Istraturist Umag, organizer of the international tournament Croatia Open Umag, has appointed Lawrence Frankopan, Founder and CEO of StarWing Sports Management ("StarWing") as the new Croatia Open tournament director.

"With the aim to improve the tournament, one of Umag and Croatia's most recognizable events, we have decided to team up with StarWing Sports, an international sports management agency and appoint its Founder and CEO, Lawrence Frankopan as the new tournament Director. We expect Mr. Frankopan's extensive experience within the tennis world to add value to the tournament by enhancing its international viewership, increasing the number of countries and TV stations that will broadcast the Croatia Open from Umag as well as improving the tournament's overall international promotion. With this step we have demonstrated our serious intent to not just keep the tournament, but also to improve it", said Istraturists's CEO Ronald Korotaj.

"The Croatia Open Umag, an ATP 250 series event, having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2014 is looking to scale new heights in the years to come.  As a new director I will particularly strive to promote and present Croatia Open on the ATP Tour thus additionally motivating the world's best players to come to Umag. With many years experience in the management business will undoubtedly help StarWing provide a player roster befitting an event with the profile of the Croatia Open", said the new director of Croatia Open Lawrence Frankopan.

"With the recent acquisition of Istraturist, the Luksic Group Croatia's portfolio will include one of the most important tournaments in South Eastern Europe, the Croatia Open Umag. Following our business strategy to continuously develop and improve our operations in tourism through investments in quality, service and products, the tournament will certainly be a priority for us. I would like to welcome Mr. Lawrence Frankopan as the newly appointed tournament director and I am looking forward to working closely with him and his team. I am confident we will see the benefits of our partnership in the short term extending not only to Istraturist and the tournament but also to Istrian and Croatian tourism as well as the promotion of Croatia internationally", said Davor Luksic, chairman of Supervisory Board of Istraturist and chairman of Lukšić Group Croatia.

The Croatia Open Umag is one of the oldest and the most famous Croatian ATP tournament. Launched in 1990, the tournament welcomes a number of great tennis players in Umag every year. Along with excellent tennis performances, guests and visitors also enjoy a variety of programs, ranging from gourmet food and beverage offers, live concerts and shows and an overall exceptional atmosphere. Year after year Istraturist, as the organizer of the tournament, provides high quality sports and entertainment content for its numerous visitors and guests. Additionally, this new partnership between the Luksic Group Croatia and StarWing Sports Management will make the 2015 Croatia Open Umag an even more spectacular event.