- TUI UK is the first major tour operator to launch holidays to two islands in Kvarner Bay in Croatia, Rab and Krk, located in the northern Adriatic sea for summer 2019
- The introduction of another Croatian destination follows continued market growth and a 38% increase in TUI sales for Croatia for next summer compared to last year
- TUI Airways will be the only airline to operate exclusively to Rijeka Airport in Kvarner Bay from Manchester and London Gatwick airports
- Holidaymakers can enjoy the adults only TUI Sensimar Carolina on the island of Rab
10th September 2018 – The Croatian Tourist Board has seen almost an 8% increase in UK travellers to Croatia this year following a 26% rise in arrivals the year before and TUI, the UK’s largest tour operator, has seen unique searches to the country rise by almost 30% from 2017. Responding to this demand TUI UK have launched a relatively unknown destination to the UK market introducing two direct weekly flights to Rijeka from Manchester and London Gatwick exclusively from the 23rd May next year.
With Europe’s rising star also being named as the most hash-tagged destination on Instagram this summer, the increased popularity only looks to continue with the Croatian tourist board expecting a further increase of UK visitors in 2019.
Kvarner Bay promises to be a hit with UK tourists who will be attracted to the beautiful mountainous landscape, mild sunny climate and crystal clear waters. The islands offer so much more than just beach appeal with bustling towns and quaint fishing villages. The destination is set to be a hit with nature and outdoor lovers who can enjoy cycling, biking, swimming and even scuba diving. TUI holidaymakers will fly direct to Rijeka which is on the island of Krk with a ferry service to nearby Rab included in the price of the holiday.
The island of Rab in Kvarner Bay boasts sandy beaches touched by the bluest seas and yet it’s hailed as the greenest island on the Adriatic featuring homegrown exotic plants and a natural reserve. The town is lined with paved cobbled streets and enchanting alleyways featuring romantic churches, tall towers and balconied palaces. The island is perfect for a romantic break and will host TUI’s adults only concept resort TUI Sensimar Carolina as well as two spectacular Platinum hotels.
The new TUI Sensimar resort is a further step towards delivering TUI Group’s growth roadmap. The Group will continue to expand its portfolio of owned hotels, which achieve high customer satisfaction levels.
Those looking for a more diverse experience should opt for the country’s largest island of Krk. The island has something for everyone and can please the most cultural of tourists with its thousand years old towns, tiny rural villages and quiet cafes. Holidaymakers can take in the history of Krk by visiting its various towns featuring castles, cathedrals and museums but for those who’re after a more typical summer holiday experience, the island offers established city beaches, swimming bays and lively bars and clubs. TUI will offer three hotels on the island including Corinthia Baska Sunny hotel by Valamar.
Mark Hall Director of Product at TUI UK, says, “We are excited to launch yet another interesting and different destination to our customers. We are committed to offering holidaymakers the best travel experiences around the world and we know that Croatia is proving extremely popular with UK customers so we are positive this new addition to our portfolio will be a success. Adding a TUI branded hotel to one of the islands shows we continue offering customers even more choice and flexibility when it comes to adults only holidays.”
Ivona Grgan, Director of Croatian National Tourist Office, UK & Ireland says, ‘’Croatia’s multiple offering championed by its natural beauty boasting over 1,000 islands, coastlines, peninsulas, mountains and continental urban flair offers something for every discerning traveller. Unsurprisingly, a variety of locations in the coastal, mountain and continental regions dotted with the National parks and UNESCO sites, provided an ideal film-set for a number of recent films, most notably Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again which, after the premier, is witnessing a rush of UK visitors to the farthest inhabited island of central Dalmatia, island of Vis, marking 16% and 17% rise in arrivals and overnight stays. Croatia’s tourism fuelled by films is another boost to the country’s prospects in the UK market and enhanced visibility.”