MORE TOURISTS FLOCK TO PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

( Editorial: --> 2989 ) PLITVICE, Aug 11 (Hina) - More than 37,000 people have visited Croatia's renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park just in the first 10 days of August, which is 15 per cent more than during the same period last year. About 80 per cent of visitors to the UNESCO-listed world heritage area in central Croatia have been foreigners, with Italians by far comprising the largest group. The Plitvice and Bellevue Hotels are full and realised 2,000 overnight stays for the first 10 days of August. About 150 beds in private accommodation are also full. Panoramic trains and electric boats are transporting between 3,500 and 4,000 guests daily as they view the upper and lower lakes and this is expected to continue up until the end of August, Plitvice Lakes National Park director Stipe Dujmovic said. Also positive for the park, which is located in a former war affected area, is that more than 100 buses are stopping daily at its Motel Borje tourist settlement, with passengers seeking refreshments. More than 1,500 hot meals are being served in Borje daily. (Hina) mbr 111640 MET aug 98