The head of the Zagreb City Tourism Board, Martina Bienenfeld, said that Advent in Zagreb offered the best of what the city had in tourism, catering industry and culture and that this year the capital city expected more visits than last year, all the more so because, as of January 1 Croatia would be chairing the EU.
"This year's Advent will be the most beautiful so far, with three main themes being, The Nutcracker and heritage, ecology and sustainability, and accessibility for persons with disabilities," Bienenfeld said, adding that smaller and bigger sculptures of The Nutcracker, made by Petar Banda, would be displayed at locations across the city, most restaurants and bars would be using paper cups and plates, and special ramps would be installed to facilitate the movement of persons with disabilities.
This year again, Advent in Zagreb will feature an ice rink in King Tomislav Square.
Bienenfeld also said the event had a rich music and concert programme, with emphasis on classical music. A live Nativity scene will be staged outside the Zagreb Cathedral, she said, adding that the event's programme also included museum exhibitions and a humanitarian run.
Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli said that this year Croatia had been visited by 20 million tourists and that that number would be even higher by the end of the year considering Advent events across the country as well as Croatia's coming presidency of the EU.
He said that Advent in Zagreb would be ready for Croatia's EU presidency as would the city's 70 hotels with around 9,000 beds and around 8,000 more in private accommodation facilities.