Minister says tourism results outstanding, expects best season yet

Tourism results in the first half of this year are outstanding, the sector will perform well during the summer season, and an excellent off-season is expected, which shows that the efforts to make Croatia a year-round destination are paying off, Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina said on Thursday.

Speaking to the press after a cabinet session, he said 7% more travellers arrived in Croatia in the first six months of this year compared to last year, and they accounted for 3% more nights. Large, even double-digit increases, were observed in all types of transport, up by 25% in total, notably in air transport.

Air transport generates new motives and arrivals of visitors, which is why it is important, Glavina said, adding that 250 connections with foreign destinations are expected in the summer flight schedule, which is also more than last year. The most flights are expected from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands.

Year on year, Zagreb Airport saw a 16% increase in arrivals in the first half of 2024, Dubrovnik Airport over 25%, Split Airport 10%, and Zadar Airport 57%.

Road and maritime transport recorded 11% and 5-10% more arrivals at the annual level, Glavina said.

"Based on everything so far and the announcements, we expect this tourism year to be the most successful yet. For the main summer part of the season, I again appeal to all tourism stakeholders to pay close attention to every segment of the offer, the price-quality ratio, because there will be challenges due to major sports events in Europe this summer."

Domestic market dominant in the first six months

Asked if he knew how many Croatian citizens could afford a summer vacation at the sea, Glavina said data showed that domestic tourists were the dominant market for the tourism sector in the first six months of 2024.

That indicates there are increased opportunities for travel and vacations also among Croatians, he said, but added that rising tourism prices "can be a challenge for our citizens" and that Croatia is a year-round destination offering more than just the sea.

He believes summer tourism prices will not cause a "new wave of inflation" and that Croatia generally has a good price-quality ratio in its tourism product. He also believes there is no reason for Croatia to be more expensive or cheaper than competition like Italy and Spain.

"We must provide the quality of service that guests seek and pay for, and we also see better and better results in accommodation and infrastructure in tourist resorts. This will further improve with local spatial plans and, we hope, with new regulations in line with the Tourism Act which will soon be released, providing local communities and authorities with new tools for managing tourism," said Glavina.

(Hina/FaH) 

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