15. May 2024.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski presented its destination in Budapest at a press conference traditionally held each year ahead of the peak summer season, organized by the Croatian National Tourist Board’s representation office in Hungary.

The conference brought together around 30 Hungarian media representatives in the charming ambiance of A kert bisztro, where traditional Croatian dishes were served – including soparnik, sinjski arambašići, zagorski štrukli, a variety of cheeses and prosciutto, dried figs, and Croatian wines.

Ivana Herceg, director of the representation office, presented the results of the year so far, which once again confirm the interest of Hungarian tourists in Croatia even outside the main summer season. In the first four months of this year, 40,000 arrivals were recorded – a 9% increase compared to the same period last year – along with an 18% increase in overnight stays. Among regions, Kvarner remains the most attractive to tourists, followed by Istria and the Zadar region. It is worth noting that Kvarner recorded the highest growth in overnight stays and will thus have a significant advantage in the competition for first place.

Following Ms. Herceg’s presentation, Novi Vinodolski was presented by Tena Peričić, Director of the Tourist Board of Novi Vinodolski. Through her brief presentation, journalists gained insight into the destination’s natural beauty, cultural and sacred heritage, rich history, cherished traditions and customs, annual events, picturesque marinas, gastronomy, music, and accommodation capacities.

Short promotional videos gave journalists a better sense of signature events such as Okolotorno, Ružica Vinodola, and FIT4NOVI. After the presentation, the eno-gastronomic segment featured a showcase of the destination’s wine and food offer – including sparkling and still wines (rosé and žlahtina) from Pavlomir Winery, along with San Marino and Ružica Vinodola. Producers from the Kvarner region also offered dried figs, cheese, and olive oil, which paired excellently with the wines.

A touch of local tradition was provided by traditional costumes: the svilnica (silk dress) worn by Dora Kabalin, a member of KUD Ilija Dorčić, and the ceremonial Ružica Vinodola gown worn by Ivona Tatalović of the Tourist Board office. These elements served as a beautiful backdrop throughout the conference and during the food service.

To complete the experience, vocal group Klapa Nevera performed in place of Klapa Vinčace, who were unable to attend due to illness. Their performance was met with enthusiastic applause, as was the entire delegation presenting Novi Vinodolski.

Director Peričić gave several interviews to the media and made valuable contacts with agencies, journalists, and travel bloggers in attendance. At the start of her presentation, she noted that Hungarian tourists achieved 30% more overnight stays last year compared to 2022, ranking third by number of arrivals and stays. In 2023 alone, Hungarians recorded just under 60,000 overnight stays in Novi Vinodolski, and further growth is expected.

She concluded the presentation with a stunning photograph of one of Novi Vinodolski’s iconic views – the islet of San Marino – accompanied by an invitation to visit Novi Vinodolski, a place of beautiful coastlines and a vast green hinterland.

“I believe we left a very strong impression at the presentation, which was evident from the journalists’ reactions. I would like to thank the director of the representation office for the opportunity to present the beauty of Novi Vinodolski, Kvarner, and our beautiful country of Croatia in the heart of Hungary,” said Tena Peričić, Director of the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski.

After Novi Vinodolski’s presentation, the event was also addressed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Hungary, H.E. Mladen Andrlić. The gathering continued with music from the klapa group and a sampling of Croatian culinary specialties featured in the presentation.