Croatia took full benefit of last visa free season

We studied the outcome of our first year of marketing for the newly refurbish Lafodia Hotel & Resort, located on the breathtaking island of Lopud, next to Dubrovnik. The results for the hotel was very good as it was for the country as a whole.

The 2012 summer season witness a dramatic increase of the tourist flow from Russia which obviously is the result of the visa free regime the tourism and foreign affairs ministries has installed for this period for the Russian nationals. The results show an average of 25% increase for the sales to Croatia, according to major stakeholders. Moreover, they all  think next year will have nothing to envy to this past season and are quite optimistic about the future of the destination in the Russian market.

It is interesting to note that the traditional northern shore with Pula which has been draining most of the tourist flow for year had to share the business with Split and southern Dalmatia, namely with Dubrovnik and its region. The island destinations were also much in demand. It is important to note that many hotels of the North were fully booked this summer so the clientele was suggested to discover the South, help by the direct flights.And indeed, this clientele was mostly flying with regular airlines (some 10 direct weekly flights between Moscow and Dubrovnik during the season) which appeared to be up to 200 EUR cheaper than the seats on the charter chains. Individuals were also keen on booking the destination for the low season and the market is now surprisingly seeing a some demands for the winter including the New Year period; though this only represents some units, the fact is interesting to note and may be the beginning of a new trend for the years to come.

The destination has satisfied many Russian tourists this year thanks to its many assets and if the Russian airlines renew their daily direct flights, all the specialists of the destination agree that the visa system will not prevent the Russian tourist flow to keep growing in 2013.

The Moscow office of rm consultants russia offers many solutions to get your share of the Russian market: sales calls, brochure regionalization, events, implementation of a year round marketing plan. To see how we can help you get to the right buyers, position your offer and distribute accurate information to reach your target, you may contact Eric Grandjean at our sales office by email:

>> rmconsultwww@gmail.com
>> mid-season news about Croatia