Croatian Tourism Board

Croatian Tourism Board. The Croatian Tourism Board, also known as the Croatian National Tourist Board, is a national tourist organization responsible for promoting Croatia as a tourist destination, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (Croatia), Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and Split Tourist Board. The board works closely with various stakeholders, including Emirates, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, to develop and implement strategies for promoting Croatian tourism. The organization's efforts are also supported by the European Travel Commission, World Tourism Organization, and United Nations World Tourism Organization.

● Introduction

The Croatian Tourism Board plays a crucial role in promoting Croatia's rich cultural heritage, including its historic cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, as well as its stunning natural beauty, such as Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park. The board's promotional activities are designed to attract visitors from around the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia, and to showcase Croatia's unique tourist offerings, such as its beautiful Adriatic Coast, vibrant festivals like Dubrovnik Summer Festival and Split Summer Festival, and world-class events like the INmusic Festival and Ultra Europe. The board also collaborates with international organizations, including the International Council of Tourism Partners and the European Tourism Association, to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in tourism marketing. Additionally, the board works with local tourism boards, such as the Istria Tourist Board and the Dalmatia Tourist Board, to promote regional tourism initiatives.

● History

The Croatian Tourism Board was established in 1994, following the country's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Since its inception, the board has worked tirelessly to promote Croatia as a tourist destination, in collaboration with the Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Association of Travel Agencies. The board's early efforts focused on rebuilding the country's tourism infrastructure, which had been damaged during the Croatian War of Independence, with support from international organizations like the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The board also worked to develop new tourist products and services, such as agritourism and ecotourism, in partnership with local stakeholders like the Croatian Farmers' Association and the Croatian Environmental Agency. Over the years, the board has continued to evolve and adapt to changing market trends, with input from industry experts like WTTC and ITB Berlin.

● Organization

The Croatian Tourism Board is a public institution, responsible for implementing the country's tourism policy, as outlined by the Government of Croatia and the Ministry of Tourism (Croatia). The board is headed by a director, who is appointed by the Minister of Tourism (Croatia), and is supported by a team of professionals with expertise in marketing, communications, and tourism development. The board also has a network of representative offices around the world, including in London, Paris, and New York City, which work to promote Croatian tourism and provide support to tourists and travel industry professionals. The board collaborates with other national tourist organizations, such as the Slovenian Tourist Board and the Hungarian Tourism Agency, to promote regional tourism initiatives and share best practices.

● Activities

The Croatian Tourism Board is responsible for a wide range of activities, including marketing and promotion, tourism development, and research and analysis. The board works to promote Croatia's tourist offerings through various channels, including social media, advertising, and public relations, in partnership with industry leaders like Facebook, Google, and TripAdvisor. The board also provides support to tourists and travel industry professionals, including information and assistance with planning and booking trips to Croatia. Additionally, the board works to develop new tourist products and services, such as cultural tourism and adventure tourism, in collaboration with local stakeholders like the Croatian Museum Association and the Croatian Mountaineering Association. The board also participates in international tourism events, such as the ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market, to promote Croatian tourism and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

● Statistics

According to the Croatian Tourism Board, the country has seen significant growth in tourist arrivals and overnight stays in recent years, with visitors from countries like Germany, United Kingdom, and United States contributing to the increase. In 2020, Croatia welcomed over 13 million tourists, with the majority visiting popular destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The board's research and analysis also show that tourism is a significant contributor to the country's economy, accounting for around 20% of GDP. The board works closely with the Croatian Bureau of Statistics and the World Tourism Organization to collect and analyze data on tourist arrivals and overnight stays, and to monitor the impact of tourism on the country's economy and environment.

● Marketing Efforts

The Croatian Tourism Board has implemented a range of marketing efforts to promote Croatia as a tourist destination, including the development of a new brand identity and marketing campaign, in partnership with international agencies like Ogilvy and JWT. The board has also launched a number of social media campaigns, including the popular #CroatiaFullOfLife campaign, which has attracted millions of followers and helped to raise awareness of Croatia's tourist offerings. Additionally, the board has worked to develop strategic partnerships with international tourism organizations, such as the European Travel Commission and the World Tourism Organization, to promote Croatian tourism and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. The board has also collaborated with local stakeholders, such as the Croatian Hotel Association and the Croatian Restaurant Association, to promote regional tourism initiatives and support the development of new tourist products and services.