And Croatia is looking for her place under the sun…
Russia’s largest tourism fair opens its doors on Tuesday. MITT is considered one of the world’s largest trade shows which exposes more than 3,000 travel agencies (1,700 foreign), 70 national tourist boards, hotels, on-line agencies, and airlines. In her place under the sun, Croatia will be presented as a heaven for Russian tourists from Tuesday to Thursday, March 14-16, 2017.
“At the trade show, Croatia will demonstrate that she has something to be proud of and that it can be one of the destinations that can count on Russian tour operators and tourists. The attractive appearance of the Croatian booth has a number of new, interesting and useful products, a new design, and a new slogan in an effort to bring Croatia closer to Russian tourists and agencies this year. In addition, Croatia will be displayed as a destination interesting for Russian tourists not only in the summer but also in the pre and post season,” said Rajko Ružička, director of the Croatian Tourist Board in Moscow.
The Ministry of Tourism, UHPA and GU HTZ and a number of Croatian businessmen from the tourism sector have all confirmed their visit to the show. They have also agreed to a series of bilateral meetings, and in particular ones with representatives of ATOR (Association of Russian Tour Operators), and with Alla Manilow, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. The Croatian companies that will be presented in Moscow include Plava laguna, Jadranka hotels, Zagreb Tourist Board, Marina Frapa and Atlantis Travel.
Source: Slobodan Kadic
Last year, the four days of the fair were visited by 27,659 people, of which 66 percent were travel professionals. This year, the 50,000 m2 Expocentre through its seven halls and pavilions will present the Middle East, Asia, America, Africa and the islands, Europe and the Mediterranean, all of Russia, InterMed (for health tourism), Turkey, and the IT sector for tourism. The country partner is Spain, and the first day of the show will be traditionally dedicated to the Russian territory – this time the Altai region. Because of sanctions, the tourist boards of Great Britain, Germany, and the United States will not be present, but their offer will be presented through various travel agencies.
“There are more tourist facilities this year than last, with presentations by Italy, Spain, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Montenegro. Special booths have been given to the Italian regions, the Greek islands, and hotel chains,” said Olga Kotova, director of the press service for ITE Moscow. The organizers emphasized that last year was challenging for Russian tourism.
The ruble, the Russian national currency, has strengthened which gives new possibilities because it is far cheaper to travel. Research shows that more than 45 percent of Russians will this year travel to places they haven’t been, or to unusual destinations. The most popular tourist destination – Turkey, has again returned to Russia, and flights are expected to begin to Egypt.
