2003

Croatia had a very successful 2003 season with Dubrovnik voted “Top City”

by Wanderlust readers and Croatia “Top Destination” (ahead of New Zealand

and Australia) by Sunday Times Travel Magazine readers.

2003 total, Finland  visitors to Croatia 10,292  ie. 25 % increase on 2002

2004

Whilst many other destinations have struggled to maintain visitors level or

experienced considerable drops in bookings, Croatia has continued upward

trend with dramatic increase in 2004:

195,091 visitors from Scandinavia incl. Finland, , an increase of over 46   % on 2003

 2005

Although one cannot expect two “boom” years running after 37% increase last year, Croatia’s trend in popularity growth from Scandinavian Country (inkl. Finland) has continued with 274.976 visitors in 11 months, an enviable 50 % increase on same period last year as expected in view of:

­  additional charter flights by tour operators (Sweden, Norway

 From Finland    

TOUR OPERATORS    

Current featured operators range from leading mass-market operators to upmarket and special interest niche operators.  These include.

Aurinkomatkat   www.aurinkomatkat.fi  will be featuring  Dubrovnik,  in their 2006 brochures.
PeterPan Maailma, www.peterpanmaailma.com      offers Dalmatia with Zadar, Island Pag & Ugljan, Nin, Sibenik, Krka and Split.
Finnmatkat, www.finnmatkat.fi  offers Makarska Rivera, Bol on the  Island of Brac   & Umag, Istria. Domina Matka Monte, www.matka-monte.fi
My Travel, Finland , www.mytravel.fi,  www.tjareborg.fi      with partners offers  charters to Jelsa, Makarska Riviera and  Split.To meet demand from Scandinavian  travellers wishing to visit what has been billed as the ‘hottest’ tourist destination for 2005 even more tour operators have announced that they will be featuring Croatia in their 2006 brochures.

Other operators include:  
Area Matkatoimisto, www.area.fi,
Tournee Borgå resebyrå AB
Domina Matka Monte, www.matka-monte.fi
Sail a round, www.sail-a-round.fi
Suomen Matkatoimisto Oy, www.smt.fi
Grabar Consulting, www.grabarconsulting.com                      

If you are travelling to Croatia from Finland  or   Sweden the following  companies offer flights:

www.malev.com          
http://www.aua.com/fi/eng
http://www.malev.com/bp/eng/index.asp  http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/se/homepage?tl=1&ctest=58077894320&l=en
www.croatiaairlines.hr /from Germany /
www.flysnowflake.com  /from Sweden/                

WINTER 2005/2006

Flights:
Croatia airlines will operate direct Heathrow-Dubrovnik service on Sundays and daily service to Zagreb with connecting onward flights to all coastal airports. Croatia Airlines will also operate Frankfurt–Split and Frankfurt–Dubrovnik service.   

British airways Gatwick-Dubrovnik service 3 times a week. Dubrovnik tourist board has prepared a special “Dubrovnik in Winter” programme. See www.tzdubrovnik.hr 

SUMMER 2006  

success doesn’t happen overnight - several reasons for such unprecedented growth in Croatia’s popularity  

¨      Over the past 10 years Croatia has been rebuilding its infrastructure on very healthy foundations and image along the lines of destination’s slogan “Croatia-Mediterranean as it once was”, quality rather than volume, eco clean environment, preserved balance of local slow pace of life and volume of tourists, non-commercialised and not overbuilt coast and islands, charming old towns and villages, history, culture all blended in perfect harmony.

 ¨        Crucial factor in the success was media (likewise in other countries), who recognised
          Croatia as… a gem of old… “non-hamburgerised” Mediterranean… just 3 hours flight
           away from Helsinki.

2-3 pages features on Croatia were not uncommon in top media including  Seura, Matka Opas, Menaiset,Apu,Chek-In, Anna, Gloria, Et-Lehgti, TV, Hufvudstabladet, Autolliitto, Caravan,  The Times, The Telegraph, The Observer, Daily Mail, The Guardian, etc. with headlines “New Tuscany” (Istria), “New St. Tropez” (Hvar, Dalmatia), not to mention Dubrovnik. Lonely Planet staffers have voted Croatia No.1. in their Top Destinations survey.  

¨      Consumer demand for Croatia is naturally followed by tour operators and airlines:  

¨      Other quality markets have had similar high increases to Croatia: France+87%, Sweden+66%, Denmark+45%, Finland+38%, Holland+16%, Spain+35%, USA+41%, Australia+36% etc…  

¨      However, traditional European volume markets to Croatia: Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland etc. have reached a ceiling i.e. had either very small increases or slight drop in arrivals.

