The Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) recently announced a Public Call for marketing collaboration with organizers of TOP events, aimed at the year 2025, all with the goal of promoting Croatia as a key tourist destination. This collaboration aims not only at promoting the national tourist brand but also at supporting events that attract visitors from around the world with their reputation and recognition. A key characteristic of this call is the focus on events held outside the main tourist season, contributing to the extension of tourist activities and generating additional tourist spending.

Organizers wishing to participate must meet a series of conditions, including the ability to attract an international audience, quality promotion of the destination, and a positive impact on local tourism. Such events, which include cultural, sports, and entertainment manifestations, often become the main motivation for tourists' arrivals, especially during periods outside the summer season. Increasing demand for tourist services during these periods becomes crucial for further tourism development, directly contributing to the promotion of Croatia on the global stage.

Importance of events outside the main tourist season

One of the main criteria of this Public Call is the emphasis on events outside the main season, as they allow for the continuity of tourist activities and the extension of the season itself. Events that are strategically distributed throughout the year, especially during periods when tourist demand is weaker, play an important role in the more even development of destinations. Through these events, not only is additional income generated, but the development of local communities is also encouraged, particularly those located outside the usual tourist routes.

Kristjan Staničić, director of HTZ, emphasizes that this type of collaboration is not just a marketing strategy but also a means to strengthen the tourist economy. Collaboration with organizers of TOP events enables direct promotion of Croatia as a destination that offers much more than traditional summer vacations. The focus is on events that significantly influence the perception of Croatia as an attractive destination throughout the year, and not just in the summer months. Special attention is given to manifestations that have an international resonance and contribute to the positive image of the country.

Strategic role of events in promoting Croatia

Events recognized as TOP events hold special significance for HTZ as they enable the achievement of multiple goals. In addition to attracting international visitors, they also promote Croatia's cultural and sports values, further strengthening the tourist offer. The organizers of these events collaborate with HTZ in all stages of implementation, from initial promotion to the production of photo and video materials, all with the aim of increasing the visibility of the Croatian brand on the international stage.

To meet the conditions of the Public Call, organizers must demonstrate that their events significantly contribute to the development of destinations and stimulate tourist spending. This segment is particularly important as the accompanying programs of the events encourage visitors to spend more, whether through gastronomy, accommodation, or other tourist services. In this way, events become an integrated part of the tourist offer, contributing to its development and sustainability.

All applications will be evaluated by a specially appointed committee, and final decisions on collaboration will be made by the HTZ Tourist Council. The Public Call is open until October 21, 2024, and applications are accepted exclusively electronically.