The Croatian National Tourist Board’s London office, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and Dubrovnik Airport jointly organized a traditional tourism promotion of Croatia and Dubrovnik in the prestigious setting of Queen’s Club in London. The promotional event, held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM, brought together over 70 prominent editors, journalists, and leading tour operators. The attendees enthusiastically reaffirmed the enduring recognition and appeal of Dubrovnik’s tourism offerings in the UK, a key market for Croatian tourism.
Following introductory speeches by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK, Davor Ljubanović, the Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Miroslav Drašković, the Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik, Jelka Tepšić, and the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s London office, Bisera Fabrio, the competitive tourism offerings of Dubrovnik and Croatia were highlighted, aligned with trends and demand in the British market.
Miroslav Drašković emphasized the importance of such events in promoting Dubrovnik as a top Croatian tourist destination in the promising British market. This significantly contributes to the perception of sustainability and year-round tourism potential, “Dubrovnik will always remain an open city that welcomes British tourists with open arms. To ensure everyone enjoys it equally, we have taken significant steps to combat over-tourism, being among the first in Europe to do so. Aware of the challenges ahead, we are strategically planning sustainable tourism development models that preserve natural and cultural resources while ensuring a positive experience for both our international guests and local residents.”
Bisera Fabrio further underlined the importance of Croatia’s continued visibility in British media and the tourism sector. She noted the strong response from editors and journalists from renowned outlets such as The Times, Telegraph, BBC, Wanderlust, Guardian, and many others, whose readership spans even across the Atlantic, “The UK market ranks 6th among foreign tourist markets, with Croatia achieving its best tourism results this year. Dubrovnik, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of our British guests and friends, as a symbol of Croatian tourism, its beauty, and its historical and cultural heritage.”
Following the formal part of the evening, a prize draw was held, with Chris Leadbeater, a journalist from The Telegraph, winning round-trip tickets from Croatia Airlines and a four-night stay at the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik Hotel.
In addition to showcasing Croatia’s tourism offerings in the historic and elegant setting of Queen’s Club, the event further convinced attendees of the quality and authenticity of Croatia’s eno-gastronomic scene. Croatian specialties and wines from southern Dalmatia, accompanied by Croatian melodies, crowned the evening, setting high expectations for the continued success of Croatian tourism in the coming year.