TORONTO — The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) touched down in Toronto this week with destination partners in tow, ready to showcase the ‘Croatia Full of Life’ meet-and-mingle trade session.
The event took place at the Mississauga Civic Centre, attracting a select group of 40 travel professionals eager to learn about Croatia’s offerings.
The first workshop of its kind in Canada, it was organized and hosted by Leila Kresic-Juric, the Director of North America for CNTB, and event partner Ante Jovic, the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia, based in Mississauga.
It was an informative session focused on forging new relationships and building future momentum – together.
Jovic highlighted Croatia’s compact size and underscored the 20 million tourists received annually, which, for a mighty nation of only 4 million, he described as “definitely punching above its weight.”
As advisors seek fresh angles to pitch to clients, he also spoke about some of Croatia’s numerous attractions, such as its breathtaking coastline, which comprises over 1,200 islands, its vibrant culinary scene, warm hospitality, rich culture, and long heritage.
And just how long is Croatia’s heritage, one may ask?
According to Jovic, “This year Croatia commemorates 1,100 years since the foundation of the Croatian Kingdom -that’s a pretty long time.” He then added jokingly, “Almost as long as a Manitoba winter, maybe.”
As the session unfolded, each partner delivered a brief presentation providing an overview of their specialty product and services, followed by speed-dating style meetings.
All participants were invited to a cocktail reception that evening to celebrate Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario (held on May 29 and now in its second consecutive year), as well as the Republic of Croatia’s Statehood Day, observed on May 30.
A heartfelt message to travel partners and advisors underscored CNTO’s commitment to the trade. Kresic-Juric stated, “As a national tourist office, our doors are open to you, and we greatly appreciate the clients you send our way. We encourage you to share your experiences of Croatia when you return – it’s the best story we can hear, and it goes a long way for us.”
DIRECT LIFT FROM YYZ
As the exclusive carrier offering direct flights from Canada to Croatia, Air Transat has been providing nonstop service from Toronto to Zagreb for several years.
Dima Fahed, account manager, Transat (left)and Laura Albrow, account manager, Air Transat
With Ontario home to the largest Croatian diaspora in Canada – approximately 100,000 people of Croatian descent – the vibrant community plays a key role in the success of Air Transat’s route.
Travelweek caught up with Laura Albrow, Account Manager at Air Transat Airlines, who shared her insights.
“Croatia is always a great destination for us, and it has a vibrant community in Toronto, the GTA and beyond, which helps fill seats.” She added, “There is also the attraction of the natural beauty of the destination itself, where people can experience Croatia’s beautiful beaches and lovely food, making it a top destination for us.”
Utilizing the carriers’ largest aircraft, the A330, Air Transat operates the following seasonal flights between Toronto and Zagreb, with three flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) with convenient departure and return schedules. Service runs from May to October each year. Plus, Air Transat offers a joint venture with Porter Airlines to access its network of flights.
Here’s a round-up of the destination partner highlights…
MEETEX
Croatia’s leading MICE B2B trade show, connecting international buyers with top suppliers through curated meetings, networking, and immersive experiences. MEETEX showcases Croatia’s world-class business event venues, incentive travel programs and professional hospitality.
Represented by Nicole Simunac, MEETEX Representative for North America
W: meetex.eu
E: nicole@meetex.eu HQ in Zagreb, Croatia
TOPTOURS DMC
Established in 1992, this boutique destination management company specializes in crafting tailor-made travel experiences across Croatia and the Balkans, offering personalized itineraries for both leisure and corporate clients, including incentive programs, events, and ground handling services.
Represented by the representative in NA: Salient Marketing Agency, Mahima Tripathi
E: info@toptours-dmc.com / mahima@saleint.ca HQ in Zagreb, Croatia
SUPERTOURS DMC
A family-owned incoming company since 2010, with offices in Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Mostar and Vienna. Supertours operates tours in Austria, Croatia, and neighbouring countries, offering
guaranteed departures, customized luxury travel, group travel, as well as boat charter and small ship cruising.
Represented by Nino Hadžović, CEO/Owner
E: nino.hadzovic@supertours.eu HQ in Dubrovnik, Croatia
ARAGOSA TRAVEL DMC
Aragosa Travel understands that every journey is unique and provides tailored travel experiences, from group tours to tailor-made itineraries, including personalized service and competitive Pricing.
Represented by Goran Raspopović, Director
W: aragosa.hr
HQ in Dubrovnik, Croatia
TRAVEMO CLUB DMC
A destination management expert who creates unforgettable experiences for travellers who want to explore Croatia and Southeast Europe. Travemo is passionate about creating personalized and unique travel experiences that exceed client expectations.
Represented by Marijan Mikec, Director
E: marijan.mikec@travemoclub.com HQ in Zagreb, Croatia
GULLIVER DMC
Dubrovnik-based travel agency, backed by over 25 years of experience, offers a range of destination management services across the Adriatic and Danube regions. Founded in 2020, the company leverages the expertise and in-depth regional knowledge of its founders and team to deliver high-quality services.
Represented by Maro Saulović, Managing Director
E: info@gulliver-dmc.hr HQ in Dubrovnik, Croatia
ELITE TRAVEL PREMIUM DMC
Established in 2001, Elite Travel is a comprehensive DMC that specializes in personalized travel planning. With a team of passionate professionals, it’s committed to creating exceptional travel experiences. Elite’s premium destination portfolio includes Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro.
Represented by Andrija Matić, Business Development Director
HQ in Dubrovnik, Croatia
KOMPAS DMC
Kompas carries over 70 years of experience in Adriatic small ship cruises, escorted land tours,
premium villa rentals, and international ferry services between Croatia and Venice, as well asDubrovnik and Montenegro.
Represented by Sid Danovic, VP of Product and Sales, North America
HQ in Poreč, Croatia
Office for North America: Fort Lauderdale
AMINESS HOTELS & RESORTS
One of the fastest-growing tourism companies in Croatia, with a total of 29 properties. Aminess operates across 10 destinations, including Istria, Krk, Pag, Novi Vinodolski, Crikvenica, Makarska, and on the islands of Korčula, Hvar, Brač and on Pelješac peninsula.
Represented by Ivan Botica, Sales Manager
W: aminess.com
E: ivan.botica@aminess.com HQ in Korcula, Croatia
For more information from the Croatian National Tourist Board, see Croatia.hr
or email info.us@croatia.hr.
