"We are very proud of having achieved this big and historic number, thus once again confirming that Croatia is indeed a hit destination. This historic success of Croatia's tourism is a result of the work and cooperation of all stakeholders in tourism," he said in Rovinj, where he attended the opening of the Istria Gourmet Festival.
The result confirms that tourism does not happen and that big breakthroughs can be achieved with good planning, marketing and organised work all year round, he added.
"Croatia is and can be much more than a summer destination, of which we have confirmation in the large number of new and good products and excellent results before and after the summer season."
Cappelli said tourism development rested on the development of health, business, sports, nautical, rural, and gastronomic tourism. He said gastronomic tourism was one of the main reasons for arrivals outside the summer and that Croatia was increasingly seen as a country of good domestic wines and food.