ZAGREB, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tourists are crucial to Croatia's tourism industry, with their numbers steadily increasing this year, a Croatian tourism official has said.
About 100,000 Chinese tourists have visited Croatia so far this year, marking a 93-percent growth compared to last year's same period. This upward trend is expected to continue, as Chinese tourists travel year-round, Kristjan Stanicic, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.
He said Chinese tourists are drawn to Croatia not just for its sunshine and beaches, but also for year-round activities like sightseeing, exploring cultural monuments and historical heritage sites, experiencing local gastronomy, and enjoying everything else that makes Croatia a vibrant destination throughout the year.
"This is why our promotional efforts are specifically tailored to the Chinese market, with the goal of attracting as many Chinese tourists as possible year-round," he added.
Tourism has long been a pillar of the Croatian economy, accounting for about 20 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), according to official statistics.
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Croatia hit a record 300,000 in 2019, Stanicic said, expressing hope that these figures will soon return to pre-pandemic levels. "I hope this will be achieved in the next few years."
Stanicic praised the efforts of the Shanghai Representative Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board, which was established in 2018, for its promotional activities in China this year in collaboration with local partners. These efforts include participating in fairs in Shanghai, organizing a series of workshops, working with Chinese media, and collaborating with airlines to attract "as many Chinese tourists as possible to Croatia."
"It is evident that the prospects for cooperation between Croatia and China are on an upward trajectory," he said. "Croatia offers numerous attractions and year-round experiences that appeal to Chinese tourists. Conversely, China is also an intriguing destination for Croatian travelers." ■
