Rovinj Records the Highest Number of Overnight Stays in Croatia

September 13, 2015 – 3,000,000 Overnight Stays

Rovinj has for the fifth time in a row, and nine days earlier in comparison with last year, on September 13, 2015 achieved the number of 3,000,000 overnight stays (a 3% increase in overnight stays by the same day).  It has, thus, for the sixth year reached the top spot when it comes to the number of overnight stays in Croatia. This result was accomplished with 460,000 arrivals, an increase of 8% in comparison to the same period last year. 
When analyzing the structure of overnight stays by types of accommodation, most of the overnight stays were recorded in:

• campsites – 1,540,000 overnight stays, at same level as last year, amounting to 51% of total overnight stays,
• hotels – 540,000 overnight stays, which constitutes a 5% increase in comparison with last year, amounting to 18% of total overnight stays,
• private accommodation – 530,000 overnight stays, which constitutes an increase of 9% in comparison with last year, amounting overall to 18%,
• tourist villages and apartments – 390,000 overnight stays which constitutes an increase of 8% 9% in comparison with last year, amounting overall to 12%.

According to the Port Authority’s Report, an increase in cruise ship dockings, of which there were 58 in the Rovinj Port by mid-September, has been reported. There were 235 mega-yacht dockings, and 326 dockings of international passenger ships with 29,000 passengers.

According to the structure of overnight stays by country of origin, the highest number of guests was from:

• Germany with 1,000,000 overnight stays, which is an increase of 4% in comparison to last year, amounting to 33% of total overnight stays
• Austria with 430,000 overnight stays, which is an increase of 8% in comparison to last year, amounting overall to 14%, 
• Italy with 360,000 overnight stays  and an increase of 6%, amounting overall to 12%
• Netherlands with 260,000 overnight stays, a decrease of 10% in comparison to last year, amounting overall to 8%,
• Slovenia with 130,000 overnight stays, an increase of 10% in comparison to last year, amounting overall to 4%

The realized tourism turnover is the result of continued efforts of the tourism industry, the public sector and private business owners and sole traders to raise the level of quality of the destination’s tourism offer, attractions and amenities, thus increasing the competitive edge and distinctiveness of our destination. Significant investments were made this year, in accordance with the adopted Rovinj Tourism Development Master Plan (reconstruction of the Hotel Adriatic, renovation of accommodations, food-service and entertainment facilities and the municipal infrastructure).
Rovinj has achieved good results in tourism due to an appropriate blend of tourism products, such as amenities for sports and recreation, vacationing and relaxation, amenities for business meetings and congresses, and an increasingly significant development of cultural tourism based on cultural and natural attractions and tradition.

In order to attract more guests, numerous promotional activities were carried out at the local level and within the framework of Istrian Marketing Plan. The Croatian Tourist Board, the Istria Tourist Board, town Tourist Boards and local tourism companies implemented joint advertising activities, and organized numerous visits by travel and tourism reporters, study groups and television crews. So far the destination was visited by about 50 media groups with 230 reporters from renowned European and global newspapers, tourism magazines and publications, portals and TV networks that wrote articles and made video reports on Istria and Rovinj. Such activities have resulted in receiving numerous recognitions awarded by the media which have also rated it to be one of the most interesting and best vacation, gastronomic and wine destinations in the world, and Rovinj was frequently deemed as one of most attractive destinations. It appears that one of the most important factors in achieving excellent tourism results, in addition to the overall tourism offer, is definitely the town’s attractiveness and special charm, its natural surroundings, tradition and culture.
A good number of visitors were attracted by numerous events which have contributed to the strengthening of Rovinj’s image as a town full of events and cultural activities. Rovinj has, owing to the promotion received by hosting at the end of May the 2nd edition of the largest sports event in Croatia – the “Red Bull Air Race”, secured its place on the world tourist map. Rovinj has also been granted the honor to host at the end of May the 100th anniversary session of the Executive Council of World Tourism Organization. About 300 participants from almost 50 member-countries of the Executive Council as well as other representatives of UNWTO took part. The guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with Rovinj and Istria, as well as our tourism offer, which is extremely important for the success of our destinations on the global market. With the cooperation of Tourist Boards, town institutions and the tourism industry, a wide range of events have been organized to attract guests throughout the year. We should also mention sporting events such as the 14th Rovinj Underwater Fishing Cup, the Istrian Riviera Tennis Tournament, the International Handball Camp, Popolana, the 11th Histria Classic Rally, the Rovinj-Chioggia-Rovinj Regatta, the Rovinj-Pesaro-Rovinj Regatta, Regatta of Boats with Lugsails, the Apnea Academy,  as well as events such as Etnofilm7, Days of Communication, Rovinj Jazz Festival, On the Paths of Rovinj Delicacies, Rovinj Photodays, “Baromus – Baroque Music Concerts, Rovinj Summer Festival – the Festival of Classic Music, Summer Sensual Days and Salsa Festival, Dolce Vita, Evenings Dedicated to the Fishing Tradition, the Sete Sois Sete Luas Festival of Mediterranean Music, Grisia, Night of St. Lawrence, Rovinj Night, festivities organized to mark the Day of the Town of Rovinj and St. Euphemia, its patron saint, and various exhibitions and concerts... other events are still planned until the end of the year.
Through participation in the national project Croatia 365 – PPS Destinations (development and promotion of products for the spring and fall shoulder season),  Rovinj, joined this year by Bale, Kanfanar and Svetvinčenat, will continue to develop an attractive tourist offer and vacation programs, in order for the invested efforts to result in attracting visitors throughout the whole year and setting new tourism records.