TOURIST TRADE EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 20-30 PERCENT IN 2000

ZAGREB, March 30 (Hina) - According to current reports regarding the sale of this year's holiday tours for destinations in Croatia, an increase of 20-30 percent in tourist trade can be expected in comparison to 1999, says the latest issue of the "Barometar" publication of the Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ). #L# Organised tourist trade on the German market has increased by 30 percent and there is an increase in individual inquiries regarding holidays in Croatia as well. An increase in bookings by 22 percent has been registered on the Austrian market, and it is expected that individual tourist trade could increase as well. A decrease of two percent in organised tourist trade has been registered on the British market, which, it is assessed, is caused by lack of promotion. Despite favourable results on the French market, it would be difficult to expect a more spectacular increase in tourist trade because of a lack of more charter flights to destinations in Croatia. Nevertheless, the current promotional campaign could result in a considerable increase of individual tourist visits. For the first time after two years there has been an increase in the sale of organised holiday tours in the Czech Republic. Sales in late February increased by four percent in comparison to the same period last year. Individual visits should increase at a higher rate than the organised ones. Organised visits on the Slovak market have continued to decrease (12 percent), and only four tour-operators have registered an increase in trade. This is mostly the consequence of a deteriorated economic situation and insolvency of Slovak tourists, but also of a lack of planned promotion. Organised visits to Croatia have been increasing significantly in the Netherlands. Sales have risen by 34 percent in relation to 1999. Increases in individual visits on this market can be expected as well. (hina) mm rml