Government adopts action plan for tourist season 2010

The main goals in the Croatian tourism industry in 2010 are keeping the country's current share in overall arrivals in Europe and working to attract domestic tourists, Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a government session on Wednesday, presenting an analysis of the tourism industry in 2009 and a draft action plan for this year. "If we accomplish those two goals, we can expect a good year," Bajs said, adding that Croatia had to keep its two-percent share in overall tourist arrivals in Europe. Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor called on all ministries to join in preparations for this year's tourist season, and Transport Minister Bozidar Kalmeta said the road, maritime and air transport infrastructure would be ready for it.

The main goals in the Croatian tourism industry in 2010 are keeping the country's current share in overall arrivals in Europe and working to attract domestic tourists, Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a government session on Wednesday, presenting an analysis of the tourism industry in 2009 and a draft action plan for this year.

"If we accomplish those two goals, we can expect a good year," Bajs said, adding that Croatia had to keep its two-percent share in overall tourist arrivals in Europe.



He added that his ministry was working most intensively on promotional campaigns in Germany, Italy and Slovenia, and was also turning to new markets such as Ukraine, Russia and Serbia.

Bajs underlined the importance of the decision to annul visa requirements for Russian, Ukrainian and Chinese nationals.

Speaking of this year's season, he said that it would not be easy and that it would be marked by "last minute" travels.



The minister added that pessimistic estimates about a 15-20 percent drop in tourism in 2009 had not proven true, adding that at a recent tourism fair in Berlin Croatia's tourism was described as a success story.

"Overnights and arrivals were at the same level as in 2008," Bajs said, adding that figures put Croatia among the most successful Mediterranean countries.

Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor called on all ministries to join in preparations for this year's tourist season, and Transport Minister Bozidar Kalmeta said the road, maritime and air transport infrastructure would be ready for it. (Hina)


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