The Representation of the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) in Italy has taken a significant step in strengthening ties with the Italian tourism sector by organizing a targeted business workshop titled "Sell Croatia". The event was held in the prestigious setting of the Casa Maffei museum complex, located in the very historical heart of Verona, a city of rich history and culture which represents an important economic center of northern Italy.

This B2B workshop gathered an impressive number of participants from both sides of the Adriatic. From the Croatian side, 18 carefully selected tourism entities presented their offerings. Among them were renowned travel agencies, reputable hotel companies representing the pinnacle of Croatian accommodation offerings, local tourist boards promoting specific destinations and their attractions, as well as specialized hospitals and thermal spas, highlighting the growing importance of health tourism in Croatia. From the Italian side, 38 travel agencies and tour operators responded, primarily from the area of Verona and the wider Veneto region, thereby showing concrete interest in Croatian tourism products.

Strategic Networking in a Key Market

The primary goal of this initiative was to create a platform for direct connection between key stakeholders of the tourism industry in Croatia and Italy. The focus was placed on enabling Croatian providers to establish new business contacts and open channels of cooperation with Italian partners, but also to nurture and deepen existing business relationships. The Italian market is traditionally one of the most important outbound markets for Croatian tourism, and the Veneto region, due to its geographical proximity and economic strength, represents a particularly significant pool of potential guests.

Viviana Vukelić, Director of the CNTB Representation in Italy, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the dynamics of the workshop itself. "We are pleased that year after year we witness increasing interest from Croatian tourism entities in actively presenting their offerings on the Italian market. This is an indicator of the recognition of the importance of continuous work and presence in this vital market for us," emphasized Vukelić.

She added that the timing of the workshop was carefully chosen. "Considering the current trends of last-minute bookings which are often characteristic of Italian guests, as well as a series of spring holidays and festivities ahead in Italy over the coming weeks, we considered this an ideal moment. It provided an excellent opportunity to present the entire tourism offer of our country precisely in the Veneto region, which is relatively close to our borders and whose inhabitants traditionally gravitate towards the Croatian coast and destinations. The proximity of Verona to Croatia makes it logistically convenient for organizing such meetings."

Positive Reactions and Future Opportunities

The feedback received from partners and participants of the workshop in Verona was extremely positive, confirmed Vukelić. The event was rated as very successful, not only measured by the number of professionals present, but, more importantly, by the quality of the contacts made and business discussions held. "The quality of interaction and the concrete agreements that resulted from the meetings open the door to an even stronger presence and more successful business operations for the Croatian tourism economy in the demanding, yet rewarding Italian market," commented the Director of the Representation.

Such meetings are crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of Croatian tourism, enabling direct communication and adapting the offer to the specific demands and preferences of Italian travelers. Presenting novelties, strengthening trust among partners, and understanding market trends are the foundations for a successful tourist season.

Information and Focus on New Investments

To provide Italian agents with the most complete picture possible, the Croatian representatives prepared a set of useful information. Special emphasis was placed on presenting the latest investments in the Croatian tourism sector, from new or renovated hotels and resorts to improvements in infrastructure and tourist attractions. Participants were also presented with updated lists of transport connections between Italy and Croatia, including air, sea, and road lines, which is crucial for travel planning. Part of the presentation was dedicated to the calendar of upcoming events, festivals, and happenings throughout Croatia, with the aim of attracting guests outside the main summer season as well.

Presentation of a Leading Project: Valamar Pical Resort in Poreč

Following the formal business talks and B2B meetings, a special moment was dedicated to the presentation of one of the most ambitious projects in the recent history of Croatian tourism. This is the Valamar Pical Resort in Poreč, a project that currently represents the largest single investment in the country's tourism sector. Italian partners were presented with details of this luxurious resort, which is expected to significantly enhance the quality of the offer in Poreč and the entire Istria region.

This investment includes the construction and reconstruction of top-category accommodation facilities, along with rich accompanying amenities such as swimming pools, wellness centers, sports fields, conference halls, and top-notch catering establishments. The focus on quality, sustainability, and providing a unique guest experience are key determinants of this project. Presenting the resort precisely at the workshop in Verona aimed to intrigue Italian agents and ensure that this new gem of the Croatian offer is timely included in their programs for the upcoming seasons. The development of such high-quality facilities in Poreč further strengthens Istria's position as the leading Croatian tourist region.

The successful "Sell Croatia" workshop in Verona confirmed the vitality of the relationship between Croatian tourism and the Italian market, while simultaneously demonstrating the proactivity of the CNTB and Croatian tourism companies in adapting to market conditions and presenting new values to potential guests and partners. Continuous dialogue and cooperation, such as those achieved at Casa Maffei, are key to the further growth and development of tourism exchange between the two neighboring countries.