Destination Update:
Croatia smashes 2013 UK visitor target
Croatia welcomed over 409,025 British holidaymakers in 2013, an impressive boost of 23 per cent compared to 2012’s figures. Irish tourists to the Adriatic hotspot were also up 31 per cent on last year’s figures. The UK and Ireland market has experienced year-on-year growth since 2010 and is now among the four primary strategic markets that Croatia will focus on in 2014, alongside Germany, Austria and Scandinavia. With a number of new regional routes to Croatia for summer 2014, new attractions and tour operator promotions, the record-breaking 1990 figure of 500,000 is more obtainable than ever. For more information on what to see and do in Croatia in 2014, please visit www.croatia.hr.
Croatia records 7 billion euro in foreign tourism revenue
In the first nine months of 2013, foreign tourism revenue generated in Croatia added up to €6.59 billion, up 4.7 per cent on the same period in 2012. It is predicted that revenue from foreign visits for the entire year will have exceeded seven billion euros for the first time since 2008, according to the Croatian National Bank (HNB). The increase in revenue has been largely boosted by Chinese and American travellers who visit Croatia for its stunning coastline and Mediterranean lifestyle. For more information, please see here.
Palace Hotel in Zagreb to be refurbished
With a one million euro investment, the iconic Palace Hotel’s 55 rooms and restaurant will be refurbished during the first quarter of 2014. The four-star hotel recently added a new fitness and wellness centre and is committed to preserving its rich tradition of hospitality and fine cuisine. Located near the beautiful Zrinjevac Park, the art-deco style hotel makes a great base to explore Croatia’s capital, including St Mark’s Church and Ban Jelačić Square. For more information, please see here.
Opatija Riviera celebrate 170 years of tourism
This year the Opatija Riviera will celebrate 170 years of tourism and has introduced a new logo for the region to mark the occasion. The new design represents the six tourist boards that make up the Riviera, including Opatija, Lovran, Mošćenička Draga, Ičići, Kastav and Matulj. Visitors to the Riviera should take a walk along the cobbled 12km winding seafront promenade that extends from Opatija on to Icici and Lovran and provides stunning coastal views of the Adriatic. For more information, please see here.
Relais & Chateaux showcase three Croatian hotels
Three Croatian family hotels have been incorporated in Relais & Chateaux’s prestigious hotel guide. Hotel Bastion in Zadar, Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korčula and Villa Meneghetti in Istria have been selected amongst the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. The hotel guide is available online and 500,000 copies will also be translated into six languages. For more information, please see here.
Croatia’s Zagreb Airport looking to attract new airlines
Zagreb airport hopes to attract new airlines in the latter part of 2014 to help reach their passenger growth target of eight per cent. New carriers will bring increased routes and choice to tourists visiting the Croatian capital. Croatia Airlines, which currently has a passenger share of over 60 per cent at Zagreb Airport, will be put up for privatisation in 2014. For more information, please see here.
Events and Festivals
17 January – 5 March 2014 – Rijeka Carnival
Rijeka, the carnival capital of Croatia, will kick off 2014 in style with a vibrant range of masked ceremonies, street concerts, exhibitions, shows and parties. Beginning in 1982, the traditional carnival aims to banish the forces of evil through good humour, imagination and originality which is reflected in the floats, masks and costumes on display during the Grand Parade. Attracting thousands of visitors every year, the masked madness also features the Rijeka Carnival Queen Parade, the handover of the town keys to the Master of the Carnival and the popular Children’s Carnival Parade. For more information on the carnival, please see here.
18 January 2014 – Kutjevačko Vincelovo, Kutjevo
Every year the town of Kutjevo in Slavonia holds a traditional festival in honour of St Vincent, patron saint of wine makers, to mark the first pruning of vines. Taking place in Graševina Square, visitors can enjoy the local wine and gastronomic treats all to the backdrop of local folk music. With new Ryanair flights from London Stansted to Osijek from April 2014, northern Croatia has never been more accessible to UK tourists. While in Slavonia, visitors should head to the Kopacki Rit wetlands for boat tours and invigorating hiking and biking opportunities. For more information, please see here.
2 – 3 February 2014 – Festival of St Blaise, Dubrovnik
The Festival of Saint Blaise, patron saint of Dubrovnik, is a thousand-year tradition that includes a festive procession through the city’s ancient streets as well as a series of concerts, exhibitions and theatre performances dedicated to the saint. Visitors to Dubrovnik should take the time to walk around the city walls for incredible views of the Adriatic and the beautiful terracotta roofs of the Old Town. For more information, please see here.
1 – 9 February 2014 – PBZ Zagreb Indoors
The global elite of world tennis will descend on Zagreb at the start of February for the ninth PBZ Zagreb Indoors tennis tournament. Taking place at Zagreb’s Dom Sportova Sports Hall, the tournament has already confirmed seven players ranked among the top 30 who will compete with last year’s winner, Croatian Marin Čilić. While in Zagreb, visitors should explore the city’s fine architectural sites, including Lotrščak Tower and Zagreb Cathedral. For more information, please see here.
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For further press information, please contact:
Helen Batte / Jasmin Othman / Tim Thackray
Rooster PR
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About Croatia
Croatia; the Mediterranean as it once was, offers 1,244 islands strung along its stunning Adriatic coast, boasts seven 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 visit www.croatia.hr
