Travel agency representatives visit the island of Ugljan

As part of a study visit to Zadar County—the UHPA Domestic Destination of the Year—members of the Management and Supervisory Boards of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA) stayed on the island of Ugljan on October 8 and 9, 2025.

The visit was hosted by the Preko Municipality Tourist Board, which, in cooperation with local stakeholders, prepared a diverse program to showcase the island's tourism offerings. The visit provided travel organizers—key drivers of organized arrivals to Croatia—with a firsthand look at the latest tourism assets in this part of the Zadar archipelago.

During the destination tour, agency representatives walked along the Preko waterfront to learn about the island's maritime heritage, visited the "Naša Mati" (Our Mother) monument in Vrulja—dedicated to the laundresses of Preko—and toured the islet of Galevac with its Franciscan monastery.

"We are very pleased to have hosted the members of UHPA’s Management and Supervisory Boards during their official visit to Ugljan. As a destination, we are achieving quality growth year after year, especially in the pre- and post-season. A significant contribution to this is the newly opened Hotel Preko – Curio by Hilton. We hope that this official visit by industry professionals will further direct a segment of the tourism market toward Ugljan," said Ivan Košta, Director of the Preko Municipality Tourist Board.

The study visit also included a tour of Hotel Preko, under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. Opened in June this year as the company's first island hotel in Croatia, its sophisticated design and premium amenities have significantly enriched the destination's offerings. The tour continued to the town of Ugljan, where representatives visited the Lioqa Resort and the Ancient Mill archaeological site in Muline. This itinerary provided insight into a unique offering that blends modern tourism with the island's rich history—ideal content for developing year-round tourism in the county.

"We are particularly pleased to have had the opportunity this autumn, in the height of the post-season, to stay in Zadar County, our Domestic Destination of the Year. We explored well-known landmarks on Ugljan while also discovering new facilities like the Hilton Hotel Preko, which enhance the quality and brand recognition of this island destination. It is vital for agencies to experience the destination's offerings and establish direct contact with local service providers to prepare high-quality arrangements for next year, catering to both individual guests and groups of all profiles. Ugljan is a great example of how a small destination can position itself on the tourism map through smart investments and quality cooperation with the county and local stakeholders. Together, we can contribute to extending the season and developing Croatia’s year-round tourism story. I am confident this visit will result in new collaborations that will further strengthen Ugljan's visibility. We thank our hosts for their hospitality and excellent organization," stated Tomislav Fain, President of UHPA.

During the stay on Ugljan, a regular session of the UHPA Management and Supervisory Boards was also held. UHPA traditionally organizes study visits to domestic destinations during the pre- and post-season, fostering connections between local communities and travel organizers while promoting sustainable, year-round tourism.

Source and photo: UHPA