Overall increase from all markets +6% over 12 months of 2004.  

¨      Croatia is not cheap. Due to limited accommodation capacity, there are no 199:-Eur  special offers in agents’ windows, but it is excellent VALUE FOR MONEY: local transport is very good, buses and island ferries are very cheap, eating out very reasonable, fresh seafood and locally organically grown produce prevail.  

¨      Government and local authorities investment into improving infrastructure over past 10 years has been huge: new motorways connecting Zagreb and the coast, local roads improvements, water and sewage systems update, clean harbours and environmental projects, most of the hotel stocks have gone through refurbishment and upgrading process. International chains include Sheraton, Hilton, Regent Hotels, Sol Melia, Iberostar, RIU, Wren’s Hotel Group, Luksic Group, and Le Meridien is building 5* a resort and convention complex near Split due to open in August 2006.                                   

¨      In view of increased clients demand for small hotels, government project of support to local people in favourable loans has seen many old stone houses, manors and  farmhouses restored in traditional local character. Over 30 family run small 3-5* hotels have opened up in 2004 alone and Association of Small and Family Hotels, www.omh.hr, established in Split with aim to train their staff to maintain high standards, co-ordinate their marketing activities as since their first special catalogue “Small and family-run hotels of Croatia” with 72 hotels was published, the number has grown to almost 200 members.  

¨      Croatia’s promotional budget is geared more in favour of press trips which produce favourable features and generate much higher consumer response rather commercial advertising budget, which is limited.

Product diversity

Apart from popular and established resorts Poreč, Rovinj, Opatija, Makarska, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik featured by mainstream tour operators, to meet clients demand specialist tour operators are offering new types of holidays and off the beaten track areas:

-         Exclusive boutique hotels, villas with pools, restored farmhouses

-         Adventure, scuba diving, sailing, yachting, gullet and luxury yacht cruises

-         Art, culture, history, archaeology and wine tours    

-         Little known areas are real discovery for many clients, now being featured by specialist tour operators - rural Istrian villages and towns; Kvarner Riviera islands: Krk, Cres, Lošinj, Rab; Zadar and Šibenik Rivieras; inland villages on popular Dalmatian islands: Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula; Pelješac Peninsula and Konavle Valley villages in Dubrovnik Riviera.

 Croatia’s Adriatic coast with 1,185 islands, pristine beaches, charming villages and old historical towns like: Poreč, Pula, Šibenik, Split, Hvar, Zadar, Korčula, Dubrovnik, with its unhurried lifestyle has for many years been a favourite sailing, yachting and “stress relief” destination for many, including a fair share of celebrities: Princess Caroline of Monaco, John Malkovich, Tom Cruise, Bernie Ecclestone, Steven Spielberg, Sultan of Brunei, Bill Gates, etc.

NEWS 

-         Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik opened in May 2005 after 2 years rebuilding and refurbishment www.dubrovnik.hilton.com 

-         Dubrovnik Airline, recently established by Atlantic Shipping Co of Dubrovnik www.dubrovnikairline.com

-         New motorway opened in June 2005 connecting Zagreb with Dalmatian cities Split, Sibenik and Zadar

-         Le Meridien, five star resort near Split expected to open in August 2006 www.lemeridien.com   

STORY IDEAS 

¨      The renaissance and baroque castles and fortresses of Zagorje – Varaždin, Trakošćan, Veliki Tabor, Miljana, etc., an easy drive from Zagreb. Impressive…

 ¨      UNESCO granted the status of a monument of world cultural heritage to: three urban entities - Diocletian Palace in Split dating from late Antiquity, the cities of Dubrovnik and Trogir; and two monumental complexes – Euphrasius’ Basilica in Poreč, and the Cathedral of St Jacob in Šibenik. A part of UNESCO World Heritage is also Plitvice National Park.  

¨      The white, pure bred, Lipizzaner horses of Đakovo in Slavonia region  

¨      Ludbreg – “the town of legends”. The most famous one claims that Ludbreg is the centre of the World, i.e. Centrum Mundi, since – it was claimed in the ancient times – the Earth’s circles circumscribed from Ludbreg and, from them, determined the positions of all larger European cities  

¨      Kumrovec - Tito’s birthplace. Its major attraction is the Ethnological Museum Staro Selo (Old Village) Kumrovec with very well preserved village houses from the turn of 19th/20th century. So far 40-odd houses and other farm-stead facilities have been restored, which makes Staro Selo the most attractive place of this kind in Croatia  

