Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli held a working meeting in Split yesterday with representatives of the tourist sector in Croatia to get direct information on the current state of tourism and the activities ongoing in 2017.
At the meeting, a number of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors of tourism in Croatia participated in the meeting, including representatives of associations in tourism, tourist agencies, airports, hoteliers, private accommodations, caterers, public institutions, chambers, county tourist boards, national parks, the Red Cross, and more, reports HRTurizam on May 27, 2017.
“Croatia has started 2017 with excellent tourist results – we have been awarded this year’s hit destination at fairs, and in the first five months, we have recorded 2.5 million arrivals and 7.7 million overnights, which is an annual growth of 14 percent. We have also recorded double-digit growth for both foreign and domestic guests, which is particularly pleasing to me. Croatian tourism today is an incredibly positive story that is the result of the cooperation and activities of all of us, that is, of all the tourist workers. All of you are worthy of the tourism success of our country, and that is why I would like to express my sincere and friendly thanks for everything you do. It is imperative for us to continue the quality and fruitful cooperation with all of you,” said the Minister, who added that everything we do must be based on top quality in all segments of tourism.
After the introductory address by the Minister, a short report on the current state of tourism activities was presented by the other representatives at the meeting. This included the Vice-President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy for Tourism, Trade and Finance Josip Zaher, Vice President of the Association of Employers in the Hotel Industry of Croatia Joško Lelas, President of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies Tomislav Fain, Alan Klanac from Jadrolinija, head of the Croatian Rescue Service Vinko Prizmić, Director of the Croatian Emergency Medicine Institute Maja Grba Bujević, Assistant to the Chief of Police Krunoslav Borovec, and others.
“Tourism agencies this year recorded early arrivals with good availability until the end of the year. Croatia’s tourism results are the result of our joint efforts and work,” said UHPA President Tomislav Fain.
“Croatia is at the top of the European countries when it comes to safety. Safety is the issue of all stakeholders in tourism, and we can mostly influence ourselves with responsible and safe behavior,” said Assistant Police Director Krunoslav Borovac. He also stressed that this year there would be 72 foreign police officers from 17 countries distributed along the coast, which will further contribute to the feeling of safety for the foreign tourists in Croatia.
“Jadrolinija represents the spine of Croatian maritime traffic and tourism, which during the summer months, or more precisely from June 2nd when the summer cruise lines begin, brings more than half a million passengers a week,” said Alan Klanac from Jadrolinija.
After brief reports, the representatives exchanged opinions and ideas about how to further improve the quality of services and offers in tourism and how to contribute to the successful completion of this tourist year.
