In cooperation with the airport of Toulouse, the Croatian Tourist Board in France has organized a presentation of Croatian tourism, with an emphasis on new flights from the economic strengths of the region.
HRTurizam reported on 13 December 2016 that the presentation responded to 40 representatives of the largest French tour operators and agencies, among which were some of the largest like Visit Europe, Marmara TUI France, Top of Travel, Thomas Cook and others. During the presentation, the crowd was addressed by representatives of airline companies introducing new lines for Croatia. As it was announced, one of the new lines will be from Toulouse which will operate once a week to Dubrovnik and will be organized by the airline Germania. The same line between Toulouse – Dubrovnik next year will also be available by low-cost company Easyjet.
The presentation was attended by the French director of the HTZ Danijela Mihalić Đurica, who stressed that the opening of new lines to Croatia is not surprising given the strong interest of French tourists. Đurica added that Croatia last year, according to the number of charter flights from the region, after Spain and Greece, was the third most popular destination. “In addition to the new flights, in the presentation we presented the Croatian tourist offer with an emphasis on the rich cultural heritage and natural diversity that the French see in Croatia as ideal for exploring,” said Mihalić Đurica, adding that they are satisfied and that French tour operators are already open for sale for the 2017 season.
The importance of the French market is confirmed by the Director of General Office of HTZ Ratomir Ivičić who points out that France, given the number of inhabitants, is a market of great potential for Croatia. “According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the French market in the first ten months of this year had nearly two million overnight stays, which is an increase of 10 percent. I’m sure we will maintain high growth trends in 2017 and that more French people will choose Croatia as their destination and vacation,” said director Ivičić.
The airline Volotea, which this year opened the lines to Dubrovnik and Split from Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Marseilles, is on the list of French cities which will next year connect with Croatia. In addition, Strasbourg will also be connected with Dubrovnik. Didier Legault, Sales Manager of the airline Volotea, said he was very satisfied with the current occupancy of flights for Croatia and for next year, he announced an increase of seats for Croatia by more than 50 percent compared to 2016.
