Croatia presented at world’s largest tourism fair in Berlin

Jasmin Bajić (Croatia Airlines) and Kristjan Stanicic (HTZ) (Photo: HTZ)

This year, 70 million trips are expected from the German market.

The Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) presents the overall Croatian tourist offer at the leading global tourism fair ITB Berlin, held from March 5th to 7th. 

In addition to the Croatian Tourist Board as the main exhibitor, the Croatian stand also features 20 co-exhibitors, including the tourist boards of Split-Dalmatia, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Lika-Senj, and Šibenik-Knin counties, as well as the cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Also present at the fair is the Croatian tourism delegation led by Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian Tourist Board.

“The Croatian presence at one of the most important global tourism fairs with a long tradition is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen our country’s position as an attractive and sustainable tourist destination. The expressed interest of our partners and visitors, as well as the high demand for travel, are the best reasons for further optimism and positive expectations in the upcoming tourist season. 

This year, 70 million trips are expected from the German market, lasting at least five days, so I firmly believe that through this presentation, among other things, we will maintain a competitive position in the German market, from which we continue to generate the highest tourist traffic,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian Tourist Board. 

ITB in Berlin (Photo: HTZ)

He added that this year is expected to continue the positive tourism trends with a special emphasis on the pre and post-season periods where Croatian tourism has the greatest potential for further sustainable growth and development.

This prestigious tourism event in Berlin has brought together key stakeholders from the tourism sector worldwide. Representatives of the Croatian Tourist Board held meetings with important partners such as Jet2.com/Jet2holidays, Eurowings, and KLM/Air France to discuss business forecasts, expectations, and increased cooperation.

“In the first two months of this year, German tourists in Croatia recorded a 6 percent increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year, which marked the best pre-season of Croatian tourism. The demand for Croatia is exceptionally good, and we are particularly pleased that Croatia is recognized as a desirable destination in the pre and post-season periods, which is in line with the strategic goals of Croatian tourism, namely the development of year-round tourism,” said Minister Brnjac, who also participated in the Global Tourism Leaders’ Roundtable in Berlin, where the topic was tourism transition, and presented Croatia’s activities in that area with a focus on tourism reform and the Tourism Act.

(Photo: HTZ)

Additionally, Minister Brnjac met with the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al Khateeb, and the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, discussing further steps in cooperation with other European and global countries on the topic of sustainability in tourism.

Croatia Airlines, the national carrier, is also present at the ITB fair, presenting this year’s summer flight schedule, emphasizing that during the tourist season, Croatia will be connected to a total of 28 international destinations, with Croatia Airlines aircraft flying on 50 international routes.

Furthermore, as part of the Croatian stand, a presentation and tasting of premium Croatian wines and cheeses were held in collaboration with the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Additionally, a joint presentation of Croatian health tourism entities was realized within the Medical & Health Pavilion dedicated to trends and practices in health tourism.

Zadar region stand (Photo: HTZ)

It is worth mentioning that the collaboration between the Croatian Tourist Board and the Kvarner Tourist Board with RDA, the European Professional Association of Bus Operators, was presented at the fair. After 20 years, RDA will hold its Annual Assembly in Croatia, specifically in October this year in Kvarner. The association has 2,600 direct and associated members from 40 countries and represents all those offering services related to group travel by bus.