– The record number of passengers in air traffic is a result of the increasing affordability of air travel. In the next eight years, we expect a doubling of air traffic in Croatia, said Tonči Peović, director of Brač Airport, at the 16th Croatian Tourism Forum which opened this year’s Days of Croatian Tourism in Bol on Brač.
The traditional Croatian Tourism Forum this time addressed the topic of Air Traffic – across borders to year-round business and considered the possibilities for extending the tourist season.
In July, nearly one and a half million passengers passed through Croatian airports, or about 4.4 million passengers in the first seven months of this year, which is an increase of 12.4% compared to the same period last year. However, the attractiveness of the destination depends on transport accessibility, emphasized the president of the Air Traffic Association of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Peović.
Research shows an increase in air passengers over the age of 55, and Peović believes that a better offer should be designed for them in the months when one cannot rely solely on the benefits of sea and sun. He cited Las Vegas and Lapland as examples, cities that are touristically attractive even though their natural conditions do not favor them, but he also sees the solution in the combined action of marketing campaigns, travel agencies, and a network of local companies and crafts, as well as the use of funds from EU funds for the development of attractive products, services at the local level, and the necessary infrastructure.
– One in four trips by residents of the European Union takes place in July or August, stated Christina Russe, deputy secretary-general of the EU Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, explaining that air connectivity in Europe is good and shows significant progress, but Croatia is lagging slightly behind this trend as as much as 70% of trips are related to road traffic, while in the EU it is 35%. The reason for this is also the relative proximity of Croatia to European countries. – If air connectivity improves, there is potential to attract more tourists from other European and overseas markets, she believes. Russe also emphasized that seasonality is a global problem and that 70% of European travelers in Croatia stay during the period from May to September. Instead of offering their own visions of solutions to the problem, Russe pointed to the example of the Azores, where ensuring better transport connectivity by opening new flight routes significantly impacted tourism results.
Vesna Zeneral, director of commercial support, products, and procurement at TUI Group, stated that we cannot rely on what is given by God; we need to create content that does not depend on weather conditions and enrich the offer of services and activities that can be offered outside the season. – Extending the season is a challenge that requires hard work, and results are not achieved overnight. All partners must work together and invest to extend the season. That is the formula, Zeneral believes.
The Days of Croatian Tourism are held from October 26 to 27, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the Croatian Tourist Board, and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
