights were generated in Istria and Kvarner Bay as well as in Split-Dalmatia County, while the most overnight stays in continental Croatia were recorded in Zagreb, Krapina-Zagorje and Međimurje counties.

The most nights by destination were generated in Zagreb, Opatija, Poreč, Rovinj, Dubrovnik and Split, HTZ informed.

More news about Croatian tourism can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, December 23, 2019 - The German ZDF national broadcaster will air a one-hour show - "Horst Lichter Looking for Happiness - Through Croatia on a Motorbike", in prime time on Christmas Day and an estimated three million viewers are expected to watch the show, Croatia's National Tourism Board (HTZ) reported on Monday.

The show is hosted by renowned German cook and TV host Horst Lichter who travelled together with German actor Henning Baum along the Croatian coast in search of happiness.

"Adventure shows involving popular individuals uncovering tourist destinations are an effective promotional tool because viewers watch real experiences by their idols whom they trust. I am certain that this show will result with some brilliant reactions on the German market which is exceptionally important for us and so far this year almost three million arrivals have been generated from that market, which compared to the same period last year, is an increase of four percent," HTZ director Kristjan Staničić underscored.

Lichter and Baum visited the entire Croatian coast from Istria across Zadar and Split to Dubrovnik. Their entire trip was motivated by the desire to search for their own personal happiness.

"Because of Lichter's popularity and the fact that the show will be aired in prime time, it is expected that several million people will see the show and that certainly add some wind in our sails for a positive image about Croatia on the German market," the director of HTZ's office in Germany, Romeo Draghicchio said.

HTZ added that after the premier airing of the show it will later be available on other on-line TV channels.

Horst Lichter is a popular chef who experienced two cardiac arrests in his late twenties and then decided to change his life and became a TV host. The show in Croatia was filmed in June and Licther is particularly fond of Croatia also because his wife is Croatian, HTZ said.

More news about Croatian tourism can be found in the Travel section.

December 17, 2019 - Croatia should see a 4 percent increase in tourist traffic over the upcoming holidays compared to last year. 

According to a survey conducted by the Croatian National Tourist Board in conjunction with the system of tourist boards, during the Christmas and New Year holidays, that is, from December 20, 2019, to January 6, 2020, around 227,000 arrivals and 594,000 are expected across the whole of Croatia, which represents an estimated 4 percent increase in tourist traffic compared to the same period last year, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) said.

“Croatian and foreign tourists are increasingly recognizing and praising the quality offer of Croatian destinations in the winter, both on the continent and on the coast, but also on the islands. This is precisely the right direction in trying to position Croatia as a destination with an attractive and diverse offer throughout the year, i.e., an evener distribution of tourist traffic throughout the year,” said the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić.

Looking at the announcements of tourist traffic in the counties along the Adriatic, the coast during the Christmas and New Year holidays expects about 126,000 arrivals and 383,000 overnights, which is an increase in traffic of about 2 percent, while the continent expects around 100,000 arrivals and 211,000 overnights, which represents tourist growth of about 6 percent.

The most significant tourist traffic on the coast is expected in Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva counties, while in continental Croatia, the highest tourist traffic is expected in the city of Zagreb, and Krapina-Zagorje, Međimurje and Karlovac counties, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board. 

Recall, Zagreb Advent will run until January 7, 2020, while those on the coast, like Advent in Split, will only run until January 2, 2020. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

December 16, 2019 - Five Slavonian tourist boards have teamed up for the first time to promote the beauties and tourist offer of Slavonia.

HRTurizam writes that under the symbolic name "Divani", a presentation of this unique region was held at Procaffe Cafe in the heart of Zagreb, with premium Slavonian wines and the finest dishes signed by the Danube hotel in Ilok, the first to boast a Michelin recommendation in that part of Croatia.

