The Dutch record the longest stays in Croatia
The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) and the CNTB Representative Office for the Benelux region organized a special promotional event in Amsterdam, meeting with the Dutch market’s most important partners, travel agents, tour operators and media. "Croatian Day in Amsterdam", at which the Croatian tourist offer was presented with a special emphasis on nautical and camping, was held on a ship that sailed through the charming canals of Amsterdam. The main partner for the event was the Istria Tourist Board, which presented itself on the Dutch market as the leading Croatian tourist region and one of the favourite destinations of the Dutch.
Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, confirmed that the Dutch market is extremely important for the development of Croatian tourism, as well as the entire travel industry. "The Netherlands is traditionally among the top 10 markets from which we generate the largest tourist traffic. The Netherlands is also the market from which we have the largest number of flights to Croatian destinations, and it is also among the top 5 markets for camping in Croatia. All of the above provides a strong foundation and incentive to further strengthen the business relations with key Dutch partners and tourism decision-makers on this extremely important market for us, for which there is additional potential and capacity to increase tourist traffic, especially in the pre- and post-season," said Staničić, adding that, according to the data of the latest TOMAS survey, the longest stays in Croatia are recorded by the Dutch, who are often return-guests to Croatia.
The special guest of the evening was Frank Oostdam, Director of the association of Dutch tour operators and travel agents (ANVR) and president of ECTAA, the European Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators. Commenting on the most current practices and challenges in the tourism sector, Oosdam emphasized the importance of sustainability in terms of strategic thinking and planning of space and facilities that will have their function even after. He highlighted the importance of changing the behavior of travel agencies that must recognize demand and new consumer habits. He also stated that it is increasingly desirable to highlight CO2 emissions at the price of the travel arrangement.
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Netherlands, Dubravka Plejić Marković, and on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Monika Udovičić.
"We are extremely glad to attend this big event, organized before the holidays, as a final touch of countless activities and projects carried out throughout the year. The Dutch market is extremely important in Istria, especially when we talk about the camping segment, which, in the accommodation structure, is dominant on our peninsula. Significant funds have been invested for many years, and at the same time I would like to highlight the premium segment of the camping offer, which has won numerous awards for quality every year. These are awards that come from well-known global sector organizations, and the value of the investment is also recognized by the Dutch, who normally have a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to travel. Judging by the loyalty they show towards our destination, it is obvious that they find exactly such a standard in Istria", said Denis Ivošević, Director of the Istria Tourist Board.
Let's add that, according to the data of the eVisitor system, during the first 11 months of this year, the Dutch recorded around 550.000 arrivals and 3,1 million overnight stays in Croatia, which compared to last year represents an increase of 1 percent in arrivals.
"On the Dutch market, we are seeing a continuous increase in the number of arrivals and overnight stays, especially in the shoulder season (pre/post season), and what is especially pleasing is the growth of traffic in the continental counties, where 30 percent more overnight stays were achieved this year. The Dutch like to discover new destinations at a leisurely pace, they like to stay in nature and literally enjoy the natural beauty of our country", concluded Ivan Novak, Director of the Benelux Representative Office, adding that the Dutch are welcome guests precisely because of their way of traveling and the various activities they seek out during their stay.
In conclusion it is important to note that the "Croatian Day in Amsterdam" was enriched by the presentation and tasting of Istrian products, so the guests could enjoy a wide gastronomic offer supported by the Buršić ham distillery, Damjanić Distillery, Medea vino, Vesna cheese, Darna liqueurs, Nono Remiđo, Kampanjola Eco Craft Beer and Karlić truffles. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to participate in a prize draw, in which the Istria Tourist Board and Croatia Airlines presented one lucky winner with a return plane ticket to Croatia and secured him an Istrian Experience weekend.
