40TH CONGRESS OF FIJET BEGINS IN CROATIA ( Editorial: --> 9674 )

( Editorial: --> 9674 ) ZAGREB, Nov 10 (Hina)- The 40th congress of the FIJET, the World Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers, being held from 10 to 15 November in Croatia under the sponsorship of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, was ceremonially opened on Monday in the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb. After President Tudjman's personal envoy and the director of the Croatian Tourist Association (HTZ) main office, Marijan Bulat, Croatian Tourism Minister Sergej Morsan, the President of Croatia's FIJET branch, Drago Ferencic, and the FIJET President, Tijani Haddad, addressed the congress, the first working part began revolving round the future of tourism on the Mediterranean and the competition with remote exotic destinations. In his speech Tijani Haddad expressed his admiration for Croatia's traditional hospitality and professionalism of its workers in tourism. He said that about 500 million potential holiday-makers could be received on the Mediterranean and added that the Mediterranean countries should pursue a coordinated policy concerning the marketing, promotion, urbanism, the environmental protection and architecture. Croatian Tourism Minister Sergej Morsan portrayed his country as an attractive tourist destination adding that despite war damage Croatia had not cease tourism activities. He added that his country, being at the centre of the European continent and the Mediterranean, offered a rich range of tourist services. Morsan said that Croatian tourism was based on the visits of foreign tourists adding that 76 percent of a total of visits was made up by foreigners. The working part of the congress is taking place in Zagreb and then in Dubrovnik. Travel journalists and writers from about 20 countries will tour several Croatian regions as well. (hina) jn mš 101727 MET nov 97