For many years, the Croatian capital of Zagreb was all but overlooked when it came to tourism. Foreigners much preferred the glitz and glam of the glorious Dalmatian coast and its rugged beaches and crystal clear sea, with only a handful here and there visiting central Zagreb for a dose of continental Croatian charm.
Over recent years, that has changed, with more and more foreign tourists discovering the varied beauty of continental Croatia. Far from the sea, but steeped in history and full of rolling hills, mountains and gorgeous architecture which looks entirely different from that dotted along the coastline.
With continental Croatian tourism firmly on the up and visits to not only central Zagreb but far beyond, trickling into Zagreb County, Lika and indeed further east into neglected Slavonia, the hotel industry has stepped up its game, with its eye on central Zagreb in particular.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 30th of January, 2020, the new hotel in central Zagreb will enhance the geographical spread of the Pula-based Arena Hospitality Group's already impressive portfolio, which is currently centrally positioned on the Istrian coast. The move will reduce seasonal exposure, a statement from the company claimed.
The Arena Hospitality Group announced on the Zagreb Stock Exchange this morning that they have signed a 45-year lease "for the purpose of developing and operating a modern branded hotel in Zagreb", which means that bustling central Zagreb will be richer for yet another gorgeous hotel in just a couple of years.
When finally complete, the new hotel will boast as many as 115 rooms and a restaurant, bar, a wellness centre and spa, a fully equipped gym, conference facilities and even parking. For those who know Zagreb well, they'll know that the parking part in itself is something to celebrate.
"This transaction is another important milestone for the Arena Hospitality Group in executing its strategy to strengthen its presence across Central and Eastern Europe. The new hotel in central Zagreb will enhance the geographical spread of the Group's portfolio, which is currently centrally positioned on the Istrian coast, and reduce seasonal exposure. This addition to the portfolio will also help strengthen the Group's profile in the high and lifestyle segments," the company stated.
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