Yesterday, the 32nd session of the Croatian Tourist Board Council was held, during which the Council members, among other things, adopted decisions on the allocation of non-refundable funds and support based on previously announced public calls. This concerns the Public Tender for the allocation of funds to regional tourist boards in tourist underdeveloped areas and the continent in 2024, through which a total of over 3.4 million euros was allocated for 41 projects, and funds were also allocated through the Public Tender for united tourist boards, totalling over 2.9 million euros for 114 projects that met all the competition requirements.
"A strong and developed system of tourist boards is one of the key foundations for further development of Croatian tourism, i.e., development of tourism offerings at destination level, as well as the effective implementation of their promotion on a global scale. By allocating funds to united tourist boards, as well as to regional tourist boards in underdeveloped areas and the continent, we positively affect the dispersion of tourist traffic, extension of the season, stimulation of tourist spending, and thus the sustainability of Croatian tourism," stated Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian Tourist Board, adding that quality events are also an important part of the offering, often being the main reason for visiting a particular destination.
At yesterday’s session, the HTZ Tourist Council also adopted a decision to approve funds totalling nearly 1.3 million euros for marketing collaborations with over 30 organizers of TOP events in 2024, including events such as the ATP tournament Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, INmusic festival, SEA STAR festival, Rabska fjera, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Sinjska alka, and others.
"The development of the continent and underdeveloped areas, as well as the encouragement of cooperation among tourist boards to make the system stronger and more resilient, strongly contributes to achieving the goals of our reform, as it promotes tourism development equally in all parts of the country, as well as strengthening the quality of products and services. That's why we increase funds for this purpose every year, and this year we have provided a record amount of 10 million euros for regional and local tourist boards. We also encourage the quality of offerings through co-financing TOP events, and I am pleased that this year we will support more than 30 events, from the coast to the continent, which will surely be an additional incentive for tourists to visit throughout the year," said Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac.
It should be noted that the Council members also adopted the Annual Report on the implementation of the HTZ work program for 2023, as well as accompanying financial reports, according to which HTZ achieved a total revenue, including funds from special funds, in the amount of 47,855,541 euros last year. This represents a realization of 100.1% compared to planned revenues.
