The ceremonial opening of the 18th International Fair of Sports and Nautics, under the patronage of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, has marked the central event for sports and sailing enthusiasts in the region, which runs from February 18 to 22.
On 27,000 square meters, in ten pavilions, 576 exhibitors from 35 countries will present the latest trends in nautical equipment, the charter market, shipbuilding, and sports, and of the 260 exhibited vessels, the longest being 145 meters, 20 percent are of Croatian production. – Croatia can simultaneously be proud of top athletes and nautical top destinations. Last year, 807,000 sailors visited the Adriatic, generating 800 million euros in revenue, and I am confident that nautical tourism, regardless of the economic situation this year, will not fall short. According to booking data from ACI marinas and charter companies, we can expect results at least at this year’s level. According to the recently adopted Nautical Tourism Strategy, in the next ten years, we can expect 15 new prestigious nautical destinations, 15,000 new berths, and revenue of 15 billion kuna in the Adriatic. – stated at the opening of the Fair the Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Božidar Kalmeta. (Željka Laslavić)
