The Croatian National Tourist Board has partnered with Expedia Group as part of their Destination Giveback initiative, launched last year to support local communities and entities in the destinations the travel platform collaborates with. This collaboration has resulted in a joint promotional campaign that highlights Croatia’s lesser-known destinations and rich cultural heritage, from Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands to Istria, featuring hidden coves, historic towns, and vibrant local traditions. Beyond inspiring travel, the campaign also aims to raise awareness about the preservation of marine ecosystems, particularly the fragile underwater habitats of the Adriatic Sea.
"We are very pleased that, through our collaboration with Expedia Group, we have launched this campaign to further promote Croatia’s lesser-known destinations and rich cultural heritage. The Croatian National Tourist Board is dedicated to the sustainable development of tourism and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources. With the Destination Giveback initiative, we emphasize our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while offering guests unique and authentic experiences. We believe that such partnerships enhance Croatia’s international recognition as a destination of high value and sustainable tourism," said Martina Srnec, Director of the Marketing and Communications Sector at the Croatian National Tourist Board.
The Destination Giveback initiative also includes donations to local projects, supporting communities and fostering the growth of sustainable tourism. A notable example is the one-time donation of 10,000 euros from Expedia Group to Sunce, the Association for Nature, Environment, and Sustainable Development in Split. This donation further promotes education and raises public awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, ensuring Croatia’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. The donation event was attended by Ivana Vladović, Director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, who also collaborates with Expedia Group on various promotional projects.
"Our partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board reflects our shared commitment to showcasing the world's hidden gems and protecting the natural assets that make them unique. By highlighting Croatia’s rich cultural heritage and supporting marine conservation through our Destination Giveback initiative, we are helping to ensure that future generations can experience the magic of the Adriatic as we do today," said Jennifer Andre, Vice President of Business Development at Expedia Group.
Maja Jurić, Head of Communications and Advocacy at the Sunce Association, expressed gratitude to Expedia Group for the donation and emphasized that the funds will support education and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving posidonia meadows. The donation will also help co-finance public events as part of the BIOPRESSADRIA project. "After the event in Hvar, we will also present the projection about posidonia on Korčula, on September 26th at the Veliki Revelin location. We invite all citizens and visitors to join us and contribute to the protection of the sea and its biodiversity," concluded Jurić.
