GREAT INCREASE IN CROATIAN TOURIST TRADE IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS

ZAGREB, 18 Sept (Hina) - Arrivals of guests in Croatia's resorts totalled 3.6 million in the first seven months this year increasing by 44 percent as against the same period in 1999. According to the national Statistical Office, foreigners had 2.9 million arrivals (62 percent increase), whereas Croatians accounted for 761,029 arrivals (the same data as last year). In the first seven months Croatia registered 19.7 million overnight stays or by 50 percent higher compared to the same period in 1999. Foreign holiday-makers accounted for 16.9 million overnight stay (a 65-percent rise), while Croatians had 2.8 million stays (a two- percent fall). Slovenians registered the highest number of arrivals (504,977) with an increase of 20 percent as against the first seven months of 1999. Germans had 493,156 arrivals (a 99-percent climb). They were followed by Czech tourists with 396,818 arrivals (75-percent increase). Italians had 364,558 arrivals (a 83-percent increase). Hungarians were placed fifth with 132,430 arrivals (a 83 percent- increase), and Austrians were sixth with 297,799 (a 43-percent increase). Croatia's marinas reported 247,988 tourist arrivals (36.9 percent more as against the same period in 1999). Foreign boaters accounted for 236,856 arrivals (a 35-percent increase) and Croatians for 11,132 arrivals (a 83-percent climb). (hina) jn ms