New flights to link Zagreb and Prague three times weekly

(Photo: Adrian Pingstone/Public domain)

The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) and Croatia Airlines held a joint event in Prague this week to present Croatia’s tourism offer and highlight new flight connections to the Czech market.

More than 50 representatives from Czech travel agencies and tour operators attended the event, where they were addressed by Kristjan Staničić, Director of the HTZ, Mato Radić, Croatia Airlines’ Central Europe Sales Manager, and Miodrag Mlačić, Head of the HTZ Office for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Director Staničić emphasised the growing importance of the Czech market for Croatian tourism.

“Croatia traditionally ranks among the most popular foreign destinations for Czech travellers. The Czech Republic is consistently in the top five markets for tourist arrivals and overnight stays. Last year, Czechs achieved more than five million overnight stays in Croatia, and we aim to maintain that level this year,” said Staničić, noting the challenges currently facing global tourism and the importance of strong partnerships.

A major announcement from Croatia Airlines was the introduction of a new seasonal direct flight between Zagreb and Prague.

The service will operate three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – from the beginning of July until the end of October.

“We are delighted to offer direct flights connecting the capitals of Croatia and the Czech Republic. Flights will be operated by our new Airbus A220 aircraft, as we continue to modernise our fleet,” said Radić. He added that attractive promotional fares start at just €129, and that Croatia Airlines expects strong interest in both directions. In addition to the Zagreb-Prague route, seasonal flights will also run from Split and Dubrovnik to Prague.

During this year’s season, Croatia Airlines will directly connect Zagreb with 23 international destinations and the country with 30 destinations overall.

Presentation in Prague (Photo: HTZ)

Miodrag Mlačić highlighted that price remains a key factor for Czech travellers when choosing holiday destinations. He noted that last year’s price increases were noticed in the Czech market, and stressed the importance of careful pricing strategies for Croatian tourism providers.

While early bookings have been promising, the full picture will become clearer with last-minute sales.

The event in Prague was hosted by Czech CNN Prime News journalist Alex Hrdinová and was also attended by Zvonimir Sviben, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Croatian Embassy in Prague.

Last year, Czech tourists made the most overnight stays in Split-Dalmatia (1.3 million), Istria (1.1 million), and Zadar (931,000). The most popular destinations were Umag, Vir, Medulin, Biograd na Moru, and Poreč. In terms of accommodation, Czechs preferred private rentals, campsites, and hotels.