INTEREST OF FOREIGN TOURIST MARKETS IN CROATIA ON INCREASE

ZAGREB, March 30 (Hina) - This year's interest of foreign tourist markets in Croatia's destinations is on the average 50 percent higher than in 2000 and it is only realistic to expect that this year's tourist turnover will rise by more than 10 percent, Tourism Minister Pave Zupan Ruskovic said at a session of the Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) Tourist Council in Zagreb on Friday. Of all markets where Croatia has been promoting its tourism, the response was not as expected only on the French and US markets. On all other markets the interest has exceeded our expectations, Zupan Ruskovic said, adding the situation in Macedonia had almost no effect on the booking. Speaking about preparations for the 2001 season, Zupan Ruskovic said intensive activities were underway in almost all counties. She outlined the purchase of fish as this year's potential problem caused by illegal trade and disloyal competition from Italy. HTZ director Niko Bulic reminded about the environmental- educational drive "I Love Croatia", which consists of cleaning up activities in local communities and tourist settlements. He announced a so-called Clean Up Day, which should take place on April 22 (Planet Earth Day). The Council adopted a report on HTZ's work in 2000. (hina) rml