On Saturday, June 11, 2022, starting at 9 a.m., the Croatian Association of Societies in Slovenia organized a tourism and culinary event titled “Feel Croatia” at the Ljubljana central market. Croatian cultural associations from Slovenia took part, showcasing their folklore and gastronomy.

At the invitation of the organizers, special guests included representatives from the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera, one of the top holiday destinations for Slovenian tourists. Among the crowd were not only locals but also tourists from across Europe and the USA, all delighted by the authentic Croatian offer.

The event featured participation by the Tourist Boards of the City of Crikvenica, the City of Novi Vinodolski, and the Municipality of Vinodol, who presented local products and entertainment by the Trio Crikvenica.

“Slovenian guests are very familiar with the Kvarner coast and travel year-round. We’ve tailored off-season programs to their preferences, such as Experience Crikvenica – an outdoor-wellness-gastro event. Our promotional campaigns focus specifically on Slovenian target groups. Many also participate in sports events like the running and swimming marathons in Crikvenica. They’re drawn by our rich offer, beautiful beaches, ideal microclimate, and active holiday options. They also love cycling and events like the Month of Blue Fish. We’re proud to have showcased our outdoor tourism and new promotional materials like our outdoor brochure and cycling map. Slovenians are consistently in the top 3 foreign markets in terms of overnight stays, and we expect even better results this year,” said Marijana Biondić, Director of the Crikvenica Tourist Board.

“The presentation in Ljubljana was a great success. The market was full, not just with Slovenians but many international visitors. Despite the pandemic limiting contact in recent years, events like this are a fantastic way to promote destinations. In addition to brochures, visitors experienced our culture through food, music, and the traditional Ružica Vinodola festival, with the ceremonial dress on display. I hope this kind of live promotion becomes the norm again,” added Tena Peričić, Director of the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board.

Alenka Spoja, Director of the Vinodol Municipality Tourist Board, also expressed satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting strong interest in inland accommodation, local food, and cultural events – especially in spring and autumn, outside of the typical beach season.

As a symbol of new cooperation, gifts were exchanged with the Croatian Association of Societies in Slovenia (President Đanino Kutnjak) and the Croatian Cultural Society Međimurje Ljubljana (President Štefan Šimunić).