Tourism Minister Veljko Ostojić met today during the World Travel Market, which is being held in London until November 8, with the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai.
On this occasion, Minister Ostojić emphasized that last year’s positive tourism trends have continued into 2011 and that they are not coincidental. Croatia continuously records an increase in tourist traffic and is among the leading tourist countries in the Mediterranean.
The year 2013 will certainly be marked by Croatia’s accession to the European Union, which will provide an additional impetus for even stronger tourism development, as funds from the European Union’s structural funds will be available to Croatia. They particularly addressed the visa regime, especially for tourists coming from countries such as Russia and Ukraine, and one of the topics was the development of cruise tourism. Minister Ostojić once again thanked everyone who directly and indirectly participated in the preparation and realization of tourism in 2012.
After the meeting, the minister also spoke with the media about measures to increase the competitiveness of the sector – changes to the legislative framework and ensuring more favorable financing conditions for potential investors. He emphasized that he will soon announce tenders for the locations of Kupari and Pineta and that the preparation of a Privatization Strategy for all companies listed in the Investment Catalog is in intensive preparation.
The minister highlighted that Croatia’s leading advantages in the British market are the attractiveness of the destination, the development of sustainable tourism, and the richness of cultural and natural heritage, which are continuously recognized by tourists from Great Britain, as well as those visiting us from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Next year, we must direct even stronger activities in the British market towards cooperation with low-cost companies and tour operators, and one of the key activities is the introduction of a direct flight by British Airways from London to Zagreb.
In order to attract more tourists who have not yet visited Croatia, plans are underway to prepare tourist packages for special interest tourists, such as eno-gastro offerings, sports activities, e.g., cycling, sailing… To better present ourselves to British tourists, a presentation and tasting of Croatian wines will be held this afternoon at this largest global tourism fair, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism.
