The forum was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organisation, the Korean Business Center in Zagreb, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), the Zagreb Tourist Board, and the Korean airline T’Way Air.
The forum has been held since 2013 with the aim of promoting partnership between the two countries, and this year's focus is on tourism, notably following the launch of T'Way Air's direct flights between Incheon and Zagreb on 16 May.
According to HTZ data, this year to date South Korean tourists in Croatia generated over 74,000 arrivals and over 94,000 nights, up by 38% in arrivals and by 34% nights compared to the same period last year.
Last year, South Korean tourists generated 150,000 arrivals and almost 200,000 nights, up by 270% in arrivals and by 179% in nights compared to 2022, according to the HTZ, which noted that 2022 was still heavily impacted by the pandemic.
The goal is to return to the pre-pandemic numbers of 2019, when South Koreans generated over 385,000 arrivals and over 485,000 nights.
Ambassador Hong Sung-wook said past forums had a significant impact on strengthening ties, creating new opportunities, and boosting bilateral relations between the two countries.
Thanks to the direct air route, over 1,000 Koreans visit Croatia weekly, and the number of Croatian travellers visiting South Korea is also increasing, he said, extending congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the Croatian-Korean Business Club.
Tourism and sports are Croatia's "trademarks", said the state secretary in the Tourism and Sports Ministry, famous water polo player Josip Pavić.
Although the numbers from the South Korean market show a recovery, "there is still much work to be done" to reach the figures from 2019, he added.