
Tourism Experience
Improving Air Connectivity in Istria Region
Horwath HTL was appointed to provide a strategic way forward for enhancing the overall air connectivity of the Pula Airport and leveraging the improved network to optimize year-round tourism flows.
Project Scope
Horwath HTL was engaged to provide a comprehensive analysis and strategic guidelines for improving air connectivity in the Istria region of Croatia. This initiative aimed to strengthen Istria’s accessibility to key international and regional markets, supporting the growth of tourism, trade, and investment in the region.
The engagement began with an in-depth analysis of the existing air connectivity landscape. This included evaluating the performance and infrastructure of regional airports, such as Pula Airport, alongside a review of flight frequencies, route networks, and the availability of direct connections to primary source markets. The analysis also examined passenger traffic trends, identifying seasonality challenges and potential market gaps that limited year-round accessibility.
A benchmarking exercise was conducted to compare Istria’s connectivity with similar Mediterranean destinations, highlighting best practices in air service development. Insights were gathered on successful strategies employed by competitive destinations to attract airlines and increase flight routes, providing a reference framework for Istria’s potential improvements.
Based on the findings, Horwath HTL formulated strategic guidelines to enhance air connectivity. These included recommendations for developing partnerships with airlines, tourism boards, and regional stakeholders to jointly promote the destination. Proposals for incentivising airlines to establish new routes or increase flight frequencies were also outlined, ensuring a win-win approach for both operators and the region.
To address seasonality, Horwath HTL suggested targeted marketing campaigns and coordinated efforts to attract year-round travel demand, particularly from growing segments such as wellness, gastronomy, and cultural tourism. Strategies for optimising airport operations and improving ground transportation links were also provided to enhance the overall travel experience.
The analysis concluded with actionable steps for stakeholder collaboration, funding mechanisms, and policy recommendations to support sustainable air connectivity development. Horwath HTL’s work provided Istria with a clear roadmap to strengthen its position as a competitive and accessible Mediterranean destination, driving long-term growth in tourism and economic activity.