¨      Where’s hot for ’06? National Geographic’s staffers and writers said Croatia voting it as No 1 choice in the Adventure Nations Top 10  

¨      Beli Eco sanctuary (and the white headed griffon vultures on the island of Cres). Also on Cres is the new white stone labyrinth built 2 years ago to mark the islands healing and spiritual properties…  

¨      Rijeka’s Carnival in February –  one of the largest European carnivals. Do 2 nights in the capital Zagreb and then come here. Now less than 2 hours by car using the completed new motorway  

¨      150 or so dolphins – a protected colony in the waters off the islands of Lošinj and Cres. By participating in the Blue World "Adopt a dolphin" campaign you can support the Adriatic Dolphin Project and all the activities of research and protection of the bottlenose dolphins and their environment around the islands of Lošinj and Cres. 

¨      From year to year on Croatian beaches and marinas more and more international Blue flags are flying as a guarantee of ecologically clean and in accordance with standards arranged and equipped beaches. This year a total of 111 flags were placed… 

¨      Sandy beaches do exist! A fabulous one at Baška on the island of Krk, also on the island of Rab where there are actually around 20 sandy coves, and on the island of Lopud near Dubrovnik (there are more too but that’s for you to discover!). Not to mention a whole island that nature created all from sand – Susak!

 ¨      The Glagolitic language, kept alive by priests who joined the church to avoid going to work on Venetian galleys. It dates back to 12^th century. See it in churches and on walls all across Istria and the Northern Adriatic islands              

¨      Labin was once the mining capital of Istria and extensive mining caused the town to start collapsing 35 years ago. Now there’s a museum over the coal pit to tell the story. It’s stepped streets, alleys and coloured houses are not to be missed on Istria’s east coast  

¨      The beautiful Brijuni islands comprise 12 tiny islands and are one of Croatia’s national parks. Tito had his “white house” here and spent summer entertaining world leaders and film stars. The “Tito on Brijuni” exhibit is worth seeing, old black and white photos of Burton, Loren, Taylor and more. Rumours about investment from Monaco, golf course development and more… Reached in 30 minutes by boat from Fazana. Get there before it becomes a 5 star glitzy resort… 

¨      Rovinj, with many reminders of days when this was ruled by Venice. Don’t miss a climb to (and up to the top of the tower) the massive Cathedral of St Euphemia. Drinks on the rocks at  bar Valentino on the way down

with your feet in the Adriatic if you want and candles flickering… 

¨      Lim Fjord. Norway comes to Croatia! Delicious oysters in this 9km long fresh water inlet which was used in “The Vikings” starring Dirk Bogard in 1976 

¨      “Split - the most beautiful city in the world and beyond” is the most frequent sentence that you will hear from the people of Split. It is very well known that they do not hide their pride, so there is no way out but to experience in person whether it is true or not. 

¨      Casanova was here with his lovers – mainly in Vrsar 

¨      Zadar and Šibenik are gaining attention. Stunning medieval cities on the North Dalmatian coast. New boutique hotels too 

¨      Did you know that Marco Polo, famous world traveller and explorer, was most probably born in 1254 on the island of Korčula? Even today there are people on the island who bear the same family name

¨      Visiting fertile plains of Baranja, where grapes have been cultivated for centuries, is not complete without tasting the “golden drops” of Baranja vineyards. The old manuscripts note that it was a regular drink at the court of Maria Theresia, not to mention that the Old Romans, charmed by its bouquet and the sights of region’s dusks and dawns, named that part the “Golden Hill”  

¨      St Peter’s Cathedral in Đakovo “…is the most beautiful church between Venice and Constantinopol”, said Pope John XXIII   

¨      Bears in the mountains of Gorski Kotar – check them out in their natural habitat in the Bear Shelter in the mountain village of Kuterevo. The main stars are the young bears – Mrnja Brundo, Janja Zora, Zdravi Gor and Ljubo Lik – whose charms are irresistible.  

¨      More and more chances to cut free – alone in a cottage on one of the islands in the Kornati archipelago or in a restored lighthouse all the way along the coast 

¨      Coatian Government and Parlament proclaimes “2006 Nikola Tesla Year”. Among Tesla”s many inventions is one of the 10 greatest discoveries of all time - Induction Motor. This is the main power in industry and household appliances.

WORTH THINKING ABOUT…
 

DUBROVNIK IN WINTER – DUBROVNIK WINTER CARD

Now that BA will fly from London Gatwick 3 times a week all winter, do a Thursday to Sunday break and stay at one of the 5 star hotels offering a spa package. There’s a whole programme of events including the Masked Ball of the Sea in February, concerts and special events including the Organic Food and Medical Herbs Fair in late March.

