Custom stay software for HTZ

00 INTRO

A fully automated accommodation system for the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) connected to the national database through an API.

Built on WordPress with custom import and synchronization logic, the system handles over 80,000 listings in 11 languages while preserving the familiar HTZ look and feel.

The result is less operational work for the client, a smoother search experience for travellers, and a website that quietly behaves like a piece of business software behind the scenes.

01 CONTEXT

Making accommodation management easier

The Croatian National Tourist Board needed a faster way to manage accommodation listings on Croatia.hr – their official website. The aim was to improve how travellers explore accommodation options while simplifying data management for the internal team.

Across Croatia, accommodation providers enter and update their details in eVisitor, the country’s national accommodation database. Before the upgrade, the HTZ team had to copy and upload large data tables from eVisitor to the website. It was a time‑consuming process that required extra operational effort.

We built a fully automated system that connects directly to eVisitor, importing and synchronizing all listings daily. Now, data updates seamlessly in the background, ensuring that visitors always see the latest accommodation information, without any extra work from the HTZ team.

Objective: create a better-performing, automated and reliable accommodation system that aligns with the existing design and structure.

02 PROCESS

Working around a demanding API

The design phase focused on seamlessly replicating the existing look and feel of Croatia.hr to maintain visual consistency across the site. The project’s core challenge was engineering a robust technical backbone that could integrate with eVisitor, handle over 80,000 units and operate smoothly in 11 languages.

Key challenges included:

• Optimizing database queries to handle new filtering and sorting requirements
• Managing large daily imports without overloading eVisitor
• Maintaining system stability while integrating with a complex external API

The import and synchronization process proved more intricate than expected, slightly extending the project timeline. However, consistent communication, transparent project management, and close collaboration with the client’s team ensured steady progress and clear decision‑making throughout.

Collaboration highlights:

• Joint problem‑solving across all teams
• Continuous communication with HTZ’s internal and technical experts
• Ongoing feedback cycles to fine‑tune functionality and performance

03 THE OUTCOME

WordPress-based software solution

The new system automatically imports and updates accommodation data from eVisitor once per day, significantly reducing the client’s workload and system strain on eVisitor. The solution combines WordPress flexibility with custom API integration, transforming a standard website module into a tool that actively supports the client’s operational workflow.

The result fully met the primary objectives: more efficient data management, smoother search and filter performance and easier long-term maintenance.

Impact:

• Streamlined user experience within the existing Croatia.hr ecosystem
• Fully automated accommodation import and update cycle
• Performance optimization for 80,000+ listings across 11 languages

04 TAKEAWAYS

When a website becomes a business tool

This project highlighted how a web project can evolve into a software-driven solution that solves real business problems, when it’s built around integrations and real operational needs. 

It also reinforced the importance of proactive communication, flexibility under technical constraints and collaboration rooted in mutual respect.

We don’t just build websites – we create systems that make our clients’ work easier.