Destination Update:
Croatia popular summer destination for UK & Ireland visitors
In August 2014, Croatia saw a seven per cent increase in British visitors and a 23 per cent increase in Irish visitors, compared to the same period last year. In total, 99,283 Brits and 10,609 Irish visitors travelled to Croatia during August. From January to August, Croatia saw a ten per cent increase in British visitors, compared to the same period in 2013, with 331,072 arrivals. There were also 36,404 Irish visitors between January and August, an increase of 19 per cent. For more information on what to see and do in Croatia, please see www.croatia.hr.
“Irresistible Croatia” nominated for Guinness Book of World Records
The giant tourism guide “Irresistible Croatia” – which is 1.54 metres wide and 1.65 metres high – has been nominated for the Guinness Book of World records. Including information on what to see and do in Croatia, as well as features on attracting investors to the country and Croatia’s economy, the book has recently been touring the country. It was produced with the cooperation of 33 authors and 11 tourism agencies and associations. The project took three years to compile, and will be followed by a conference given on sustainable tourism in Zagreb on 14 November 2014. For more information please see here.
Sustainable tourism conference to be held in Zagreb
Croatia’s first international conference on Sustainable tourism will be held on 14 November at the Westin hotel, Zagreb. This conference marks the fifth anniversary of the sustainable tourism strategy in Croatia and the aim of this conference is to promote the principle of sustainable development and tourist activity within Croatia, as well as helping local communities develop as ecologically valuable tourist destinations. For more information please see here.
Zagreb’s Phoenix Hotel named most romantic in Croatia
For the second consecutive year, the Phoenix Hotel in Zagreb has been named the most romantic hotel in Croatia by Luxury Travel Guide. Located in the eastern suburbs of Zagreb, the hotel boasts 55 superior and deluxe rooms, seven of which are furnished in the hotel’s romantic style. On site, there is also a fine dining restaurant Maestro, a wellness spa centre and the wine cellar Dioniz. For more information, please see here.
Events & Festivals:
6 September – 30 November: Day of Truffles, Istria
Istria is famous for its truffles and this gastronomic jewel of Istria is celebrated during autumn as the truffle season begins. The region boasts three sorts of black truffles, as well as one of the most prized in the world – the big white truffle. Until November visitors and locals can savour the wealth of truffles in every possible combination of flavours. Truffles are the trademark of Istria with locals securely guarding the recipes specific to their peninsula. A visit to the region during this period will transport you back in time with demonstrations of traditional farming and folk traditions. For more information, please see here.
18 – 22 September: International Lace Festival, Lepoglava
The tradition and skill of Lepoglava Lace is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the International Lace Festival celebrates and promotes this cherished local treasure. Located in the Varaždin County in northern Croatia, the festival displays local pieces of lace as well as demonstrations of how the intricate designs are produced. For more information, please see here.
End of September: Latin Sail Regatta, Island of Murtur
For the people of Murter, Šibenik, the Latin sail is a protected symbol. On the day of St. Michael, a regatta of traditional boats is organised around the island of Murtur. The route follows the former paths of generations who sailed to the island of Kornati on a daily basis. Visitors to the event can enjoy seeing the open sails cross the sea, followed by workshops in maritime skills, lectures and exhibitions, as well as tasting traditional snacks. Those visiting may wish to base themselves in the picturesque seaside town of Šibenik. For more information please see here.
25 – 28 September: Wine and Jazz Festival, Dubrovnik
The streets of Dubrovnik will soon be filled with the swinging sounds of jazz and Broadway tunes, as the annual Wine and Jazz Festival kicks off. Taking place in the heart of the old city, this year’s theme is ‘Jazz meets Broadway’ and features musicians from around the world and the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. If this wasn’t enough, there will be a range of award-winning Croatian wines available to try while you listen to the music. For more information please see here.
October: The Chestnut Festival, Hrvatska Kostajnica
You won’t find a single dish that doesn’t include chestnuts at the annual chestnut Festival in the small town of Hrvatska Kostajnica in central Croatia. Taking part throughout October, you’ll be able to try a variety of delicious dishes made with boiled or baked chestnuts and even try sweet puddings made from tasty chestnut puree. All visitors are also invited to walk through the woods and take part in the chestnut harvest – where a sing song or two is definitely encouraged. For more information, please see here.
4 October: Wine Marathon, Slavonia
The Slavonia region is famous for its wine production, including the delicious and sweet white wine, Graševina. There will be plenty of variations available during the Slavonia Wine Marathon that takes place on the first Saturday of October in the town of Zmajevac. The event includes a full-day programme of wine tasting, exhibitions and traditional folk performances. While in the region, visitors could pay a visit to the beautiful Kopački Rit National Park, a large wetland with over 260 species of bird. For more information, please see here.
-Ends-
For further press information, please contact:
Sarah Taylor/Melissa Hobson/Tim Thackray
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927
E: [email protected]
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 or call on (0)20 3440 8930
