Christmas markets are more than a cherished European tradition; they are major economic engines, delivering a significant boost to city coffers every December.
For Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, they serve as a strategic tool to attract tourists well beyond the country’s peak summer season.
The words “tourism” and “Croatia” typically conjure images of the sun-drenched Adriatic coast. Yet tourism accounts for over a fifth of this Balkan nation’s economy, and there is a concerted push to extend the visitor season. Festive winter markets are central to that strategy.
“We are making a transformation,” says Croatia’s Tourism Minister, Tonci Glavina. “We are developing as a year-round tourism destination—we are not a summer destination anymore.
Croatia has made significant strides. At one point, it was just sun and sea, but now Croatia offers diverse tourism products across the entire country.”
By James Kisoo
