CURRENT BOOKINGS PROMISE GOOD TOURIST SEASON

( Editorial: --> 0049 ) ZAGREB, March 16 (Hina) - A meeting of tourist board chiefs in Zagreb on Monday was told Croatia is already experiencing a higher number of bookings than last year. Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) director Marijan Bulat and directors of county tourist boards from the coastal parts of Croatia met to consider the forthcoming presentation of local tourism services and the current status of bookings on foreign markets. Since the beginning of this year there has bee 10 to 15 per cent more bookings from Austria than in the same period last year, so a corresponding increase in tourist numbers is expected. The number of HTZ's information points in Italy will be increased this year, which should result in the arrival of a larger number of Italian guests who are already showing a great interest in destinations on the Croatian Adriatic coastline. The German market is especially showing demand for tourist destinations in central and southern Dalmatia. However the Czech Republic has recorded a 20 per cent fall in interest for Croatian destinations compared to last year, which has resulted in the HTZ increasing promotions in both the Czech and Slovak Republics until June. The HTZ is planning for a larger number of guests from Poland and Hungary, while a nice surprise could come from Denmark and France. A significant number of guests from Great Britain are still not expected for this year. More guests from Israel are expected, especially because of the introduction of regular air services between Zagreb and Tel Aviv and charter flights between Dubrovnik and Tel Aviv. (Hina) mm mb /as 161853 MET mar 98