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Contribution of the Umag Sea Star Festival Around 60 Million Kuna

The first edition of the Umag Sea Star Festival contributed more than 60 million kuna to the Croatian economy, with around 50,000 visitors coming to Umag, who spent an average of 292 euros during the festival, according to the results of a study by the regional research center “TIM” from Novi Sad.

– According to data from TZG Umag, there was an increase in attendance of as much as 220 percent compared to the pre-festival weekend in Umag and the surrounding area. The festival, held from May 25 to 28, attracted more than 50,000 spectators who spent an average of 292 euros during the festival, the festival organizer ‘Exit’ announced on Tuesday. They added that visitors stayed an average of three days and came from about 40 countries, ranging from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France to nearby Slovenia and Italy.

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It is highlighted that due to exceptional interest, the initial capacity was tripled and the number of festival zones in the Stella Maris resort was doubled, while according to official data from TZG Umag, all accommodation capacities in the city and surrounding areas were fully booked.

– After an exceptional start that exceeded all expectations, an opportunity was created for Sea Star to grow into one of the most significant music festivals in the Mediterranean and one of the most important brands of Umag, Istria, and the entire region. Based on Exit’s experience, with such initial energy, Sea Star will shine on the European festival map for a long time, said Dušan Kovačević, director and founder of the EXIT festival.

Kovačević emphasized that more than 300 journalists from around the world expressed superlatives about the beauty, gastronomic offerings, and hospitality of the hosts. The festival received recognition from global media, and recommendations were given by some of the most influential British media targeting younger audiences, such as DJ Mag, Billboard, IQ, Mixmag, Pulse Radio, Festpop, and many others, he added.

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He stated that most visitors were accommodated in apartments, private accommodations, and hotels, with an average age of 26. Over 80 percent said they visited Umag exclusively for the Sea Star festival, and 95 percent of respondents stated that the Stella Maris complex is an excellent or good location for holding the festival.

The research was conducted on a representative sample consisting exclusively of visitors with purchased tickets, according to the statement.

This year’s Sea Star festival featured more than 70 performers, with the main stars being Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, and Paul Kalkbrenner.