Continental tourism is growing rapidly, with Slavonia and Baranja leading the trend

Slavonia and Baranja are the fastest growing regions of Croatia in terms of tourism - this is the message from the Stories of Slavonia event of the HGK Stories Croatia premium tourism platform.

The event brought together representatives of the tourism sector, platform members, OPGs as representatives of the region's identity, and partners and agents from the German market, one of the most important source markets for Croatian tourism. One of the focuses was on presenting package models that combine premium accommodation, gastronomy, local experiences and authentic cultural offerings.

Andreja Vukojević: Continental tourism is becoming an increasingly large segment of Croatian tourism

Continental tourism is becoming an increasingly large segment of Croatian tourism, she said. Andreja Vukojevic, Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and added that it is important that it is characterized by higher value-added products based on the authenticity and identity of the destination - which is at the very core of premium tourism.

"That is why we have decided today to present the Stories platform to the Slavonia and Baranja region as a tool for networking and increasing the competitiveness of the sector. Among other things, we are presenting a model for structured connection of high-quality service providers into market-ready premium arrangements. In this way, we are strengthening the market placement of the continental premium offer, and this was confirmed by agents from the German market whose arrival we organized for the purpose of targeted presentation of the region to international partners."",  

The Stories platform celebrates its second anniversary this year, and is focused on networking premium service providers and developing innovative and sustainable tourism products. Through a series of activities, including education, promotional projects and B2B events, the platform encourages the improvement of the quality of the offer at the national level. In this context, Slavonia is recognized as a region with a strong identity, whose offer, based on the experience, tradition and lifestyle of the local community, is increasingly in demand among modern travelers.

Mislav Matišić: Tourism in Slavonia and Baranja is not a coincidence, but the result of systematic work.

Investments, such as the Materra hotel, but also those under construction and yet to open; new hotels in Đakovo, Valpovo and Osijek, show that investing in the continental tourism product is not the future, but the present, he said. Mislav Matisic, director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board and added:

"We need to make ourselves aware of how premium we are, not only through the facilities, but also through the people who work in them, who are at the service of guests and because of which the Materra hotel has a rating of 9,9 on Booking.com. Also, according to Booking.com, Osijek-Baranja County is among the top 10 destinations of the most cordial regions in the world. Slavonia and Baranja are a premium product for several reasons. Not only because of our hospitality, but also because of the fact that we produce half of Croatian wine, that we still create traditional flavors with our own hands and that we can authentically offer this to tourists. When we understand how special, unique and premium and touristically attractive our tradition, recipes, history... are, then we can be aware of our value ourselves and clearly communicate this to the market. We are the fastest growing tourist destination in Croatia, not only on the continent, but overall, and the growth in arrivals and overnight stays last year was 15 percent. This is confirmed by the numerous awards we have received, and all together it shows what I said, tourism in Slavonia and Baranja is not a coincidence, but the result of systematic work."

Slavonia is increasingly profiled for its gastronomic specialties, which are more than just a tourist offer. It is precisely food, local products and culinary tradition that serve as a tool for differentiation in an increasingly demanding international market. Since Slavonia is the focus of the new stage of the Uplift – Friend of Croatian Cuisine project, by the end of next year a team of experienced chefs will define and unify recipes for the region's characteristic dishes. The project is aimed at strengthening the recognition and quality of domestic gastronomy.

"Croatia has an exceptionally rich gastronomic heritage, but it is still not clearly defined or recognized on an international level. That is why we are continuing with the project and, after Dalmatia, we are focusing on Slavonia, a region with a strong culinary identity and exceptional potential. Our goal is, through the same model of cooperation with top chefs and through the education of young chefs, to continue building the foundations for the long-term positioning of Croatian cuisine as an important part of the country's tourism offer and identity.", she explained Gea Kariz, Director of Mastercard in Croatia.

The event also discussed existing challenges - from the perception of the destination to the need for additional investments in infrastructure and product development. The national airline is making strides in this direction. Croatia Airlines connects Croatia with 33 European airports through 55 routes, and membership in the Star Alliance and the Miles & More program creates the conditions for global connectivity and stronger visibility.

"The Osijek-Munich line represents an important air connection between eastern Croatia and one of the largest European hubs. Munich is a hub that opens doors to the whole world, and Osijek strengthens the accessibility of the whole of Slavonia and beyond.", he pointed out Slaven Zabo, director of commercial affairs of Croatia Airlines and announced that they are about to renew their fleet, which represents the biggest project in the airline's history.

The plan includes 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft by 2027, 25 percent lower fuel consumption and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. It also announced a higher level of comfort for passengers with services such as Wi-Fi, eNewspapers, inflight magazines, and especially through the Tastes of Croatia project, which introduces passengers to domestic gastronomy during the flight.

The Stories of Slavonia event is part of a broader initiative to showcase Croatian regions through authentic and premium experiences. The goal is to strengthen the international recognition of regions and premium service providers, and to encourage year-round tourism.

Domestic and foreign guests can explore the premium offers of more than 200 platform members on the web. Stories Croatia.

Photo: hrturizam