Croatia has big news to share at WTM London 2019 as they display the trailblazing cities of Rijeka and Zagreb and raise the destination’s profile in the UK further. The city of Rijeka, a beacon for tourists in the Kvarner Gulf, will be the Culture Capital of Europe in 2020 while Zagreb offers staggering amount of events, festivals and attractions all year round.
Combined with more investment and business travel growth, as well as award winning destinations, new hotels, Michelin starred restaurants and diverse landscapes; Croatia continues to grow as a destination every year.
After receiving the highly coveted title of Culture Capital of Europe from the EU, Rijeka expects to be catapulted into the limelight and welcome over one million visitors in 2020. Rijeka is just part of the extremely diverse Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, which boasts beautiful coastline, cities, and villages.
A historical yacht, transformed into a museum, the famous promenade of Molo Longo, and the historic Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat, dominate the city of Rijeka itself.
There is a chance to escape to nature in nearby Opatija too, which is nestled under Mount Ucka and part of Croatia’s 10 Nature Parks. Today, Opatija is experiencing a revival due to the wellness and spa facilities, which are located there. Adding to the towns appeal is the Congressional Centre that encompasses 53 Conference Halls, which can house 9,563 spectators.
Zagreb meanwhile, is Croatia’s cultural metropolis. 2020 will be an exciting year for the city as the country takes its turn to be the seat of the EU presidency. It is also competing for the title of European Green Capital, making the coming year one of great excitement for the country’s capital.
This winter is a great time to visit as Zagreb Christmas Market was been awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe for the third time. The city is just 2.5 hours away from London Heathrow, with direct air links all year round, and now boasts six new luxury hotels and a packed schedule of winter fun for tourists. This winter, the city intends to break its record of 127,000 visitors for December.
Coastal Croatia has plenty of appeal in winter too, with direct flights from London Gatwick to most of Croatian destinations frequented by British visitors. Buzzing Dubrovnik, the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site, guarantees plenty of sun and a chance to rub shoulders with celebrities in the bustling 6th Century Old Town. The newly refurbished Hotel Bellevue, carved into a cliff-side, offers floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the glistening Adriatic Sea to visitors too.
Split-Dalmatia remains incredibly popular with British tourists with a 5% increase in visitors for the period up until September of 2019. Almost a dozen new boutique hotel have opened, scattered around Split city centre itself. The newly introduced catamaran line, Split Express, has also given a boost to the area allowing speedy transfers between Split Airport, the city of Split itself and the famous party islands of Hvar and Brac. Hvar won the highly coveted European Island of the Year Award from Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, illustrating just how amazing a destination it is.
Northern Croatia has received a boost through the £70 million establishment of the Grand Hotel Park, making the town of Rovinj the luxury hotspot of the Northern Adriatic. Delicious food, local wine and fantastic history combine to make this area a compelling destination for global travellers.
The Michelin Guide has continued to focus on the plentiful gourmet dining options present in the country. Noel in Zagreb and Draga di Lovrana in Lovran, now join the likes of Pelegrini, 360º and Monte, as the crème-de-la-crème of Croatian restaurants.
Croatia’s Ministry of Tourism aims to implement almost 70 unique projects, focusing on both niche and mainstream tourism trends, diversifying the countries offering yet further in the coming year. The country is capitalising off the fame it receives from major television series from the likes of BBC, ITV and Channel 4 too, making this destination even more coveted.
Croatia is all set for another high-flying season as we reach 2020.
Stand: EU1200
PR Contact: Ivana Shiell
Email: ivana@croatia-london.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8563 7979