This year's "Advent in Zagreb", the seventh so far, begins on Saturday evening and ends on January 8. This year's programme is the richest so far, the result of cooperation between the public and private sectors.
During Advent, Zagreb lives in a special atmosphere and this year again people will be able to enjoy traditional delicacies and theme programmes in the city's squares, Bienenfeld said, inviting the capital's residents and guests from Croatia and abroad to visit.
Over the past two years, "Advent in Zagreb" recorded a nearly 50% increase in visitors. In December 2013, 46,000 tourists visited the capital, accounting for 82,300 nights, while December 2015 saw 70,500 arrivals and 123,700 nights.
This year we expect a 5-10% increase in tourist turnover in relation to December 2015, Bienenfeld said. "We are especially looking forward to tourists from the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from faraway markets, given the stronger cooperation with Turkish Airlines. We are especially happy about Zagreb's inclusion in the winter offer of the famous tour operator Kouni in Japan."
For the first two Advent weekends, the Zagreb and the National Tourist Board have organised the arrival of 34 reporters from Italy, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic, Benelux, Great Britain, the US, Russia and Japan who will do "Advent in Zagreb" features, most of which will air during the event's duration which, Bienenfeld said, will result in greater visibility and promotion.
Last year 2,500 people were involved in the organisation of the event's programme and this year there will be more since it will take place on ten more locations, Bienenfeld said, adding that the synergy of city offices, cultural institutions and the tourism industry, alongside the support of Zagreb's residents, "who create a warm and homey atmosphere," were crucial for the event's success.
According to the Zagreb Tourist Board, the city has 14,400 available beds, including 7,250 in 55 hotels, of which three are five-star, 16 have four stars and 30 have three. There are also 46 hostels with 2,200 beds as well as 2,000 private accommodation units with 5,000 beds.
"Advent in Zagreb" is also being promoted in Germany, Italy, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.