Split increasingly popular as tourist destination

The number of tourist arrivals in Split rose by 20% to 170,000 in the first seven months of 2013 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2012, while overnight stays went up by also by 20% to 470,000, which serves as the proof that the second biggest Croatian city is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination.

In June alone, the number of visitors in this largest Croatian Adriatic city increased by 23% to 67,000 with 220,000 overnight stays.

"This reflects an upbeat trend above expectations. We planned a 10-percent rise, having in mind the city's accommodation capacity," the director of the local tourist bureau, Vedran Matosic, told Hina on Monday.

He said that it had been possible to achieve a double-digit increase thanks to new 1,400 beds in private accommodation.

According to him, the number of beds in Split hotels is only 2,101 and the city needs an additional 3,000 hotel beds. Local hostels offer accommodation for 731 visitors, alternative accommodation has 1,153 beds plus 6,500 beds in private accommodation. A wider area of Split can provide 13,000 beds for tourists. (Hina)