Positive indicators and good announcements for tour operators from the Russian market are promising a good year for Croatia's tourism and it is estimated that 2018 could see 15% more guests from Russia, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) said in a press release on Tuesday, following a presentation at the 25th Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT), held on 13-15 March. MITT is Russia's largest and longest running travel exhibition, attracting representatives of the tourism industry from Russia and other regions of the world. With over 1,972 participating companies presenting international destinations, it is the key meeting place for the industry and an opportunity to catch up with colleagues and clients. Along with the HTZ as the main exhibitor, also presenting at the fair are the Zagreb Tourist Office, the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Losinj Hotels & Villas, LifeClass Sv. Martin and Atlantis Travel.
"Although Russian tourists are booking their vacations relatively late, we are looking forward to positive indicators for this year and good announcements from tour operators. Based on this information, we are confident that in 2018 we will record more than 200,000 arrivals of Russian tourists," HTZ director Kristjan Stanicic said.
"Last year alone we recorded 12% more arrivals from Russia and 10% more overnights generated by Russian tourists," Stanicic said.
The director of the HTZ Office in Russia, Rajko Ruzicka, said that based on preliminary reports and meetings, the interest in Croatia was great and positive trends can be expected.
Last year Croatia recorded 133,000 rrivals and 955,000 overnights made by Russian tourists, up 12% and 10% from 2016 respectively.
It is estimated that direct flights connecting Russian and Croatian cities will be critical for maintaining the positive trends. (Hina)
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