The nominal value of this commercial postage stamp is marked with the alphabetic code A, which corresponds to the postage for letters weighing up to 50 g and for postcards in national transport. This is the first Croatian Post postage stamp marked with an alphabetic, rather than a numerical nominal value code.
Trade fairs have been woven into the heart of Zagreb and the Zagreb Fair since the distant year of 1909 when the Zagreb Trade Exhibition was first established. From the very first day it opened for business, the Zagreb Fair has assumed the role of an economic ambassador, connecting the City of Zagreb and Croatia to the world. In 1925, together with 19 other trade fair cities, it established the Union of International Fairs (UFI), which now functions as the global umbrella organization for trade fairs. The Zagreb Fair has always been a part of the identity of the City of Zagreb. Due to the visionary decision of Mayor Amruš, who chose to advance the trade fair initiative by developing activities in Zagreb even further and, above all, due to the visionary move of Mayor Holjevac, who helped Zagreb expand across the River Sava, where the current Zagreb Fair was built, Zagreb has held its position on the map of global and European trade fair cities for 110 years.
Over the years, the trade fair industry has passed through several stages of transformation, seeking to adapt to market trends and client needs. Even though we are witnessing a rapid technological evolution, this industry, which is based on the principle of activating all five senses at once, still remains the most lucrative sector of the so-called MICEindustry, to which it belongs on a global level.
During its 110 years, the Zagreb Fair has experienced many changes, writing both its own history and the history of many Croatian companies that now operate on the global market with great confidence after taking their first steps at the Zagreb Fair. In exploring and listening to the needs of the economy, as well as in discovering and creating new services, we are guided by our vision and development strategy, experience, knowledge and synergistic action, as well as by all the understanding and support shown to us by the City of Zagreb as the owner of the Zagreb Fair.
Today, with a portfolio of 20 trade fair projects of our own and more than 100 events throughout the year, we have successfully positioned ourselves as a communication and promotion platform for the local economy, while remaining a readily recognizable symbol of the City of Zagreb and the Republic of Croatia.
By issuing a stamp marking its 110thbirthday, 14 November 2019, the Zagreb Fair not only wants to commemorate its rich history and the role it has played in promoting economic and social values, but also to thank all of its partners, exhibitors and visitors who have helped its success.
Dina Tomšić, PhD
Zagreb Fair Director
