ZAGREB, August 27, 2018 – A charity and sports event, called Croatia Island Trophy, with about 150 participants, public figures from France, mostly women, will be held on the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis in October, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) has said, noting that it expects the event to contribute to Croatia’s popularity as a tourist destination.
The event will be held on 14-17 October and its ambassador is France’s former first lady, Valerie Trierweiler (during president Francois Hollande’s term). Trierweiler is an active member of the “Raid Adventure” organisation which co-finances an association that advocates breast cancer prevention.
Participants in the event will compete in various sports. HTZ said it hoped similar events would be held in the future too.
The event is expected to contribute to Croatia’s popularity in France, HTZ director Kristjan Staničić said.
“Croatia’s tourism is achieving excellent results on the French market and so far this year, the number of French arrivals and overnights has gone up 6% compared to last year. Promotional activities have ensured that Croatia has an excellent position in France and it is becoming increasingly recognised as a country with an exceptionally rich cultural and historical heritage and quality wines and food, which are sought-after tourist products in France,” Staničić said.
According to Staničić, about 450,000 French tourists have visited Croatia this year, generating 1.7 million overnight stays.
