The Croatian National Tourist Board performed at the IMEX Frankfurt fair, one of the most important business fairs that took place from May 14th to 16th. This year's edition of the fair attracted over 2,900 bidders from all over the world who connected with more than 3,800 global buyers.
Within the framework of the Croatian stand, 28 co-exhibitors, that is, Croatian tourism entities, presented their offer, which is twice as many as compared to the previous year. The largest number of inquiries for Croatia related to the organization of incentive travel and congresses and business meetings for up to a thousand people, and in addition to the capacities themselves, interest was also expressed in activities that business guests could have in their free time, i.e. in unique experiences offered by Croatian destinations.
"The response of the most important Croatian hoteliers and their MICE departments is another proof that Croatia's biggest offer holders in the pre- and post-season realize that in the marginal months of the year it is the organization of business events that brings them above-average income per guest and fills their accommodation capacities. PCO and DMC agencies specialized in MICE groups and travel incentives participated at the CNTB stand, and we are glad that we had six representatives in that segment. Along with the Congress Department of CNTB, the congress and incentive offer of destinations was presented by the tourist boards and congress departments of Zagreb and Dubrovnik, as well as Opatija, Šibenik, Zadar County and Istria“, said Mirjana Resner, head of the Congress Department of CNTB.
Since IMEX Frankfurt is a global event, this was a great opportunity to hold meetings with overseas buyers and partners. Thus, feedback from the markets of the USA, Australia, South America, India and China dictates that foreign clients increasingly seek Croatia for the organization of business meetings.
"The great interest in organizing business meetings in Croatia at this year's IMEX shows that our country is a very attractive destination for holding business meetings. The importance of congress tourism and the business travel industry in general is that they take place throughout the year, and mostly in the period before and after the season. Croatia's excellent geographical position, connection with the most important European airports, destination security, high-quality infrastructure for holding congresses, excellent gastronomic offer and variety of content in the destination represent Croatia's great advantage when it comes to business trips", said Slavija Jačan Obratov, director of the Sector for the system of tourist boards and the development of CNTB products, adding that business trips generate above-average consumption by guests, which is significantly higher than the average consumption of a holiday guest.
A large number of business meetings and group presentations for pre-selected buyers were held at the Croatian stand, and the welcome party on the first day of the fair was particularly attractive, during which participants could win prize trips and stays in the hotels of co-exhibitors. Furthermore, Croatian eno-gastronomy was also promoted during each day, so in cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, all visitors to the Croatian exhibition space were offered the opportunity to taste top wines and gastronomic delicacies from all over Croatia, and the story of Croatian oils was also presented.
You can see the full list of co-exhibitors at this year's IMEX Frankfurt in the brochure below.