ZAGREB, Dec 20 (Hina) - Apart from having achieved the best tourism results compared to other Mediterranean countries in 2002, Croatia has started transforming into a destination that is oriented towards quality rather than cheap and
mass-scale tourism and has been recognised as one of the few remaining safe destinations.
ZAGREB, Dec 20 (Hina) - Apart from having achieved the best tourism
results compared to other Mediterranean countries in 2002, Croatia
has started transforming into a destination that is oriented
towards quality rather than cheap and mass-scale tourism and has
been recognised as one of the few remaining safe destinations. #L#
This was stated by Tourism Minister Pave Zupan Ruskovic who spoke
about this year's tourism results at Friday's session of the
Tourism Council and the Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) assembly.
The year 2002 was marked by changes in the profile of guests. Due to
higher prices and the situation on national markets, this year
Croatia saw a lower number of arrivals from Slovakia, Poland and the
Czech Republic. The number of guests from the United States though,
increased by 15%. The higher number of US guests to Croatia, when
the number of US tourists in Europe dropped, proves that Croatia is
a safe destination, the minister said.
Around 200 million euros was invested this year towards improving
the quality of the hotel offer. As much will be invested this
winter, and the first results are expected in the next tourist
season, the minister said.
Tourism revenue accounts for 20% of the Gross Domestic Product and
the government is aware that the financial situation in the country
would be even worse without it and does everything to boost that
segment of economy. One project that should significantly boost the
benefits of tourism is the construction of highways, which will
enable tourists to "discover" Croatia's mainland as well, the
minister said.
The HTZ's financial plan for 2003 envisages an increase in the
physical turnover in tourism by 3-5%. Financial results should
increase as well - from this year's estimated four billion dollars
to up to 4.2 billion dollars.
The HTZ's Tourism Council accepted Croatia's candidacy for the
organisation of the 46th congress of the world association of
tourist reporters (FIJET), which should be held in September or
October next year.
(hina) rml sb