Croatia in World’s Top 10 Unconventional Family Destinations with Authentic Experiences

(Photo: Ivo Biocina/CNTB)

Croatia has been ranked as one of the TOP 10 destinations in the world for unconventional family holidays offering authentic experiences in a report by leading global luxury travel network Virtuoso®.

Hailed as an industry trend forecaster, the 2018 Virtuoso Luxe Report surveyed its affiliated travel advisors to discover the leading destinations and developments that impact how families are traveling this year with Croatia in the TOP 10 for destinations for families looking for authentic experiences in unconventional spots.

With Croatia, Iceland is the only other European nation featuring in the TOP 10.

Top 10 Unconventional Family Destinations with Authentic Experiences
1. Iceland
2. Galapagos Islands
3. Cuba
4. Antarctica
5. Botswana/Mongolia (tie)
6. Japan
7. United Arab Emirates
8. Egypt
9. Rwanda
10. Croatia

“Driven by Gen Z’s quest to experience new destinations, families are heading beyond the tried and true locales. The desire for authentic experiences figures into many of the unconventional spots, whether it be the unspoiled appeal of Iceland (also last year’s top pick) and Antarctica, the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, or Cuba’s culture. As well-traveled families have already explored North America and Europe, they are focusing on African and Asian destinations. Botswana, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt debut on the list this year,” the report said.

“The results of the Virtuoso Report particularly delight us because they point to Croatia’s excellent position on the big US market. It is important that in the US market we are recognised as a tourist destination with a variety of offers that includes quality, richness, and originality. Croatia has so far been recognised as a family-friendly destination in Europe, and indeed we are outside of European frameworks, confirms the Virtuoso Report by one of our key partners, the US market with which we have excellent cooperation,” said Croatian Tourist Board director Kristjan Stanicic, adding as the latest TOMAS summer survey showed that American tourists are at the top of tourist spending in Croatia, which on the daily level amounts to almost 160 euros.

(Photo: Ivo Biocina/CNTB)

During 2017 there were 476,000 tourist arrivals from the United States, up 35% from the previous year. They created 1.3 million overnight stays, which is growth of 34% from 2016. So far in 2018, there has been 116,000 arrivals from the United States (+25%) and 293.000 overnight stays (+16%).

Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,000 travel agency partners with 17,500 elite travel advisors in more than 45 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.