Croatian National Tourist Board discusses this year's season

This year's tourist season in Croatia is expected to be good following news about bookings for Croatian destinations abroad and preparations for the peak season, the Tourism Minister and National Tourist Board (HTZ) Chairman, Veljko Ostojic, said on Tuesday while addressing the new HTZ Tourist Council.

Optimism was also voiced by Council members, including representatives of local authorities, travel agents, hoteliers and other entrepreneurs in the tourist trade.

The Council endorsed the decision of a special commission regarding this year's 12 models of advertising and promotional campaigns to be launched by the public and private sectors in tourism. The commission approved the allocation of 49.5 million kuna of HTZ funds for applications submitted for joint advertising. Partners are expected to provide an additional HRK 47.5 million, so that a total of 97 million kuna would be earmarked for that purpose this year. The task force has so far received 633 applications for funding.

The Council endorsed an annual report on the HTZ's activities and financial statement in 2011 when the HTZ collected HRK 286.8 million. Of that amount 97.6 million kuna was collected from visitors' tax, and 95 million was ensured from the state budget. (Hina)