Croatia Makes Major Investments in Danube Region

Major investments were made in 2009 in the infrastructure of Croatia’s Danube region, in particular in the counties of Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Srijem, with the aim of promoting cross-border tourism. Last year a total of 213,000 overnights were recorded in the region, representing an increase of 2.7 percent over 2008.

Vukovar harbor reported 138 dockings by cruise liners in 2009 bringing 16,054 passengers to the city. The new dock in Ilok had nine arrivals and more than 700 passengers. In Osijek, a pontoon dock for cruise liners was completed, and additional facilities are planned for Batina and Aljmaš.

Traffic is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. The new, Vukovar-based incoming agency Danubiumtours, has produced a “Danube City Guide.” Despite the economic crisis, Danubiumtours recorded a modest increase in the number of guests on its Danube programs last season.