The Croatian tourism sector has impressive results, with an 11% increase in turnover compared to 2023, so it is realistic to expect 2024 to be successful but the focus should be more on value for money as only that way can we be competitive, Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina said on Tuesday.
The minister was speaking at his first meeting with representatives of the tourism and associated sectors in Zagreb.
"We are glad about the results of this year's preseason, which are better than the record results last year, as well as about announcements for the peak season and the shoulder season. Croatia is becoming a year-round destination that is no longer cheap, and it strives for premium product quality but we must take care not to compromise value for money. Considering all the investments and what the country has to offer, there is no reason for us to be cheaper than our rivals, but I'm calling on the sector to pay attention much more to value for money," Glavina said.
Glavina said the new Tourism Act, for which implementing acts had to be adopted yet, would define tasks for the entire sector.
"It will help strengthen all destinations in Croatia as well as make local decision-makers more aware of the need to define local tourism policies. There will be many challenges in that regard, as well as in the future growth and development of tourism, and one will have to put more emphasis on spatial and social sustainability and the quality of life of local residents, to avoid exceeding the growth limit, which is what is happening in Mallorca, where local residents are protesting against tourism," he said.
Demand in foreign markets good
Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) director Kristjan Staničić said that demand in foreign markets was very good, both with regard to the peak season and the preseason, noting that the HTZ would actively promote Croatia with its partners at the European Football Championship in Germany and the Olympic Games in Paris.
There have been 3.4 million visits to Croatia and 10.4 million overnight stays so far this year, an increase of around 11% from the previous year, Staničić said.
Representatives of the private sector, hotel operators, travel agencies and the catering sector, too, said they had great expectations regarding this year's tourist season, for which they had prepared well and for which announcements were good.
(Hina)
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