The Days of Croatian Tourism event was held this week in Hvar, as well as a session of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. On this occasion, Joško Stella, director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, answered several questions about the region, reports Dalmacija Danas on October 28, 2018.
Joško Stella is proud of the many awards Split-Dalmatia County received at the Days of Croatian Tourism event in Hvar
The Days of Croatian Tourism has come to an end. Many awards went to Central Dalmatia. Do you have reasons to be happy?
“Of course we do. Sutivan was chosen for the best small destination. Apart from Sutivan, we won the award for the best small marina. The Radisson hotel also took home an award, so we can be satisfied with the destination and entrepreneurship.
In particular, I would like to point out Inland Dalmatia, which is the best rural tourism destination in Croatia. We proved to be good hosts, primarily the town of Hvar, the Tourist Board of Hvar town, and we as the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County. Everyone is satisfied, many lectures were held, awards were distributed and we can say that it was an exceptional Days of Croatian Tourism in Hvar.
We have shown that we are a record-breaking destination that is conducting innovative projects. Here we have presented the Capacity Study, which was welcomed very positively. In our tourism development plan, the maximum is the sustainable development for the benefit of the local population, and the study itself is just a step towards our goal. We have seen that Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara and Prefect Blaženko Boban are going to improve the infrastructure, to make it better not only for tourists but also for us who are here all year round.”
Joško Stella said Split-Dalmatia County has recorded the best postseason in all of Croatia
What are the tourist numbers?
“We have 5% more overnights and 8% more arrivals to this day. We have the most arrivals and overnight stays of all counties in the Republic of Croatia. We have the best postseason in all of Croatia.”
Stella put particular emphasis on the great year for Inland Dalmatia as the new star of Split-Dalmatia County
Do the coast and the islands have reason to worry because Inland Dalmatia is taking big steps forward in tourism?
“No, they have no reason to worry, but they have reasons to cheer. Everyone who visits the coast can take a trip to Inland Dalmatia or even stay there, and this may further extend their stay and increase the demand for guests.
Does the county continue encouraging new OPGs and similar content?
“Of course. The county encourages it directly financially, and we, as the Tourist Board, are doing the education so we can help people do it well.”
Can you give us an example you are particularly proud of the past tourist season with regard to the local self-government unit?
“Of course. There are a few, but I want to point out Sutivan.”
For what?
“Sutivan has about 800 inhabitants, and have agreed to develop bike tourism. They were looking for other institutions to get involved. We recognized that. Likewise, they have a wonderful luxury hotel, so that Sutivan of all the small destinations deserved the award they received,” concluded Stella.
