News Feature

Little Switzerland 'is top Croatian holiday destination'

09 December 2009

An ancient part of Croatia, known as Little Switzerland, has enjoyed a surge in tourism this year, with more than 140,000 people visiting.

Orahovica picked up the nickname after similarities in culture, beauty and lakes between it and Switzerland were noted, the Croatian Times reported.

Now its reputation appears to be becoming more widespread, with more than half of the 22,761 overnight stays in Podravina County taking place in the historic city.

Croatia's tourism minister Damir Bajs recently classified Orahovica as a Category A destination, alongside cities of the ilk of Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

Josip Nemec, mayor of Orahovica, told the newspaper: "That we are ranked on the same level as well-known destinations such as Dubrovnik, Opatija, Zagreb and Osijek is a great opportunity but also a big responsibility for us."

Earlier this month holiday site Realbuzz.com named Croatia as being "good value for money" as its favourable exchange rate could help to drive down the cost of a break for British families.

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