This month Croatia Times Travel marked 30 years of operations, and the company has come a long way since it was founded by Marija Kapiteli three decades ago.
Speaking to Travel Today, Kapiteli, who has Croatian heritage herself, says she recognised its potential long before it became a well-known destination. When she first started, Croatia was rarely featured in travel brochures or on wish lists. “Today, it’s one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for Kiwis,” she adds. The company began with land arrangements and flight bookings to Croatia, primarily supporting travellers with personal ties to the region. Expansion was not far away; pilgrimages and tours to Croatia, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were soon added. Now Kapiteli says the company offers hosted and small group tours, small ship cruises, tailor-made trips, rail holidays, island hopping packages, and more.
The expansion came about in response to a shift in how Kiwis want to travel. “More than ever, Kiwis are looking for experiences that immerse them in local life, travelling with purpose, seeking out culture, cuisine, and connection,” she says. “We’ve been privileged to grow alongside that change and to help shape how New Zealanders explore this special part of the world.” Authentic experiences are among Croatia Times Travel Turns Thirty the contributors to Croatia Times Travel’s success, alongside its New Zealand-based team and the continued support of its travel agent partners, she adds. “Travel agents have been a core part of our success from the very beginning. We see ourselves as an extension of the agent’s team and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued trust and partnership.” Looking ahead Kapiteli says the goal is to continue creating meaningful, memorable journeys for travellers who value authenticity, culture, and connection. “As the way people travel continues to evolve, we’ll keep refining our product and exploring new opportunities, while staying true to our roots,” she adds.
