Croatia’s Strategic Partnership With Jet2 At WTM’25 Sets The Stage For Expanded UK Tourism And Air Travel Opportunities

At the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM), Croatia solidified its strategic partnership with Jet2, marking a significant step towards boosting UK tourism and air travel opportunities. This collaboration is set to expand direct flight connections between the UK and Croatia, making it easier for British travelers to explore the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant coastal destinations. The move highlights Croatia’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading European travel destination and offers exciting new prospects for both the tourism and aviation sectors.

Croatia made a powerful and dynamic presence at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, reinforcing its status as one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations. The Croatian pavilion, which featured the country’s iconic checkered patterns, became a focal point for visitors, providing an inviting and visually striking display of the nation’s cultural and tourism assets. The event, one of the most significant in the global travel industry, saw the Croatian delegation promoting the country’s diverse offerings with enthusiasm and a clear focus on attracting more international travelers, especially from the UK market.

The Croatian delegation, led by high-ranking officials from the Croatian Tourist Board (CNTB), emphasized the country’s dedication to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and expanding its global reach. The delegation was also joined by 27 co-exhibitors representing different regions and tourism entities, all united in showcasing Croatia’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant tourism sector. These exhibitors included representatives from several Croatian tourism boards, as well as major tourism industry players like Croatia Airlines and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. Their participation highlighted the nation’s collaborative approach to promoting tourism and advancing the local economy.

On the first day of the exhibition, Croatia’s position in the UK market was reaffirmed through a series of strategic meetings with influential travel industry partners, including prominent British airlines, travel agencies, and organizations. Meetings with companies such as Jet2.com, EasyJet Holidays, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), and major travel magazines underlined the strong relationship between the UK and Croatia. These discussions focused on expanding direct air connections and ensuring the seamless travel experience for British tourists visiting Croatia, which has seen a consistent rise in popularity in recent years.

The most notable announcement came from a major British travel company, which signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Croatian Tourist Board during the event. This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between the UK and Croatia and highlights the success of the British market for Croatian tourism. According to the latest data, British tourists have been flocking to Croatia in growing numbers, with 825,000 arrivals and 4.1 million overnight stays recorded in the first ten months of 2024. These figures represent a modest increase of 1% in arrivals and a 2% increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year, demonstrating that Croatia is increasingly becoming a favorite destination for British travelers.

The strong demand from British tourists is primarily focused on Croatia’s stunning coastal regions, particularly the Dubrovnik-Neretva and Split-Dalmatia areas. These regions continue to attract visitors with their picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and historical landmarks. Furthermore, Croatia’s appeal as a city-break destination remains strong, as British tourists are also drawn to the country’s charming cities and vibrant cultural scene. This trend was particularly evident at WTM, where tourism professionals highlighted the importance of city breaks in Croatia’s tourism offering.

The culinary side of Croatian tourism also took center stage at WTM with a special focus on the country’s gastronomy. The “Croatian Coastal Flavours” culinary showcase was held at the newly introduced WTM Trend Fest stand, attracting a diverse audience eager to explore Croatia’s food and beverage offerings. This event highlighted Croatia’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing both traditional and contemporary local cuisine. A key element of the culinary presentation was the promotion of Croatia’s world-class wines, which continue to gain international recognition for their quality and unique flavors.

Beyond the food, the WTM presentation also featured Croatia’s commitment to sustainability and authentic tourism experiences. The concept of “Find your Pomalo,” an immersive sensory experience that invites visitors to embrace the laid-back, stress-free lifestyle of the Croatian coast, captivated many attendees. This initiative aligns with the growing global interest in sustainable travel and the desire for meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. Visitors were able to immerse themselves in the essence of Croatian culture, experiencing firsthand the relaxed pace of life that is synonymous with the country’s coastal towns and villages.

In addition to the culinary experiences, the event also showcased a variety of regional products, such as wines, cheeses, and locally produced goods, in partnership with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The region-specific offerings helped to underline the diversity of Croatia’s cultural heritage and the breadth of experiences available to tourists. Over 80 journalists and media representatives attended the event, with many expressing interest in featuring Croatian tourism in their future publications. This level of media engagement further demonstrated the success of Croatia’s marketing strategy and its ability to attract the attention of key international media outlets.

At WTM, Croatia’s tourism representatives highlighted several key projects that continue to drive the country’s tourism development. These include investments in infrastructure, improvements to transport links, and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of visitor experiences. Regional tourism boards from areas such as Dubrovnik-Neretva, Split-Dalmatia, Zadar, and Šibenik-Knin, along with the Zagreb Tourist Board, were present to promote their unique offerings. National treasures such as the Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks also took part in the event, showcasing Croatia’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.

Croatia’s new partnership with Jet2, unveiled at WTM 2025, will expand UK tourism and air travel opportunities by enhancing direct flight connections, making it easier for British travelers to visit Croatia’s top destinations.

Croatia’s new partnership with Jet2, unveiled at WTM 2025, will expand UK tourism and air travel opportunities by enhancing direct flight connections, making it easier for British travelers to visit Croatia’s top destinations.

As the WTM event came to a close, the Croatian delegation’s activities underscored the country’s continued efforts to attract more international visitors and further establish itself as a key player in the global tourism industry. With a growing number of tourists, especially from the UK, and an increasing focus on sustainability, authentic experiences, and cultural heritage, Croatia is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the competitive global tourism market. The event provided a platform for Croatia to showcase its strengths and future ambitions, ensuring that the country remains an exciting and dynamic destination for travelers worldwide.

The post Croatia’s Strategic Partnership With Jet2 At WTM’25 Sets The Stage For Expanded UK Tourism And Air Travel Opportunities appeared first on Travel And Tour World.