"TOURIST MARKETS" MAGAZINE PUBLISHED DEDICATED TO US

ZAGREB, Nov 3 (Hina) - The Croatian Tourist Community (HTZ) published its 18th issue of the "Tourist Market" dedicated to the most distinguished tourist generating market for Croatia - the United States. This market is interesting because of its size and distance from Croatia as well as the characteristics and structure of the American population - i.e. potential tourists. American citizens are the forerunners in travelling, followed by the Germans, Brits and the French. Considering the significant influence the US economy has on the world economy the US can be considered to be one of the most promising tourist markets in the future. It can safely be considered an "insurance policy" for any tourist destination in the future. This year, 9.5 million Americans travelled outside their country and their total travel expenditure amounted to US$19 billion. This does not include flights over the Atlantic. Europe is the most frequent destination for the American traveller. More than 45 per cent of travellers to Europe from abroad are Americans. Prior to the war, Americans made up a significant number of foreign visitors to Croatia, particularly to Dubrovnik and Zagreb. Dubrovnik was the most popular destination for all American tourists with emphasis on elite clientele while Zagreb was most often visited for business meetings. American tourists are one of the most intensive group of clients and are capable of paying for the most exclusive tourist programmes staying at the highest quality hotels but at the same time expecting adequate services for their money. American tourists are always interested in back up programmes to tourist offers. Of the six American tour operators who listed Croatia as one of their destinations prior to the war, this number had in 1996 increased to 26 travel organisers, 14 companies for round the world trips and eight tour operators with religious programmes. (Hina) sp