Monday, August 26, 2024 Croatia, nestled along the Adriatic Sea, has experienced a notable surge in Chinese visitors. Kristina Mamic, Director of Corporate Communications at the Croatian National Tourist Board, reported that by August 21, 96,700 Chinese tourists had visited Croatia, marking a remarkable 93 percent increase compared to the previous year. In Croatia, Dubrovnik, the iconic city in the south, along with the capital Zagreb and the second-largest city, Split, have emerged as particularly favored spots.
Although the overall number of tourists hasn’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, Mamic pointed out that the current trend is promising. Albania is also rising in popularity among Chinese tourists. The Albanian Ministry of Tourism revealed that between January and July this year, 13,000 Chinese visitors traveled to Albania, reflecting an impressive 118.
6 percent increase. Alongside their choice of new destinations, Chinese tourists are increasingly embracing slow and immersive travel, moving away from the fast-paced and intensive tourism style of the past. In the Dutch village of Giethoorn, often dubbed the “Venice of the North” for its tranquil canals and picturesque scenery, Chinese tourists are opting for longer stays, allowing for deeper cultural immersion.
Gabriella Esselbrugge, a Dutch tourism advocate for Giethoorn, noted that most Chinese visitors now prefer independent travel, choosing to stay longer and engage more thoroughly with local culture. Sim.