The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) is presenting Croatia’s diverse tourism offerings at the REISE + CAMPING trade fair, which runs in Essen until February 23. As one of the most important events for the camping sector, the fair features around 800 exhibitors from across the globe and attracts more than 80,000 visitors. This year, Croatia is being showcased as the Partner Country, ensuring enhanced visibility and promotion throughout the event. Leading the Croatian tourism delegation are Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sport, Kristjan Staničić, HTZ Director, and Romeo Draghicchio, Director of HTZ’s Frankfurt Office.
“Germany remains our most important source market, providing the highest number of visitors to Croatia. That’s why we dedicate special attention to promoting our country here. At the Essen fair, we are presenting Croatia as a top destination for camping, cycling, and outdoor activities. According to the latest European Travel Commission research, 79% of Germans want to travel abroad, and with nature, camping, and outdoor experiences as their main travel motives, Croatia remains among the top 10 destinations for European travelers. Germany recognizes Croatia as one of Europe’s leading camping destinations, confirmed by ADAC rankings, where Croatia holds second place for camp quality and first for bathing quality. We are also proud that 26 Croatian campsites have been awarded ADAC’s prestigious Superplatz distinction, highlighting the high standard of our camping facilities,” said Minister Glavina.
During the official opening ceremony, hosted by renowned German TV presenter Andrea Griessmann, one of the keynote speakers was Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen. The event was also attended by Gordan Bakota, the Croatian Ambassador to Germany.
“Camping is a vital segment of our tourism industry, distinguished by its high quality and ongoing investments in additional amenities such as wellness centers, sports facilities, and playgrounds. Beyond the quality of our campsites and their prime locations, Croatia’s accessibility is a major advantage, with many guests just a few hours’ drive away by car or camper. By expanding services and enhancing the camping experience, we aim to maintain Croatia’s leading position in this sector. This is especially crucial given that campsites represent our second-largest accommodation category, following private rentals,” said HTZ Director Staničić.
The Croatian exhibition stand hosts 14 co-exhibitors, including local tourist boards, national parks, hoteliers, travel agencies, and transport companies. A special highlight was the Sustainable Business Award, presented to Obonjan Camp by João Alves Pereira, President of the World Camping Federation (FICC). Visitors also had the opportunity to sample premium Croatian wines and cheeses, thanks to a collaboration with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, the Croatian delegation met with representatives of Misir Reisen, a German tour operator specializing in Croatia, which brings around 25,000 German travelers to the country each year.
“North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany’s most populous federal state and the leading regional source market for tourism. Given its proximity to Croatia and excellent air connections from Düsseldorf and Cologne, many travelers from this region opt for flights, particularly to southern Croatian destinations. However, camping is extremely popular in this area, and many German tourists prefer to stay in our campsites, especially during the July school holidays. I am confident that our presence at the Essen fair, combined with our promotional efforts, will further strengthen our market position and visibility among potential visitors from this key region,” said Draghicchio.
Germans remain Croatia’s largest and most significant tourist group, accounting for over 20% of all overnight stays. Last year alone, German visitors recorded over 22 million overnight stays, 7.7 million of which were in campsites. The most popular regions were Istria (10+ million overnight stays), Kvarner (4.5+ million), Split-Dalmatia, and Zadar counties (2.4+ million). Among individual destinations, Rovinj, Poreč, and Medulin were the top choices for German travelers.
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Publish date : 2025-02-19 22:14:00
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