The Croatian capital won by the majority of almost one third of votes; 100,000 people from 176 countries gave their votes for the best tourist destination during Advent.

On the list of cities with the best Christmas markets, Zagreb is ahead of: 2. Strasbourg, 3. Aachen, 4. Colmar, 5. Brussels, 6. Leipzig, 7. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 8. Nuernberg, 9. Lille, 10. Dresden.

"Zagreb offers a special atmosphere which simply must be experienced," claims the site European Best Destinations which organized the voting. Tourists are invited to visit the busy streets, squares and parks in the centre of Zagreb decorated especially for the Advent period. Approximately 100 stands offering all kinds of food, beverages and souvenirs are waiting for visitors, along with a great number of musical events and entertainment programmes. Therefore the crowd is not only limited to weekends.

Number of visitors is increasing
During the first 10 days of the Advent 16% more visitors were recorded compared to the same period last year. The number of over-night stays is larger by 11%, reported the city Tourist Bureau. Approximately 70,000 guests are expected this year.

The researches show that an average tourist in December spends in Zagreb approximately 123 euros per day, while food stands earn approximately 20, 000 Croatian kunas per day (2,630 euros). In December the city treasury gains approximately 1.2 billion of kunas only from leasing out stands.

D. S.

Translated by G. K.