Visitors Find Zagreb Delightful

The two digit growth rate in the number of visitors is a good indicator of the vigorous tourist activity in Zagreb. Its urban decor, the richness of events and the ongoing dynamic changes show that tourist ambitions do not stop there. Irrespective of their arrival motifs, the guests are overwhelmed by the city's atmosphere and its offerings. Ivo Jelušić, President of the Tourist Board of the City of Zagreb and Deputy Mayor of Zagreb shares his views.

Zagreb is known and recognized in European tourism terms as a city with a lot to offer. The city's historical and cultural nucleus is really remarkable, and its cultural institutions, museums, galleries, theater performances and concerts are comparable with those of other European cities. I dare say that very few European cities of the same size have more to offer than Zagreb. The old urban architecture of Zagreb is very special. Whoever comes to Zagreb for the first time finds it really delightful. 

- Very often, Zagreb hosts major congress gatherings, concerts and sporting events. Would you share with us your views of the current congress offer and its prospects?

- In October of this year, we received a prestigious award in London for our film about the congress offer of Zagreb. We were extremely pleased, primarily because this highly coveted award is bestowed by industry professionals who follow congress activities in Europe and worldwide. Another reason for our satisfaction was the fact that our efforts were recognized and our congress offer awarded, even though we still lack a major congress center. Receiving this award under such conditions and amidst such fierce competition could only mean that we must be doing something right. Zagreb is a serious congress destination even today, although the construction of a large congress center will almost certainly boost that role in the future. With that in mind, we are looking into the possibility of building a congress center which will serve a dual purpose: it will help the city's economy and also boost its image. Since we are talking about a very specific activity, the City Tourist Board and the city itself would like to see this idea come to fruition as soon as possible. However, a project of that magnitude requires a strategic partner. There is no use building a congress hall if you do not have the support that the congress activities require, if you are not part of a global network of organizations and associations. I would like to remind you that congress tourism is not just the craze of the decade. It is certainly an activity that will develop and continue existing as the most profitable branch of tourism for decades to come. 

- Zagreb is creating its offer and building its image with a winner's mentality and ambitious plans. How much energy is being invested in that, and what are your plans for the future?

- This is the kind of job in which nothing can be left to chance. Even if we let tourism develop haphazardly, if we allowed it to follow its own random course, it would not collapse. However, some personal effort invested by those who are part of the tourist industry can give it the desired boost. Any project you embark on, this one being no exception, requires certain resources and springing boards. Zagreb certainly does not lack these. Zagreb can certainly win hearts with its cultural, historical, gastronomic and every other type of offer. We are still doing everything we can to make our city as beautiful as possible, for its citizens and their guests. Our guests recognize our efforts and tell us how successful we are.