PM opens four fairs in Zagreb

This year's tourist season will be exceptionally important for Croatia's economic recovery and the government as well as the tourism sector are doing their utmost for the season to be even better than last year's, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor said on Wednesday opening four tourism, gastronomy and wine fairs at the Zagreb Trade Fair. The CroTour, InGa, Vinovita and Hotel & Gastroteh fairs, closing on Saturday, have drawn 525 exhibitors from 29 countries, including Croatia.

These fairs are exceptionally important ahead of the tourist season and for tourism, which the government holds particularly important for the Croatian economy, Kosor said, adding that the preparations for the upcoming season began last year and that everyone wanted it to last as long as possible, throughout the country.

An important fact in all this is that Croatia is completing accession negotiations with the European Union, Kosor said, confident that they would be completed by the end of June and that this would encourage many people to come to Croatia.

Precise messages should be sent out to all of them that Croatia is a safe country and that every tourist is welcome, she said. Kosor was confident that the majority of Croatian citizens would vote for Croatia's EU accession at a referendum, even if it was held today. She urged tourism employees to invest additional effort, saying that, according to all indicators, this season could be especially successful.

Kosor said the fairs opened today contributed to the promotion of Croatia, underlining the importance of promoting Croatian wines. She voiced confidence that Croatia would record an economic growth this year and that GDP would rise at least 1.5 per cent, also thanks to a better investment climate and new investments which would create new jobs and reduce unemployment.

Accompanied by several ministers, Kosor visited many booths at the fair, including the Bosnian and Belgrade booths, as well as many Croatian exhibitors. (Hina)