The free WINTER CARD (valid 01 November 2005 to 28 February 2006) with 59 discounts and special features for all guests who stay in Dubrovnik for a minimum of two nights (discounts in restaurants, bars, hotels, wellness centres, galleries, museums, beauty parlours, night clubs, travel agencies and rent a car plus free entertainment at selected hotels).

www.visitdubrovnik.hr

TURNING INLAND

Take a couple of days away from the coast and explore Croatia’s stunning interior; the Dinaric mountains, Gorski Kotar, the Slavonia region close to the border with Hungary and the quaint hilltop villages of inland Istria. www.croatia.hr

DIVING

Wrecks, sea walls and caves from Lošinj Island, the wreck of the Baron Gautsch near Rovinj, all manner of Roman wrecks and 1^st  century amphorae near Zadar, Dugi Otok, Mljet, Supetar, Vis and more. www.diving.hr

MLJET ISLAND

The island that is said to have bewitched Odysseus is famous for its 13^th century Benedictine monastery, two inland lakes and a local population determined to control tourism development. Fabulous for those who like the great outdoors – hiking, cycling, canoeing etc.

www.np-mljet.hr

ZADAR LIVES FOREVER…

…with the world’s first sea pipe organ where you can listen to ever-changing sounds created by the sea’s energy. It’s an art installation designed to let people enjoy the point where urban space meets the sea. The movement of the sea pushes air through, and – depending on the size and velocity of the wave – chords are played. Inspiring…

www.zadar.hr

PAG ISLAND

There is a striking, ethereal beauty about this rocky island. Famous for the sheep which eat salty grass thereby producing milk giving distinctively flavoured cheese which is then soaked in olive oil and aged in stone. In days gone by, women started to make lace to pass the time while waiting for their men to return from sea (they still do) and a school for lace making was established in 1906. Don’t miss the Pag carnival, last day of July.

www.pag.hr

ŠIBENIK

The history, the culture, the adventure- all of you can experience by visiting the capital of Mid Dalmatia (Šibenik-Knin County). Šibenik lies at the very sources of Croatian history; it takes pride in being the oldest autochthonous town in the Adriatic and takes its glory with the historic monument of St Jacob’s Cathedral. The cultural heritage that dates from 15^th century combines Venetian Gothic style with Toscano Renaissance style.

One of the newest trademarks of the town has become the International children festival that has been held in Šibenik for the past 40 years and has the full support of UNICEF and UNESCO. The festival is a unique event in Croatia as well as in the world. When you visit Šibenik the adventure is guaranteed. The two National Parks - Krka (river Krka with plenty of waterfalls) and Kornati (Kornati archipelago - around 170 islands) are situated within the county and only a short ride away.

www.sibenik.hr  

Opatija and more…short break or longer stay

The final section of the new motorway between Zagreb and Rijeka was completed in Autumn 2005. This means that using Croatia Airlines daily flight from Heathrow to Zagreb (2 hours) you can collect a hire car and be in charming Opatija and other Kvarner riviera resorts (try the fishing village of Volosko) also in around 2 hours. Opatija is where Isadora Duncan learned her new dance movements, and indulged her passion for young men. Many hotels have excellent spas with great 1-3 night packages.

www.kvarner.hr  

Low cost flights to Croatia

They’ve started from Scandinavia. SAS Snowflake, www.flysnowflake.com  offers flights from Stockholm to Split & Dubrovnik, Norwegian Air Shuttle  offers low cost fares from Oslo  to Split, Rijeka And Dubrovnik, and from Stavanger to Dubrovnik www.norwegian.no  
Scandjet, www.scandjet.se  offers flights from  several destinations in Scandinavia to Split, Zadar, Pula and Dubrovnik in the summer season 2006.
 

Le Meridien comes to Split
The group is acquiring the former Grand Hotel Lav formerly one of Croatia’s most luxurious hotels. Expected to open in 2006 as a 5 star sea front resort at Podstrana, 20 minutes from Split city centre www.lemeridien.com

Rock on in Pula

Pula’s 1^st century Roman amphitheatre has been venue performers both classical and rock, including Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, Monserrat Caballe, Sting, Joe Cocker, Jamiroquai and Anastasia. Programme for 2006 soon to be announced. Aim to sit high up on the stones for the best views. www.histriafestival.com

¨      There is no other emerging country within 3 hours of Finland   that can offer the diversity Croatia can. Get there soon.

STATISTICS: FOREIGN TOURISTS ARRIVALS AND NIGHTS, BY COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE

January-October 2004/January-October 2005