Advent in Zagreb Ends: Tourism 50% Up

(photo: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Advent in Zagreb, which helped the Croatian capital claim the title of ‘Best Christmas Market in Europe’ for the second year in row, officially ended on 8 January after 6 weeks of Christmas and New Year festivities.

The numbers have come in and this year’s Advent in Zagreb has been a huge success. Over the past 6 weeks 120,000 tourists visited the capital during Advent.

Advent in Zagreb

Those tourists created 230,000 overnight stays, a key measure in the tourism sector. The 230,000 overnight stays were a massive 50% increase compared to the same period last year.

(photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

Data shows that tourists visiting the capital during Advent are staying longer, with a 2-day stay now the average.

There has been plenty going on this year – from the hugely popular Ice Park on Tomislav Square and other Advent festivities around the city, to Croatia Music Week with Armin van Burren and the skiing World Cup races.

Legends ski race in downtown Zagreb (photo credit; Instagram royalcroatiantours)

Organisers and the City of Zagreb will be hoping for more improvement again next year when the capital will be aiming for a three-peat of the Best Christmas Market in Europe title.