Croatia to spend EUR 30 million on promotion of its tourist trade in 2010

Croatia is investing EUR30 million in the promotion of its tourist sector this year, which is two million euros more than in 2009, and advertising and other measures are yielding good initial results, the government's commission overseeing preparations for the tourist season 2010 concluded at a meeting on Saturday.

The commission held the meeting at the Plitvice Lakes national park under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor.

Kosor urged all tourism workers as well as relevant ministers, county prefects and local office-holders to spare no effort in making the coming tourist season successful.

She called on employers and trade unions to take into account the fact that announcements of general strikes may discourage tourists from coming to Croatia.

Tourism Minister Damir Bajs briefed the commission about new measures that had been agreed with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). For instance, a relaxed visa regime is in place from 1 April to 31 October for guests coming from China, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The government also recently decided to temporarily suspend visa requirements for nationals of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the period between 1 April and 31 October.

Bajs spoke about grants to air carriers and intensified promotion of Croatia's viticultural and gastronomic tradition, as well as about the promotion of Croatia as a lifestyle destination.

This year, Croatia is being advertised in Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.

The head of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), Niko Bulic, presented campaign video clips to be broadcast by the CNN, BBC World, Eurosport and Euronews. (Hina)


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