Five years ago we set ourselves the task to have the "Mitas 4 Islands" mountain bike race be among the Top 5 competitions in the world and we have managed to do so, Tomislav Zobec, director of the MTB race has said earlier this week, announcing the 5th edition of that cross country competition that will be held April 9-13 on the islands of Krk, Rab, Cres and Losinj.
The race now attracts not only to riders because the tourism sector has found interest in it too as accommodation is being filled in the preseason due to the competition's promotion.
"We are aware of the marketing benefits of this project. Our research has shown that two-fifths of competitors return to the destination due to good experience and then they bring their families with them. That has a commercial impact too. The number of bed nights during the race is growing each year by 10% to 15% and we expect 1,500 bed nights in hotels along with private accommodation and boats, that could amount to 3,000. This data refers only to Krk and Rab, and there is Cres and Losinj yet to consider," Toni Hrvatin, head of destination development at the Valamar Riviera hotel company, has said.
Hrvatin's words were backed by renowned Croatian Olympic medalist Dubravko Simenc who is the head of the Strategic Marketing Project with the Croatian National Tourist Board.
"Any sports and recreational activity in the preseason is welcome, which is Croatia's tourism strategy. Our research has shown that 12.6% of tourists choose their holiday destination based on sports and recreation," Simenc said and added that 90% of foreigners compete in the race. (Hina)
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