Croatia on Target to Exceed 400,000 UK Arrivals in 2013

UK visitor figures to Adriatic hotspot up 27 per cent*.

According to September figures released by the Croatian National Tourist Office (CNTO), 74,027 Brits enjoyed an early autumnal break in the country, up a massive 27 per cent on the same period in 2012.

So far this year, 374,674 UK tourists holidayed in the Mediterranean hotspot, a boost of 25 per cent on last year’s figures.

In total Croatia welcomed 10,525,621 foreign visitors in the same period, an increase of almost six per cent on the previous year.

“British travellers to Croatia have been increasing year-on-year and with 2013 proving to be a very strong year for the market, I’m more than confident that we can exceed 400,000 UK arrivals before the end of the season,” said Tonko Rilović, UK and Ireland Director of the CNTO.

“Obviously, there’s still more to do if we’re to get back to our record-breaking 1990 figure of 500,000, but I’m hopeful that with the continued support of our trade partners and new EU membership, that even more Brits will be tempted to visit our shores next year.”

“To encourage further growth in the UK, we’re looking to show British visitors that Croatia is an accessible and exciting alternative to the traditional sun, sea and sand holiday at less than a three hour flight away. We will do this by highlighting our culture-rich cities, eight national parks and ever-growing list of electronic music, gastronomic and theatre festivals during the shoulder seasons,” continued Rilović.

With October temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees Celsius and a range of inspiring exhibitions, local events and seasonal delicacies on offer, the destination’s historic cities, including Zagreb, Pula and Split, are expecting to welcome even more Brits before the end of the year.

–Ends-

Notes to Editors

*September 2013 compared to UK visitor figures for September 2012

For further press information please contact:
Helen Batte/Jasmin Othman/Tim Thackray
T: +44 (0) 20 3440 8930
E: teamcroatia@rooster.co.uk

About Croatia
Croatia; the Mediterranean as it once was, offers 1,244 islands strung along its stunning Adriatic coast, boasts 16 UNESCO Heritage Sites and eight national parks as well as an excellent tourism infrastructure. From the café culture of its historic cities to the rugged landscapes of continental Croatia, with a packed calendar of festivals and events and a host of home-grown gastronomic delights, Croatia is the ideal holiday destination.

For more information on what to see and do in Croatia, please visit www.croatia.hr.