Martina Jakelic, director of the Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board, Maja Jakobovic Vukusic, director of the Pozega-Slavonia County Tourist Board, Ruzica Vidakovic, director of the Brod-Posavina County Tourist Board, Mislav Matisic, Assistant Director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board, and Rujana Busic Srpak, director of the Vukovar-Srijem Tourist Board, who is also the coordinator of the Slavonia Cluster, presented the tourist attractions of the easternmost Croatian region.

This is a strong and concrete step in promoting and presenting Slavonia as a Croatian tourist destination, pointed out Rujana Busic Srpak, and added: 

“With the cooperation agreement in creating and promoting the Slavonia tourism brand, signed last year by all five county tourist boards, the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism, we have defined the frameworks and activities that we want to achieve our ultimate goal - product development and promotion as a generator for increasing tourism results. None of the signatories can achieve this goal alone, and therefore togetherness in readiness to accomplish all that Slavonia can do in tourism is a key success factor. We still have a lot to boast. As a new approach to promotion, the first step was to develop a strategic marketing plan for Slavonia tourism with a branding plan for 2019-2025, which will soon be adopted, the Slavonia brochure came out of the press this year, and joint appearances at fairs and special presentations have already yielded first results,” points out Rujana Busic Srpak.

Slavonia is a destination that has everything to offer 365 days a year, said Mislav Matisic, Assistant Director of the County of Osijek-Baranja Tourist Board, and added: 

“One of the main motives for arrivals is gastronomy, and we also have the Kopacki rit and Papuk nature parks which are divine in every season. Slavonia offers the most beautiful blend of tradition and urban life, and all who come for the first time are delighted when they taste the colors and scents, experience the mighty Danube, but also the Sava and Drava, the vast vineyards, the Golden Valley, the Noble Route and discover that Slavonia is not just an endless plain. Just look at Pozeska gora, Psunj and Papuk, Erdut and Bansko Brdo. With us, you can ride a bicycle, quads, kayak, climb in adrenaline parks in Zlatna Gora and Papuk…” said Matic.

Although there is still a long way to go to define a well-rounded Slavonia tourism brand, this first historic step towards joint promotion and synergy should be commended.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

As Glas Istre/Duska Palibrk writes on the 14th of December, 2019, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) announced a public call for non-refundable grants for the top events and manifestations to come across the Republic of Croatia in 2020, which are among the main motives for both domestic and foreign tourists to come to a given destination.

This announcement from the Croatian National Tourist Board encourages the development of facilities to further attempt to extend the typical Croatian tourist season and further increase traffic, especially in the pre- and post-seasons. Applications will be received in electronic and hard copy forms by January the 7th, 2020, with a massive 2.5 million kuna available in total.

''We launched a public call in December to allow all interested parties enough time to prepare and apply for projects in a proper manner. I'm sure that this time we'll receive a large number of applications, which will be an additional confirmation of the continuous development and improvement of the Croatian tourist offer with an emphasis placed on manifestations as one of the main motives for tourists deciding on a destination,'' said the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, adding that investments in facilities and infrastructure are a basic precondition for positioning Croatia as an attractive year-round destination.

Companies, crafts, cooperatives, public institutions, cultural institutions, arts organisations, local and regional self-government units and tourist boards are all free to apply. The approved fees are intended to cover the costs of organising the event, such as all of the equipment, space and transportation needed, as well as potential equipment rental, material procurement, accommodation costs, contractor fees, promotional and other organisational activities.

The non-refundable grants being offered by the Croatian National Tourist Board have been approved for use for the organisation of cultural, entertainment, eno-gastronomic, historical and traditional events, which have been held at least twice over the last five years and have a strong promotional effect both here in Croatia and abroad.

The Croatian National Tourist Board's tourism council may, in exceptional cases, decide to support an event which is being held for the first time, if it can clearly be expected that it will greatly enrich the tourist offer of the destination in which it is going to be held.

The criteria for evaluation will be the importance for creating the motive for the arrival of guests, the importance for the development of the destination and its tourist offer, and its promotion of Croatia as a whole abroad, the nature of the event, its content and quality, the period of the event and the event's media advertising plan.

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