Sustainability in focus of tourism policies on DHT event's agenda

A sustainable future of tourism in Europe and Croatia, which is also the course of the 2030 Croatian tourism development strategy, is the main topic of the Days of Croatian Tourism (DHT), which started in Šibenik on Thursday. Opening the two-day DHT event, which brought together over 1,000 participants, Tourism Minister Nikolina Brnjac said that the strategy for the development of Croatia's tourism until 2030 is aimed at striking a balance between the three elements of sustainability: economic, social and ecological.

It is also essential for Croatia's efforts to position itself as an authentic destination and for our efforts in the interpretation of our cultural and historical heritage, said the minister, highlighting the importance of keeping local people in employment, providing them with good, safe and well-paid jobs.

She underscored that all the goals from the new strategy are attainable, and financially encouraged by the government.

Croatia - top destination and model to others

During the event, a panel discussion was held on the topic "Destination Europe on the path to sustainability", with Alessandra Priante, the Director for Europe at UNWTO, ADAC's executive for tourism Karlheinz Jungbeck, and the head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, Ognian Zlatev, as well as Céline Kauffmann of the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, taking part in that discussion.

Priante described Croatia as a top global destination and a model which other destinations should follow concerning the postulates of sustainable tourism and the roles of public policies and the government in that segment.

Jungbeck voiced optimism about developments in the tourist industry in 2023. He believes that the performance of the tourist sector in Croatia and Europe would be better next year than in 2022. He, however, warned that prices in the camping sector in Croatia are higher than in other parts in Europe and called for more balanced prices in this regard.

The director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), Kristjan Staničić, told another panel within the DHT that Croatia's tourist trade recovered faster than other Mediterranean countries from the corona crisis.

(Hina)

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