Watch the new promotional film for Croatian tourism starring John Malkovich

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Croatian National Tourist Board, in cooperation with the Croatian Football Federation, organized a promotional event "CROATIA IN THE GAME - Tourism. Sport. Culture. Flavors." on the occasion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which took place tonight at the AKA Hotel in the city of Alexandria, where the Croatian national football team camp is located.

It was an opportunity to premiere a new promotional film for Croatian tourism. "CROATIA - I hear it's beautiful" in which the main role is played by a world-famous actor of Croatian roots John Malkovich, had its premiere last night 

In the production of the video, the role of creative director was played by Pete Radovich, a celebrated television and sports producer, also of Croatian descent, and winner of 45 Emmy Awards in 18 different categories.

The main goal of the event was to promote Croatia's tourist assets by highlighting the connection between our country and the USA through sports and the numerous successes of athletes.

Hub: Croatia is a story the world wants to experience

This is the big step we are taking for the first time and with which we are strongly positioning Croatia in the world, said Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports, adding that while the legendary John Malkovich is the face of Croatia's new promotional film, global sports stars such as LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma and Rafael Nadal have gathered in Dubrovnik at the same time, who, through the E1 competition, are sending spectacular scenes of Croatia to all parts of the world.

"This is yet another confirmation of how strong, authentic and winning a combination tourism and sport are. Together they create stories that transcend borders, connect people and position Croatia among the most desirable destinations in the world. And when our greatest ambassadors join that story - the Croatian national football team, coach Zlatko Dalić, captain Luka Modrić and the entire team - then the promotion of Croatia gains additional strength, emotion and credibility. Today, Croatia is not just a destination that the world wants to visit. Croatia is a story that the world wants to experience."", said the minister The hub.

The American market is our most important source market by far and one of the key strategic markets for Croatian tourism, and this is confirmed by the results and continuous growth we achieve year after year.

The total growth since 2019 in arrivals and overnight stays is more than 30%, confirming that Croatia today has a strong position among the most desirable European destinations for American guests, contributed by continuous promotion, a quality tourist offer, and increasingly improving air connections.

As of this year, Croatia has two direct routes to the USA, from Dubrovnik and Split, which is expected to bring the total number of direct flights between Croatia and the USA to 440. Let's add that Americans travel all year round and, according to TOMAS research, they are first on the list in terms of average daily spending.

- shorter version of the promotional video (1:04 minutes)

"The American market for Croatian tourism represents the most important distant market from which we generate the largest tourist traffic, and when we add to that the fact that the World Cup is being held here, it is clear that all of this together represents an excellent opportunity for additional promotion of Croatia as a quality, attractive and safe destination. Also, this was an ideal opportunity for the premiere of a new promotional film for Croatian tourism starring John Malkovich. The video is original, different, I would say special, and represents a departure from previous promotional videos, but also a step forward in the promotion of Croatian tourism, which we are particularly proud of.", He said Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian Tourist Board, wishing our football players success in the championship and emphasizing that our athletes and the Croatian football team have been successfully contributing to Croatia's international recognition for years and represent valuable ambassadors of our country on a global level.