In the heart of Paris, right in front of the Arc de Triomphe, a special workshop was held organized by the Croatian National Tourist Board's Representation in France. This event brought together leading French tour operators and agents, and the goal was to promote the rich tourist offer of Croatia, with a special emphasis on the Šibenik-Knin County. Although Croatia is already recognized among French tourists, the Šibenik region and surrounding areas have not yet fully utilized their potential in this market. Therefore, the workshop was an opportunity to further highlight the beauty and wealth of this destination, as well as to introduce French experts to its cultural, natural, and eno-gastronomic values.

Held in an elegant boutique hotel located in one of the most attractive locations in Paris, the workshop was conceived as an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the tourist products that Croatia offers. Although Croatia is known for its coastlines, cities like Dubrovnik and Split, and islands, the Šibenik-Knin County has not yet reached its full tourist potential, especially in the French market. In this context, the workshop aimed to promote not only the natural beauty of Šibenik but also specific offers such as luxury accommodation, authentic eno-gastronomic experiences, and visits to the Krka National Park, which is becoming increasingly popular among nature lovers and active tourists.

The French tour operators who participated in the workshop had the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions, where they explored in more detail the cultural and natural landmarks of the Šibenik-Knin County. Among the most interesting segments of the workshop were presentations of luxury hotels and accommodation facilities, such as Armerun, Borovnik, and D-Resort, which were found to be exceptionally attractive for French travelers seeking top-notch accommodation and personalized services. Although the focus was on luxury tourism, the participants were also introduced to numerous options for active tourism – cycling, hiking, and tours of cultural monuments.

The workshop was also attended by representatives from the most renowned French agencies specializing in luxury travel and tailor-made trips, such as Comptoir des Voyages and Parfum du Monde. These agencies, known for their elite clientele, have recognized Croatia as a destination that meets the high standards and demands of luxury travelers. Additionally, there were representatives from the Fairmoove agency, which focuses on sustainable tourism and the promotion of destinations that meet ecological and sustainable norms. This segment of the market, which has become increasingly important in recent years, has also recognized the Šibenik-Knin County as the perfect destination for nature lovers and eco-friendly tourism.

Danijela Mihalić Đurica, the director of the HTZ Representation in France, stated that Croatia is recognized in the French market as a destination that meets high standards, not only in luxury tourism but also in sustainable tourism. She also pointed out that French tourists are among the most frequent visitors to Croatia, especially during the pre-season and post-season, when France is one of the leading emitting markets. Through such workshops, the Croatian National Tourist Board aims to present Croatia as a destination that is attractive throughout the year, offering different types of tourism that meet a wide range of interests and desires of travelers. According to her, the French are among the most reliable tourists, and Croatia will continue to work on promoting various aspects of its offer to provide them with unforgettable experiences.

“This workshop represents a continuation of our efforts to position Croatia as a destination that offers a wealth of different tourist products, from luxury tourism to sustainable travel, and to recognize the specific interests of French tourists. Our country offers much more than just the sea and beaches – it is a destination rich in history, tradition, natural heritage, and gastronomy that is becoming more and more popular and loved by the French,” emphasized Danijela Mihalić Đurica.

The promotion of Croatia in French media also plays a key role in this strategy. An article in the prestigious French weekly Le Figaro is titled “Forget Greece: this destination is the hit of this autumn,” in which Croatia is positioned as an ideal destination for autumn travel. It also highlights the island of Lošinj, described as a “natural gem of the Adriatic,” further confirming the growing interest of French tourists in Croatian destinations. The magazine Air France also published an article describing Croatian gastronomy, highlighting its diversity and richness, and Lošinj was once again recognized as a “must-visit” destination in the Adriatic.

Furthermore, France 2, as part of its evening news, featured a report about the life of a lighthouse keeper on Veli Rat, located in the Zadar archipelago. This report highlighted the authenticity and uniqueness of Croatia’s coastline, where tradition and nature perfectly blend. This type of promotion certainly helps to create an image of Croatia as a country with a rich history and tradition, but also natural beauties that are true gems of European tourism.

For Croatia, it is important to continue these activities because, in addition to contributing to market expansion, it also helps strengthen the image of a country that offers more than just classical summer tourism. Croatia is increasingly positioning itself as a year-round destination that offers different types of experiences. Such promotion ensures sustainable growth in the tourism sector, which is crucial for the country’s economic development. Through these promotional activities, Croatia strives to become more recognizable worldwide and attract more visitors from France, one of its most important markets.