After more than a year of uncertainty and restrictions for American tourists, the first European Trip for US Travel Agents took place in Croatia.
"Croatia is extremely safe with every precaution taken, and the speed at which vaccines have occurred has made us even safer", said Janine Stagg.
Visiting agents are closely specialized in travel in the luxury tourism segment.
Last year Croatia was one of the few destinations that were open to American guests, and we expect even better trends this year, said CNTB director Kristijan Stanišić
That's why they inspected premium Croatian destinations such as Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Trogir, Split, Hvar, Peljesac, and Dubrovnik. The trip was organized by the RealCroatia agency and the Representation of the Croatian Tourist Board in the USA.
Photo: Tina RajkovićInspecting Upper Town in Zagreb - you can see the The Church of St. Mark, one of the oldest architectural monuments in Zagreb dating back to 13th century
"The fact that the first European trip of American travel agents was organized in Croatia shows how Americans eagerly await new trips to our country and confirms the position of our country as a sought-after, safe, and well-prepared destination.
North American travel agents were focused, in addition to luxury tourism, on tourism products such as national parks and nature parks, cultural and historical heritage and gastronomy
This was helped by the fact that last year we were one of the few destinations that were open to American guests, and we expect even better trends this year in which we are connected to the American market by a direct airline on the route New York - Dubrovnik. I am sure that this study trip will further contribute to the recognition of our country in the US market, our most important distant market", said Croatian National Tourist Board Director Kristjan Stanicic, adding that luxury tourism is one of the most sought after products during the pandemic.
Photo: Tatsiana HendzelThe beautiful Plitvice complex waterfall is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. In 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage register
As part of their first European trip during the pandemic, travel agents from the US were focused, in addition to luxury tourism, on tourism products such as national parks and nature parks, cultural and historical heritage and gastronomy.
I believe that together we will use this crisis as a catalyst to break into a higher tourist segment, said the director of the RealCroatia agency Petra Gracin
"This visit will work synergistically with the CNTB's efforts to extend the tourist season to 365 days a year, and it is the American market that can help us achieve this goal because it is about rich and demanding tourists who are not as seasonal as in Europe," said the director of the CNTB Representation in the USA Ina Rodin, emphasizing that the agents are also members of the prestigious Virtuoso, a network of the best American luxury travel agencies with more than 20,000 advisors worldwide and more than 1,800 partners, including top hotels, resorts, tour operators, airlines and agencies.
Photo: Andrej SafaricDramatic sky in Sunset above the old roman square in Zadar, with the ancient church of St Donat
"The United States is a key tourism market with enormous economic strength. I believe that together we will use this crisis as a catalyst to break into a higher tourist segment", said the director of the RealCroatia agency Petra Gracin.
The food was great, but what really stole my heart was the people and the landscape. Stunning views everywhere you turn, says visiting travel agent Carrie Mahoney
Delta Air Lines announced it would add new four-times-weekly nonstop flights to Croatia’s Dubrovnik Airport from New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport, beginning on July 2. Croatia is now welcoming international travelers who have received a full COVID-19 vaccination, show a negative PCR test or proof of recent COVID-19 recovery. Delta’s new route marks the first time the airline has operated service directly to Croatia.
Photo: KavalenkavaFruit square in the Diocletian s Palace section of Medieval Old town of Split
"Like just a few other places in the world, Dubrovnik is in fact more beautiful in person. And not just the Old Town. The surrounding landscape is stunning!
We were so fortunate to be there with no crowds, and had the best guide. From historic hotels in the center of town to seaside resorts to yacht charters for the day or the week, it has it all! If you can go this year, do", advises Carrie Mahoney, one of visiting travel agents. " The food was great, but what really stole my heart was the people and the landscape. Stunning views everywhere you turn", she concludes.
Photo: Ihor PasternakThe walls of Dubrovnik are amongst the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages. Enemies never breached them during this period. You may also know them as the walls of King's Landing in the Game of Thrones
"I have the utmost respect and gratitude for Real Croatia and am working to get bookings for June hopefully and many of my travel colleagues around the world have asked for your contact information.
The site inspections were excellent so I know exactly what my clients will experience and a range of properties to offer, said Janine Stagg
I do specialize in luxury travel with an added focus on Italy but I found the beauty of your country almost beyond belief. The beauty was everywhere you looked from the scenery to the people and beyond so now I feel I have a very good working knowledge to send people to Croatia. The site inspections were excellent so I know exactly what my clients will experience and a range of properties to offer, said Janine Stagg.
RealCroatia is preparing another FAM trip for October 2021 - this time North American agents will discover what historic region of Istria has to offer!