Tourism Minister: ‘Predezon promises, growth is about 4 percent’

Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonchi Glavina He stated that the tourism results so far are very encouraging, with an increase of about four percent in the first four months of this year.

– The figures are satisfactory, we record approximately four percent of growth. Since Easter has fallen later this year, this is in line with our expectations. The presezone shows strong potential, and we are optimistic when it comes to postseason – Glavina said in an interview with HTV.

Speaking about the coming peak of the tourist season, Minister Glavina warned of the necessary caution because of external factors that could affect the results.

– We face certain challenges, primarily geopolitical instables that do not support us. These circumstances, including the introduction of customs, have already led to an audit of economic forecasts for Europe and for the European Union and for the Eurozone, in the direction of reduction – said Glavina.

In such an environment, the minister adds, it would be good if we were able to retain last year’s figures, although the long -term goal is always to record growth, especially when it comes to income.

The minister emphasizes that the income should be one of the main scales of tourism success, but warns that we should not only stay on the numbers of arrivals and overnight stays.

– It is necessary to expand the view and analyze the wider effect of tourism, how many new jobs are open, what contribution to tourism is the entire Croatian economy and how satisfied with our citizens with the development of tourism – said Glavina.

He added that Croatia clearly chose sustainability as a strategic direction of tourism development.

– It is important that we achieve balance, that tourism brings benefits, but also that our citizens remain satisfied. We must not allow the dissatisfaction of the locals because of tourist pressure – he said.

Price competitiveness, the minister concludes, remains one of the key factors when choosing a destination, and in this segment, Croatia must be carefully positioned. He pointed out that the competent institutions thoroughly prepared for the upcoming tourist season, with a special emphasis on the international promotion of Croatia.

– We only participated in seven fairs in Germany. We put a lot of effort to introduce Croatia as a destination that offers excellent value for money. But it is important that all tourism staff also give their maximum to achieve a record year according to a series of key indicators – said Glavina.

He also announced that the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) will present a new mark of recognition for family accommodation on Monday, along with the criteria for its obtaining and benefits it brings to users. It is an initiative that wants domestic family accommodation to further brand and highlight as a unique advantage of the Croatian tourist offer.

– I am sure that our family accommodation, as in previous years, will continue to be a great added value of Croatian tourism thanks to the quality and dedication of their hosts – concluded Glavina.