On Friday, Opatija exceeded the total number of overnight stays in 2020. From January 1 to August 20, a total of 494,605 overnight stays were realized in the entire town, which is an increase of 35 percent compared to the same period last year. When looking at Opatija’s record tourism year, the town has achieved 60 percent of 2019, reports HRTurizam.
In August, Opatija recorded 139,572 overnight stays, which is a 34 percent increase compared to the first 20 days of the same month last year. 94 percent of overnight stays were made by foreign nationals, mostly from Germany, Austria, and Hungary. In particular, Germans realized 46,000 overnight stays, which is 46 percent more than in 2020, Austrians 20,600 overnight stays with a growth of as much as 99 percent compared to last year, while Hungarians realized 10,500 overnight stays with a growth of 32 percent. Domestic guests are in fourth place in terms of representation, and they realized 8,600 overnight stays.
Half of all overnight stays were realized in hotels, which recorded a 47 percent increase. Private accommodation is responsible for 46 percent of August overnight stays, while the remaining 4 percent is non-commercial accommodation.
“The result that Opatija has achieved so far this season exceeds expectations, especially if the postseason is in line with the announcements that currently exist, which will largely depend on the epidemiological situation in the destination, but also the main tourist markets. Although this year is challenging and uncertain, Opatija has prepared well and is ready to welcome its guests both in terms of tourism and security,” says the Opatija Tourist Board director, Suzi Petričić.
Luxury hotels and private accommodations in Opatija are in great demand this season, so this August you cannot find a free villa with a pool or hotel room, adds Petričić and points out that she is happy that the September facilities in this category are sold out in advance.
“Investing in raising the quality of service has certainly proved justified in both hotel and private accommodation,” emphasizes Petričić.
As a reason for a great season, Petričić points out the quality of communication throughout the year, the generation of new tourist content and products, and the positioning of Opatija as an attractive, interesting, but – above all – a safe destination.
“Opatija is therefore recognized as one of the key destinations on the Adriatic, which can offer its guests not only beaches and the sea but also a long tradition of health tourism, quality wellness & spa centers, excellent gastronomy, a wide range of facilities for active holidays and stays in nature and numerous events organized following epidemiological measures. Furthermore, in cooperation with many entities from the tourism sector, we have been creating new tourism products and experiences adapted to the epidemiological situation and new habits of guests. We are glad that guests recognized this and reacted positively to the fact that Opatija really provides everything they need for the perfect vacation,” concludes Petričić.
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