Croatia: Land of choice

Ben Lerwill, 03 March 2009

Croatian National Tourist Office director Meri Matesic is based in London where her responsibilities include championing the destination's infrastructure for events

Meri Matesic is director of the Croatian National Tourist Office, based in London. Her responsibilities include championing the destination's infrastructure for events

What are Croatia's main selling points for C&I events?

The country is becoming a more popular option for congresses, meetings and cultural events with each passing year. As far as the C&I industry is concerned, it has a far more varied offer than it used to - services and programmes have improved and state-of-the-art facilities have opened. And there genuinely aren't many countries where you can find so many different backdrops in such a small area.

What makes it suitable for a serious business event?
Croatia is the birthplace of both the tie and the ballpoint pen, two of the symbols of the business world. On a practical level, a modern road network and international air connections make it easily accessible, and the destination itself provides outstanding conditions for business gatherings. The Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau promotes the country year-round and is always able to offer information to organisers. This year we'll be present at six C&I shows, including Confex coming up in February.

Why should Croatia be considered good value for money?
First of all, we're outside the Eurozone. But the country also offers value for money in a different way - in terms of the levels of accommodation, the variety of team-building activities and the quality of gastronomy. After just a two-hour flight from the UK, groups can explore charming old Mediterranean towns, unspoiled cultural beauty and thousands of islands. The quality of life is good value for money in itself.

A lot of UK agents see Croatia as a strong emerging destination. How is the country going to continue to attract UK business?
The tourist board has been active in the UK market for the past 11 years. This year, we're working on supporting operators and their marketing activities through joint advertising programmes. We'll also be organising workshops both in the UK and in Croatia.

What's the best time of year to hold an incentive in Croatia?
All year round. Croatia has a mild Mediterranean climate so it's really hard to say, although obviously the majority of C&I events take place in spring or autumn.

Does Zagreb have what it takes to be a major C&I option?
As a city it has more than 1,000 years of history, manifested in everything from its architecture and museums to its libraries and theatres - it's somewhere with a specific atmosphere and spirit. There's an international airport of course, and its hotels, congress halls and historical venues are of a very high standard. Visitors are always surprised when discovering Zagreb's different faces - put simply, it's a city tailored to the needs of people.