An important day for Croatian tourism, as the first Air Transat flight from Toronto to Zagreb is due to take off on June 14, 2016.
These are exciting times for Croatian tourism, with record passenger numbers flocking to its coastal airports of Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, as well as the capital Zagreb, whose plush new terminal is approaching completion. And while the majority of airlines servicing Croatia are of European origin, there is increasing interest in direct intercontinental connections, whether it be charter, seasonal rotations or scheduled, year-round flights.
Qatar Airways has been leading the way, now connecting Zagreb with 150 destinations worldwide via Doha on a daily basis, followed by Air Dubai, and Korean Air has been exploring the direct flight option since the explosion of Koreans visiting Croatia in the last few years. Connections from North America, where the largest Croatian diaspora resides, has been something of a problem, however, and after the failed SkyGreece route from Toronto to Zagreb last year, hopes of a permanent connection faded.
Air Transat has decided to follow in the footsteps of SkyGreece, hopefully with a better result, and the airline will commence a seasonal service between Toronto and Zagreb today, a service which will run until October 4 this year, according to Travel Week. There will also be connections from Montreal.
“Consumers said they wanted something different. So we’re delivering something different,” said Susan Kooiman, Business Development Representative for Transat Tours Canada.
Not only is Transat supporting the destination with direct flights, it also has seven new itineraries (prices in Canadian dollars):
Zagreb & Split:Flights, 7 nights, transfers, 7 meals, and bus from $1,459
Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik:Flights, 14 nights, transfers, 14 meals, ferry, and bus from $2,539
Zagreb, Split & Hvar:Flights, 7 nights, transfers, 7 meals, ferry, and bus from $1,709
Wonders of Croatia:Flights, 14 nights, transfers, 14 meals, ferry, domestic flight, bus, and 1 visit from $2,749
Discover Croatia:Flights, 14 nights, 14 meals, car rental, and 1 visit from $2,829
Zagreb, Split & Dalmatian Islands:Flights, 14 nights, transfers, 21 meals, bus, cruise, and 2 visits from $2,359
Zagreb & Sibenik:Flights, 14 nights, transfers, and 21 meals from $1,899
