umag_croatia
Meetologue 2015

DOOR TO THE ADRIATIC

North-Western Istria offers a genuine and very active conference experience. Options of activities with which you will fill up the schedule of your conference guests are countless. In Umag and its surroundings there is a very special spirit of sport in the air. It is an interesting and attractive congress destination because of its proximity to major convention markets in the region. Perhaps at the moment we can only reproach it a slightly reduced visibility.

The establishment of a convention bureau would help it a lot in terms of development and promotion of the congress product and improve its image on the international conven- tion scene. That the destination is capable is demonstrated by some big events that have recently moved to Umag from some much more famous Croatian co

DID YOU KNOW?
In 1269, in the late middle ages, Umag was among the first towns in istria to recognise the rule of the Venetian republic, a flourishing naval power, and it was to remain under Venetian rule until the republic fell in the late 18th century.

WHAT'S HOT IN 2017

umag_croatia

January 2017
Premier league teams from many countries have confirmed their participation, thanks to the reputation of this tournament that has been distinguished by quality and achievements from its very start.

July 2017
With a tradition of 28 years, the international tennis tournament Croatia Open Umag is the oldest tennis tournament in Croatia and undoubtedly one of the most prominent and prestigious tournaments in the whole region.

August 2017
Istria Inspirit will take you to a magical journey through time and tell you the most popular Istrian myths and legends. Savudrija will serve as the backdrop for the story of the Lighthouse of love to be staged in a Savudrija lighthouse dating back to 1818.

October 2017
The international cycling marathon Istria Granfondo. The fifth edition of the marathon with the start and finish line in Umag and Novigrad will offer an even richer program.

DESTINATION GRADE

3.74

QUALITY MEETING DESTINATION
grade:
5 – excellent meetings destination
4 – quality meetings destination
3 – reccommendable meetings destination
2 – average meetings destination
1 – so so

A. Natural and cultural factors: 4.35

Hinterland of Umag has retained some of its primal nature. Olive groves are intertwined with vines and produce excellent wine and olive oil. Specific climate, cultural heritage and rich history excite tourists, but especially excite Istrans who impress with their distinctive positive energy.

B. General and transport infrastructure: 4.05

Door to Istria literally means that Umag is nearest to some major convention markets in the vicinity. The highway Ypsilon connected Istria to the mainland and also improved accessibility to guest who arrive by plane. Umag is a destination that is accessible from three airports (Ljubljana, Trieste, Pula) in less than two hours, which should not be an obstacle for international congress organisers to think about it for organisation of international congresses and events.

C. Tourist infrastructure: 4.45

By connecting to the hotel chain Sol Melia Istraturist has got a fresh wind and a higher standard of hotels. Where before there were holiday villages of lower categories there are now apartments and villas for the most discerning guests. Changes of the major tourist player in north-western Istria, were also followed by Laguna Novigrad, whose accommodation offer has also much improved in recent years. Sports facilities, from golf courses to indoor swimming pools complement the offer and Umag is from the summer increasingly turning into a destination for all seasons

D. Meetings infrastructure: 3.65

Unlike some destinations that have congress centres, but lack additional offer, Umag has planned and developed cooperation with suppliers in the Istrian hinterland, which is certainly an additional motive for event organisers. Although the largest hotel hall can only accommodate 350 participants, the Istraturist team is not intimidated even by an event for 1.500 participants, for which they are ready to shake up even the tennis hall

E. Subjective grade: 4.33

Sometimes we inadvertently overlook destinations that we remember as leisure. With what has changed in recent years in Umag and north-western Istria, it gives a whole new dimension to the destination. Umag is primarily an incentive destination, where we were convinced by hospitable locals and employees in hotels. It provides security, comfort and a range of environmentally friendly outdoor activities. Integration of local suppliers is in full swing and gives the impression that the entire destination aspires toward world- class incentive, sports, culinary and experiential services.

F. Marketing buzz: 4.12

Umag has all the conditions and requirements to become one of the hottest incentive destinations in the region. We are eagerly awaiting the establishment of the first Incentive Bureau in the region, which we believe will also take care of appropriate promotion.

UMAG INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016
Natural and cultural factors:4.35
General and transport infrastructure:4.05
Tourist infrastructure:4.45
Meeting infrastructure:3.65
Subjective grade:4.33
Marketing Buzz:4.12
ICCA index:1.00
Numbeo quality of life Index:4.00
Global Peace Index:3.70
DESTINATION MARK:3.74

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA

BEST INCENTIVE
Hunt for the Istrian white truffle
, one of the most renowned in the world, near Gračišče and Livade, accompanied by a proffesional truffle hunter and a trained dog.

COMPARISION WITH THE REGION

Among the competing congress destinations, Umag even a year ago would be easily overlooked, but today it is already hosting the most demanding events such as the most important Microsoft event Windays. This proves that the destination is profiled as a congress and especially incentive location. To the good functioning a great desti- nation management contributes a great deal, which in a form of a clusterfrom 2010 is promoted under the brand “Colours of Istria”.

COOL MEETINGS

ISTRIAN TRUFFLES – are rightly called Istrian gold and represent the culmination of gastronomy offer of the largest Adriatic peninsula. It is most prevalent in Mirna valley. White truffle is the most prized species; it is picked from the beginning of October until the end of December. Truffles are an indicator of pristine nature. We recommend tasting in the form of ‘fuži’ with truffles.

WHO TO CONTACT

Umag Tourist Board
Trgovačka 6
52470 Umag, Croatia

Ms. Sanda Bravar
E: info@istria-umag.com
T: +385 (0)52 741-363
www.coloursofistria.com/destinations/umag

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SOURCEKONGRES MAGAZINE
A long-time meetings industry addict, Gorazd is the Founder and owner of marketing and event agency Toleranca Marketing. He has many years of experience in planning, preparing and carrying out large international meetings and exhibitions. As the founder of the "Power to the Meetings" methodology, he still firmly believes in the power of live events and human to human communication. He is also the author of numerous articles and editor-in-chief of the meetings industry magazine Kongres Magazine.