ACI SUPPORTED THE WORLD’S LARGEST SPORTS TOURISM CONGRESS IN ZADAR

ACI SUPPORTED THE WORLD’S LARGEST SPORTS TOURISM CONGRESS IN ZADAR

The President of the Management Board, Kristijan Pavić, on behalf of the largest chain of marinas in the Mediterranean, participated in the 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress under the name „Tourism & Sports United for Sustainability“ in Zadar

On April 26 and 27, 2023, the city of Donat hosted the 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress under the name „Tourism & Sports United for Sustainability“, organized by the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Along with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, who officially opened the Congress, and the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Nikolina Brnjac, the event was attended by the President of the ACI Management Board, Kristijan Pavić, as one of the prominent representatives of domestic tourism and sports. In their company were special guests from abroad, UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sports of Slovenia Matjaž Han, Deputy Minister of International Affairs of Saudi Arabia Sultan Almusallam and President of the European Olympic Committees Spyros Capralos.

Two meaningful congress days with constructive guidance from world experts

At the congress, experts from around the world discussed several key aspects such as the economic impact of sports tourism, its contribution to the goals of sustainable development from an ecological, social and economic perspective, as well as key tools for promoting the destination through the organization of sports events, sponsorships and tender procedures. There were speakers from the field of sports tourism, as well as sports, as well as representatives of a number of international organizations. Everyone agreed that sports tourism is one of the fastest growing special forms of tourism, and the Ministry recognized it in its strategic activities as a leader in the development of tourist destinations, which is why holding this congress in Croatia is extremely important. More than 300 participants gathered, including numerous high-ranking representatives of different countries, international stakeholders from the fields of tourism and sports, and numerous famous active and former athletes. As the guests concluded, sport and tourism are the most important economic branches in urban society, and Zadar is only one of the destinations where they come together. This is precisely why it is important to talk about how to reconcile the development of these economic branches with the growing concern for our planet, which is our only home and cannot be taken for granted.

ACI, as the regional leader of nautical tourism, implemented the conclusions of the Congress on the same day

During the Zadar Sports and Tourism Congress, Split is for the second time the proud host of one of the most prestigious regattas in the world, the Swan Croatia Challenge 2023. From April 25 to 29, ACI and ACI Sail are hosting the race that officially opened this year’s regatta calendar of the elite nautical competition, which gathers the world’s best sailors who visit destinations such as Monte Carlo, Porto Cervo and St. Tropez. The re-holding of a nautical event of this level for the second year in a row is a confirmation that Croatia and Split undoubtedly belong to the very top of the world’s nautical world and stand equally alongside some of the most exclusive Mediterranean destinations. With the presence of top sailors and experienced sailors at this exclusive regatta, the goal is to attract clientele that previously visited other parts of the Mediterranean, while the mission is to stimulate the development of destinations within the Adriatic so that these clients stay here, that is, to further establish Croatia as a global nautical brand. and an elite sailing destination that belongs to the very top of the world, as the president of the ACI Management Board, Kristijan Pavić, said. Thanks to the exclusive partnership of ACI with Nautor Swan as the main organizer of this competition, the long-term benefits for Croatia are yet to be seen. Thus, the ACI confirmed everything that was concluded at the Congress, which is in favor of extending the tourist season, attracting a clientele with increasing paying power, and strengthening Croatia’s overall destination competitiveness.

Photos: MINT

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