Having already recorded some
impressive rises in tourism numbers over previous years in what has been an outstanding tourist season, Split-Dalmatia county went one better for the month of October, recording the highest number of tourist arrivals in the country, according to a report in
Slobodna Dalmacija on Novermber 9, 2013, beating traditionally more popular destinations such as Istria and Dubrovnik county in the process.
Traditionally known for its beaches and summer sun, the tourism powers in the Central Dalmatia region, aided by some spectacular late season weather, have successfully managed to lengthen the season, and some 95,000 tourists visited the county in October alone, with Split, Makaraska and the premier island of Hvar the popular destinations.
With a 2013 growth of 10 percent of arrivals, Central Dalamtia is almost double the national average of 5.4 percent, according to the paper.
The late October sun on Croatia's premier island helped contribute to strong late-season performance.
"I do not think this happened by chance," said Josko Stella, director of the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board, "and the regional tourist board has taken a big step forward to hit the right market 'mix', which included the largest number of our potential customers. Just as we have made big stride with onlines marketing and social networks, so too we have been special attention with the more traditional modes of communication, such as fairs, advertising, presentations, and bringing foreign journalists and travel agents. It seems he hit the target, and we will have the same approach for the 2014 season, which we expect to be even better. "
With the early flight announcements and other factors, the upcoming season does indeed look promising, one which should be aided with the launching of a
hydroplane service interconnecting the Dalmatian islands with Split and Dubrovnik, an initial part of a plan to revolutionise travel on the Adriatic, and deliver a significantly enhanced tourism expererience.