The Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) has received another outstanding recognition at the international level, winning the prestigious "Global Partner of the Year" award presented by Ctrip, one of the largest global online travel agencies headquartered in China. This recognition confirms Croatia as one of the most desirable destinations for Chinese tourists and marks a significant success in the strategic positioning of the country in the Asian market.

The Importance of the Chinese Market for Croatian Tourism

Chinese tourists are increasingly choosing Croatia as their destination, with the reason lying in the combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic experiences that Croatia offers. China is one of the key distant markets that the Croatian Tourist Board has been focusing on in recent years, recognizing the immense potential in attracting tourists from the most populous country in the world.

Statistics show that the number of arrivals and overnight stays by Chinese tourists is steadily increasing, despite global challenges such as the pandemic and changes in travel habits. Croatia has proven to be a flexible and attractive destination that successfully responds to the demands of the Chinese market, whether it is group travel or individual tourists in search of unique experiences.

Cooperation Between Croatia and Ctrip – The Key to Success

The cooperation between the Croatian Tourist Board and Ctrip has been ongoing for several years and has yielded significant results in promoting Croatia in the Chinese market. Ctrip, as one of the most important tourist channels in China, enables Croatia direct access to millions of potential tourists who use this platform daily to plan their trips.

The "Global Partner of the Year" award is proof that HTZ is recognized as a reliable partner actively working on strengthening tourism ties between Croatia and China. Through joint marketing campaigns, promotional activities, and digital initiatives, Croatia has managed to secure visibility and recognition in one of the most competitive global markets.

Focus on Year-Round Tourism

One of HTZ's key objectives in cooperation with Chinese partners is to promote year-round tourism. Croatia offers numerous opportunities beyond the main summer season, including cultural events, food and wine offerings, wellness tourism, and adventure activities. Chinese tourists are increasingly recognizing Croatia as a destination that offers authentic experiences throughout the year.

Technology as a Driver of Tourism Promotion

Digital platforms, such as Ctrip, play a crucial role in attracting tourists from distant markets. Croatia has recognized the importance of technological tools in promotion and communication with tourists, continuously investing in digital marketing, social media presence, and the creation of tailored content for the Chinese market.

Mobile applications, virtual tours, and personalized offers are becoming increasingly important tools in attracting tourists, and the Croatian Tourist Board is actively working on implementing these technologies to enhance the user experience of Chinese tourists.

Cultural Connection as a Bridge for Cooperation

In addition to natural beauty, Chinese tourists in Croatia increasingly appreciate the rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and gastronomic offerings. Croatia has recognized the importance of cultural cooperation as a tool for strengthening ties between the two countries and has organized numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals aimed at the Chinese audience.

Cultural cooperation opens up additional opportunities for promoting Croatia as a country with a rich history and tradition, but also as a modern tourist destination that follows global trends.

Plans for the Future

In the coming years, the Croatian Tourist Board plans to further intensify its activities in the Chinese market. New digital campaigns, cooperation with influencers and travel bloggers from China, and the organization of study tours are planned to bring Croatian tourism offerings even closer to Chinese tourists.

Additionally, further cooperation with key partners such as Ctrip is expected, aiming to strengthen Croatia's presence in the Chinese market and increase the number of arrivals and overnight stays by Chinese tourists.

Significance of the Recognition and International Visibility

The "Global Partner of the Year" award is not only a recognition for past work but also an incentive for future projects and activities. Croatia has positioned itself as a destination that offers quality, authenticity, and diversity, which has been recognized globally.

This recognition further confirms the importance of continuous investment in promotion, adapting tourism offerings to the specific demands of the market, and building strong partnerships with key stakeholders in the tourism industry.