Zagreb County Day Shines at the Airport: Passengers Treated to a Taste of Tradition and Warm Hospitality!

In celebration of Zagreb County Day, a special welcome was extended to one hundred passengers arriving at Franjo Tuđman Airport. The Zagreb County Tourist Board, in collaboration with Zagreb International Airport, presented these guests with 100 promotional T-shirts featuring a contemporary interpretation of traditional Turopolje costumes. This gesture serves not only as a warm greeting but also as an invitation for visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of continental Croatia.

Through this initiative, Zagreb County fortifies its status on Croatia's tourist map as a destination renowned for authentic experiences, local narratives, and a distinct identity. Furthermore, the project underscores the strategic direction of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, which aims to establish a positive initial impression at the country's entry points, particularly at the airport, recognized as Croatia's gateway to the world.

A notable impression was created by the distribution of T-shirts carried out by members of the Gradići Cultural and Artistic Association, who were attired in traditional Turopolje costumes. This presentation highlighted the significance of living heritage, and the warmth of the welcome extended to participants. The smiles of the passengers, along with their reactions, reaffirmed that even the most minor gestures of attention, when executed with sincerity and thoughtfulness, convey a powerful message of identity and hospitality.

Tourism is experiencing a remarkable surge!

During the first half of 2025, Zagreb County reported a 3% increase in tourist arrivals, while the number of overnight stays remained at the elevated levels achieved in the previous year, which had seen a remarkable 20% growth compared to 2023. Concurrently, Zagreb International Airport has been experiencing consistent growth in traffic, with an approximate 8% increase in passenger numbers recorded in June 2025 compared to June of the prior year.

"We maintain that the initial impression is crucial, and it is our aim for visitors to experience the warmth and authenticity of our region immediately upon their arrival. This initiative at the airport serves as a symbolic yet impactful means of communicating our values of togetherness, hospitality, and the rich cultural heritage we are proud to uphold," states Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board. "Zagreb County is evolving as a region focused on long-term development through sustainable tourism practices, the promotion of short supply chains, robust support for family farms, and the creation of innovative tourism products that address the genuine needs of travelers."

The airport stands as a critical ally in the strategic promotion and enhancement of the continent's interests

David Gabelica, a member of the Management Board of Zagreb International Airport d.d., emphasises that Franjo Tuđman Airport serves as a robust platform that fosters the growth of continental tourism. This segment is increasingly vital to the Croatian tourism landscape. The airport's high-quality air connections to numerous European and global destinations facilitate visitors' access to the culturally rich, gastronomically exquisite, and naturally distinctive sites within Zagreb County. We take particular pride in our successful collaboration with the Zagreb County Tourist Board, which encompasses various initiatives aimed at further promoting continental tourism and enhancing the overall experience of travelers at the airport.

The powerful collaboration between the destination and its travellers

This symbolic gesture of welcome marks a significant step toward achieving the objectives of the Zagreb County Tourist Board. The aim is to cultivate a region characterised by genuine hospitality, a rich cultural heritage, and contemporary experiences at every juncture. This commitment begins with the initial interaction at the airport and extends through accommodations in a rural environment.

Visitors are encouraged to discover the wealth of this region, which is not only distinguished by the splendour of its landscapes and the depth of its cultural heritage but also by the genuine hospitality of its inhabitants, the warmth of its traditions, and the memorable flavours it offers.