Dubrovnik’s Bokar fortress featured in the award-winning HBO series.

The popularity of HBO TV series Game of Thrones is thought be partly responsible for boosting Croatian tourism this year, particularly around Dubrovnik.

According to figures released by the Croatian National Tourist Office, some 94,845 Brits holidayed in Dubrovnik between January and September, up an impressive 15 per cent on the same period in 2012.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva county, which among other destinations includes Cavtat and the islands of Mljet and Korcula, also reported a year-on-year boost of 16 per cent with 131,167 Brits visiting the region between January and September.

In the same time period, 675,208 tourists from around the world visited the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, a rise of 11 per cent on 2012’s figures.

With a strong end to the tourism year expected, Dubrov­nik is already looking to attract even more UK holidaymakers by improving its accommodation stock for 2014.

As many of Dubrovnik’s palaces, its oldest arboretum and Bokar fortress featured in the award-winning Game of Thrones, and with Split’s upcoming debut in the fourth series, film tourism is also set to boost 2014’s arrival figures.

“Dubrovnik, with its mighty walls, designer shops and close proximity to fascinating islands, has long tempted Brits to its shores, and it’s great to see that the city continues to inspire new and returning visitors,” said Tonko Rilovic, UK & Ireland Director, CNTO.

675,208 tourists from around the world visited the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’ from January to September

“However, to get back to the record-breaking visitor figures of the early 1990s, we need to show UK holidaymakers that Croatia offers much more than just beautiful coastline for a memorable break all year round.”

Boasting a wealth of breath-taking architecture and scenery, as well as fine local wines and delicious fresh seafood, Croatia is the ideal destination for all seasons, interests and budgets next year, according to Mr Rilovic.

Malta featured in the first series of Game of Thrones, but warm weather location filming for subsequent series was done in Croatia and Morocco.

The fourth series is scheduled to premiere early next year.