A conference organized by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism (MINT), the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Croatian Radio-television is being held these days at the hotel complex Solaris in Sibenik. The event, “Days of Croatian Tourism 2011,” is an exclusive conference for professionals in the Croatian hospitality industry, the largest in the country devoted to this niche. This year, over 2000 participants are expected, representing tourist resorts and related businesses from all over the country.
The event has the purpose to analyze the results of the Summer touristic season for 2011, as well as to plan activities for the next year. An awards ceremony will be held to reward the best tourist operators and destinations in Croatia this year.
2011 was one of the best touristic years for Croatia with better-than-expected revenue and results. In 2012 however, Croatia will be facing fierce competition, particularly for countries that try to cut their economic deficit (like Greece) through tourism. Many other Eastern European countries are also raising the bar: Albania and Bulgaria were on Lonely Planet’s top “must-see” destinations for 2011, and the results were amazing for the two countries, with Albania reporting an increase in tourists by 200% for 2011, compared to the same period in 2008.
Croatia will have to compete aggressively for every customer, and plan carefully its marketing strategies for the year to come. While some of its destinations are increasingly popular, the efforts to promote these internationally has to intensify at all levels.
The conference begun today and lasts till October 21st, when some of the conclusions will be revealed to the public.
