Dubrovnik Highlights Its Year-Round Appeal at London’s Thames Christmas Event, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

Dubrovnik, a famous city within Croatia, recently showcased its lively tourism scene at a very exclusive and prestigious Christmas event on the shore of the River Thames within London. The exclusive promotional event, which took place on December 11th, 2025, fascinated more than 70 prominent members of the British media and influential personalities within the tourism sector within the United Kingdom. The event promoted Dubrovnik as an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from within Britain, helping to reinforce an ever-important market within Croatia—the United Kingdom.

A Dynamic Tourism Offering Tailored to British Travelers
The event’s opening addresses highlighted the strength and diversity of Dubrovnik’s tourism offer, which has evolved to meet the changing preferences of British travelers. Davor Ljubanović, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Croatian Embassy in the UK, along with several other prominent speakers, emphasized the city’s potential as both a high-value and sustainable destination.

Ana Hrnić, Deputy Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, noted the critical role of continuous promotion in British media. “The affection the British public has for Dubrovnik is reflected in your stories and collaborations, which further strengthen the bond with our most loyal guests,” Hrnić said. This sentiment was echoed by Bisera Fabrio, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s London office, who remarked on the event’s goal to bring a touch of Croatia to London through Croatian music, wines, and hospitality.

Fabrio further added, “While we may face each other on the football pitch next year, in tourism, we remain allies.” This lighthearted reference to the friendly relations between the two nations was a nod to the camaraderie fostered through tourism, a sector that bridges cultures and brings people together.

Dubrovnik’s Year-Round Tourism: A Model of Sustainability
Dubrovnik’s status as a year-round destination was a key theme of the evening. Deputy Mayor Velibor Puzović emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism in ensuring long-term growth while preserving the city’s rich heritage. He noted the successful cooperation between public and private institutions, which plays a vital role in maintaining Dubrovnik’s tourism momentum. “Cooperation between our public and private institutions is key to preserving sustainable tourism growth and our city’s heritage,” Puzović said. This holistic approach ensures that tourism development benefits both visitors and local residents while minimizing environmental impacts.

The commitment to year-round tourism is especially relevant for Dubrovnik, which is striving to move beyond just a summer destination and appeal to travelers throughout the entire year. Puzović’s comments aligned with the broader objective of diversifying tourism demand, which will help buffer the city from the seasonal fluctuations that can affect many popular tourist hotspots.

Dubrovnik’s Leading Position in Croatia’s Tourism Growth
The thriving tourism scene in Dubrovnik was further highlighted by Ivan Maslać, the Commercial Director of Dubrovnik Airport, who shared that the airport had achieved a record year, surpassing three million passengers. Maslać confirmed that the UK continues to be the largest source of international visitors to the city. “As in previous decades, our largest number of visitors came from the United Kingdom,” he said, expressing optimism for continued growth, particularly in the pre- and post-season periods.

Maslać’s statement highlighted the importance of attracting British tourists during the shoulder seasons, underscoring Dubrovnik’s potential as a versatile, all-season destination. “We hope British travelers will continue to discover Dubrovnik throughout the year—because, like London, Dubrovnik is truly a city for all seasons.” This comment reinforces Dubrovnik’s position as a dynamic, year-round destination that offers something for every type of traveler, from history enthusiasts to luxury seekers.

Croatian Hospitality on Display: A Taste of Dubrovnik’s Charm
Following the speeches, the event offered a blend of cultural experiences that immersed the guests in the essence of Croatian hospitality. The elegant Elizabethan vessel set sail along the Thames, providing a fitting atmosphere for the evening’s festivities. The event included tastings of premium wines from southern Dalmatia, a region famous for its exquisite wines, paired with the sounds of Croatian music, creating an authentic cultural experience for the attendees.

This mix of music, gastronomy, and tourism promotion successfully highlighted the unique offerings of Dubrovnik and Croatia as a whole, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees. For many, this event served as a reminder of the diverse experiences available in Croatia, ranging from its stunning medieval architecture to its vibrant culinary scene.

A Grand Prize and the Continued Growth of Dubrovnik Tourism
The event concluded with an exciting prize draw, where Suze Renner, founder and editor of Luxury Columnist magazine, won a generous prize: return flights on Croatia Airlines and a four-night stay at the luxurious Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels group. This prize exemplified the quality of accommodations and services available in the city, which has increasingly become a favored destination for luxury travelers.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of the potential for Dubrovnik’s tourism industry to continue flourishing, particularly through sustained partnerships with key markets like the UK. As more international visitors discover the charm and history of the city, Dubrovnik is poised to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s top cultural destinations.

Dubrovnik’s Bright Tourism Future

Thames Christmas was a big hit as it highlighted the growing tourist potential offered by Dubrovnik. It should be noted that with proper investment made in tourism all year round, Dubrovnik would soon become a prominent destination for tourists from Britain. The fact that Dubrovnik continues to receive prominent coverage within prime global markets, including Britain, will ensure that it continues to be a major force within global tourism.