SUNNYSIDE MEETINGS
The Poreč riviera is one of the most important tourist spots of the Adriatic, something that make me occasionally reflect on the tourist statistics and comparisons with Slovenia. In 2014 Slovenia had 3.34 million tourist arrivals generating 9.34 million overnight stays. But in Istria, almost the same number of tourists (3.27 million) generated 22.27 million overnight stays, which is 2.3 times more. A large part of that number was recorded in Poreč (7.5 million). The coastline, central position, local vineyards and rich agricultural landscape of Poreč is clearly a true magnet for tourists.
DID YOU KNOW?
The narrow gauge Parenzana railway operated between 1902 and 1935. The first train rode the section between Trieste and Buje on 1st of April, 1902, and a few months later on the rest of the track. The railway brought a huge economical uplift to the nearby towns, as farming produce was transported on it and then sold on the Trieste market. It got its name from the city of Poreč.
The world’s media has also been putting Istria on the map for being amongst the best lifestyle destinations, not to mention the best wine and gourmet destinations too. It is exactly this blend of attractiveness that makes for a great baseline for quality incentive programmes, something that will be very well received by the international congress scene. A move in the direction of congress tourism most definitely looks promising in Poreč.
It also seems that the hotel revolution in Poreč won’t stop just yet. Every year there are new hotel openings and the relay race of them coming on stream switches between Valamar and Plava Laguna, two of the leading hotel providers in the region. Valamar’s biggest investment this year is on the island of Saint Nikola: only accessible by boat and with barely any traffic, the Isabella Island Resort. It has a large conference hall and many other activities and options. With it coming on stream, the stereotype of Poreč as a classic tourist destination is history. All the way from the tourist resorts of Lanterna to the Green Lagoon (Zelena laguna), there is enough by way of capacity for organising high quality events. The capacity is matched by special venues and rich surroundings, with huge potential for incentive programmes.
WHAT'S HOT IN 2017
DESTINATION GRADE
3.87
QUALITY MEETING DESTINATION
Marks:
5 excellent meeting destination
4 quality meeting destination
3 recommendable meeting destination
2 average meeting destination
1 passable
| POREČ INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Natural and cultural factors: | 4.51 |
| General and transport infrastructure: | 4.05 |
| Tourist infrastructure: | 4.69 |
| Meeting infrastructure: | 4.23 |
| Subjective grade: | 4.43 |
| Marketing Buzz: | 4.23 |
| ICCA index: | 1.00 |
| Numbeo quality of life Index: | 4.00 |
| Global Peace Index: | 3.70 |
| DESTINATION MARK: | 3.87 |
BEST INCENTIVE IDEA
IUSTITIA – In 1699 a sensational event upset the citizens of Poreć. Domenico Furlan, a notorious and infamous thief of the day, destroyed the tabernacle of the Basilica Poreč, stealing the gold and silver with which it was adorned. He was soon captured, taken to trial and sen- tenced to death on the main square for this unprecedented crime. Join the citizens of Poreč to celebrate justice with them. Dance the night away, enjoy the food and soak up the atmosphere of the Baroque… Contact for Istrian incentives: Istra Inspirit, www.istrainspirit.hr
COMPARISION WITH THE REGION
Until recently Poreč was known mostly for its family tourism, which is focused on the sun and sea. In the last couple of years there have been significant moves in terms of seasonality and also the meetings industry. The whole of Istria, in fact, has a huge potential for incentive programmes. The congress infrastructure already exists, including the main culinary and sports programmes, as well as the salubrious surroundings that make them special. It’s just the appropriate connections to form real incentive products that have to be put in place, which will definitely make them seriously competitive. The list of events is getting longer every year and is moving Poreč up the ladder of event destinations in Croatia. If Poreč continues to be a tourist champion of Croatia, it will definitely make the break into the international congress scene.
COOL MEETINGS
MALVAZIJA – The first culinary association with Poreč is malvazija wine, of which it is said that it was brought to Istria by the Venetians from the Peloponnese. In the last couple of years, Istrian wine makers have taken it to the highest level of quality. The traditional and increasingly appreciated white Istrian wine, with a distinct palette and a full aroma, is a must-have when visiting Poreč.