The Croatian National Tourist Board returns to the world's leading tourism fair ITB Berlin, to be held from 4 to 6 March, aiming to participate and present the entire Croatian tourism offer. The Croatian tourist delegation is led by Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, and Romeo Draghicchio, Director of the CNTB Representative Office in Frankfurt and Nera Miličić, Director of the CNTB Representative Office in München. This year's appearance is also crowned by the prestigious award from the renowned website, European Best Destinations (EBD), which declared Croatia as the Best European Country to Visit in 2025. The prestigious accolade was presented by EBD representative Maximilien Lejeune.
"Germany is the most important source market for us, and that is why at this one of the world's most important tourism fairs in Berlin we are sending the message that Croatia is a destination that offers the Germans value for money, that offers quality and a wealth of content 365 days a year. According to ReiseAnalyse for 2024, Germans will travel more this year than before the pandemic, and there is room for growth in arrivals and overnight stays, especially when we talk about the pre- and post-season periods. We are also proud that Croatia was declared the best country to visit in 2025 according to the European Best Destinations, as chosen by more than a million travellers, who voted for the most beautiful European destinations, and Croatia took first place. This is another confirmation of the quality of our tourism offer, continued raising of our standards, and the best compliment to all our tourism staff. We will also use the ITB fair in Berlin as an opportunity to showcase this value at the international level with which activities we have firmly positioned ourselves as leaders in the development of sustainable tourism," said Minister Tonči Glavina.
During the fair, the Croatian delegation held meetings with important partners such as the German Association of Travel Agencies (DRV), ADAC, Novasol, Eurowings, TUI, Ameropa, Alltours, Olimar and Jet2. The main agenda included a continued collaboration, business expectations, current bookings on the German market and forecasts related to this year's tourism results. The Croatian stand was also visited by the Croatian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, HE Gordan Bakota.
"Generated interest for our country at ITB, alongside celebrated tribute we received from the EBD, is an indicator of Croatia's premium status, as a high – quality tourism destination recognized world-wide. This is especially binding for us, given that this is an award based on the votes of travellers from all over the world, including those from the platforms acknowledged by the media partners such as Forbes and the Condé Nast. EBD selection, reflected in the search for content and pages dedicated to Croatia, contributes to additional promotional visibility to the audience amounting to as many as 220 million potential travellers. Also, according to feedback from numerous partners, this year is expected to reach a stable demand from the German market, increase in tourist traffic in the pre and post-season periods, a greater focus on exploring our continental authentic destinations, and what numerous partners are attentive in particular, are reasonable prices and value for money," said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board.
Croatia is promoted at ITB as a destination dedicated to change towards sustainable tourism trends and as a country that provides high quality services. "This year's fair is taking place in in complex economic and political circumstances in Germany. However, this doesn’t have a negative impact on tourism trends or German travel intent for trips abroad. I am very pleased that participation of the Croatian National Tourism Board at this significant tourism event boasts a large number of meetings with our partners, as well as with tourism bodies from Germany, and other countries. ITB remains a focal point point to progress with this tourist year. I am certain that it will stay on the right course for the upcoming season, where Croatia's competitiveness in the tourism market is projected to increase even further, as one of the key destinations for German travellers," commented Romeo Draghicchio.
Let's add that Germans are the most important and numerous guests, accounting for over 20 percent of total tourist overnights in Croatia throughout the year. This was also the case last year, when Germans recorded more than 22 million overnights in Croatia. The highest number of overnights was generated in Istria (over 10 million overnighs), followed by Kvarner (over 4.5 million overnights). Meanwhile Split-Dalmatia and Zadar counties reached over 2.4 million overnights, also boosted by the most visited destinations, Rovinj, Poreč and Medulin
In addition to the Croatian National Tourist Board, as the main exhibitor, 25 co-exhibitors are also presenting their offer at the Croatian stand at ITB, including the Tourist boards of the City of Zagreb, Split-Dalmatia County, the City of Split, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, the City of Dubrovnik, Šibenik-Knin County, Lika-Senj County and the City of Rovinj. Also, in cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Croatian stand hosted presentations and tastings of top-quality Croatian wines and cheeses.
