As the Croatian ambassador points out, "In recent years, Croatia has become popular in several European countries. Despite its long tourist tradition, the country was not known as a specific destination, but rather within the framework of the former Yugoslavia."
– What assessment would you make of the impact of the tourism sector in Croatia in recent years?
Due to the war events of the nineties, tourist numbers dropped drastically.
The most significant influx of foreign tourists began to be noticeable in 1999, when an average growth of 20% was recorded. Pre-war levels were reached again in 2002, when 8,3 million tourists visited Croatia (almost double the population). Tourism generates, directly and indirectly, around 22% of the national GDP and more than 40% of total exports. Tourism revenues cover more than half of the trade deficit.
Despite fluctuations in the global economy, tourism performance in Croatia has improved so far this year. Compared to the same period last year, the number of tourists in the first eight months of this year rose by 6,3%. Sales have improved substantially in markets where Croatia has not traditionally been as popular: Scandinavian and Baltic countries, France, and Spain.
– How is conference and incentive tourism developing in Croatia?
Due to the war, conference tourism has suffered a major setback. Before the conflict, this type of tourism was very important within the sector, especially during the shoulder and off-seasons. However, it has recently been making a comeback. Thus, in the first ten months of this year, some 800 international conferences have been held in Croatia, 10% more than last year. It should be noted that the average expenditure of a conference attendee is five times greater than that of a typical tourist.
Although high-end hotels are scarce, Croatia offers very attractive destinations for hosting top-level conferences. I'm referring specifically to Dubrovnik, with its high-end hotels capable of hosting conferences for several thousand attendees. Similar quality is available in the capital, Zagreb, and in resort areas like Istria (Opatia, Pula, Poreč, Umag, and the Bryuni Islands). Croatia has significant potential to develop this type of tourism, although conference centers are currently limited. Therefore, plans are underway to build a conference center in Zagreb with a capacity for 4.000 participants, along with smaller centers in Istria and the Dubrovnik region, where foreign investors could pursue their interests.
– What explains the growing interest of Spanish tourists in visiting Croatia?
According to initial data from the last eight months, 63% more Spaniards have traveled to Croatia than last year. Even though the numbers are relatively low (around 40.000 tourists), it's clear that Spanish tourists are rediscovering Croatia.
The country is still a kind of tourist oasis in the Mediterranean, thanks to its crystal-clear sea, environmental conservation, and cultural and historical monuments, which are a real discovery for a European tourist.
Spanish tourists often discover Croatia by taking Mediterranean cruises that include brief visits to Dubrovnik and Split. It's very common for them to also discover the charms of the Adriatic islands and a very attractive coastline that reminds them of both Spain and the Caribbean.
I believe that nautical tourism, which is experiencing spectacular growth in the Croatian part of the Adriatic, is the most attractive aspect of the current tourism offer and may become one of the cornerstones of elite tourism.
Spanish tourists are very curious, so they often start with sightseeing tours where, over several days, they visit the most attractive destinations (coastal cities, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Zagreb), while spending the rest of their vacation in the area between Split and Dubrovnik. We believe that what they enjoy most are the Adriatic islands, such as Korcula, Mljet, Hvar, and Brac.
This summer, a large number of Spaniards have had the opportunity to fly on charter flights directly from Madrid and Barcelona, organized by Spanish tour operators. According to their plans, there will be even more charter flights next year, and from other Spanish cities.
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