ABTA today announces that Croatia is to host next year’s Travel Convention in the historic coastal town of Dubrovnik, from 21-23 October 2013. This will be the first time the Travel Convention has been held in Croatia. In the last 12 months Croatia has seen a substantial 22% rise in UK visitor numbers and hosting the 2013 Travel Convention is a recognition of the importance of the UK market to Croatia as well as an opportunity to develop closer, mutually beneficial working ties with the UK travel industry.

The Convention will be co-located at the five star Dubrovnik Palace Hotel and the Valamar Lacroma Hotel, both set on the Babin Kuk peninsula, home to the city’s longest beach. Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with its city walls enclosing red tiled roofs, monasteries, medieval churches and city squares, all set on the Adriatic’s stunning coastline.

Meri Matesic, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board said: “We are delighted that Croatia has been chosen to host ABTA's 2013 Travel Convention. More and more British visitors are discovering Croatia and I’m confident that figures will continue to rise. We are very much looking forward to showcasing our home and the historically beautiful city of Dubrovnik to ABTA delegates next year; they can be sure of a very warm welcome in Croatia.”

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “We are very excited to be able to announce Croatia as the host of the 2013 Travel Convention. Croatia is becoming a favourite for British holidaymakers and its popularity is growing. We are delighted that it has agreed to host the 2013 Travel Convention. Dubrovnik is rightly renowned as the Pearl of The Adriatic and this beautiful city is the ideal host for Croatia’s first Travel Convention.”