Bars in Hvar unite in protest over tourism threats

Hvar

Frustrated hospitality owners in the town of Hvar on the Croatian island of the same name will stage a peaceful protest today, in response to the challenges posed by the current noise protection law.

As daily 24sata reports, they plan to temporarily close their businesses in the centre of the town of Hvar for a day, urging local authorities to take action that will secure the future of tourism and their livelihoods.

The peaceful protest is directed towards the executive authorities, while they also appeal to the local council to make decisions that will allow them to operate normally in the upcoming season.

“The season behind us has inevitably failed, largely due to the current noise protection law, and revenues have been far below expectations. Under the current circumstances, long-term business is unprofitable and unsustainable, while the current noise law is unenforceable,” complain Hvar’s hospitality owners.

They point out that the council and the executive authorities have the tools to reach a satisfactory solution, as has been achieved in places like Novalja on the island of Pag or Poreč.

“Hvar has always been and remains a tourist destination offering entertainment options for both young and older guests – a vibrant Mediterranean town. To label it as a ‘party destination’ is absurd. Party destinations, like Ibiza or Mykonos, build their reputation and offerings around dozens of clubs where parties go on around the clock. This is not the case in Hvar!

By bringing order, with a focus on controlling public spaces, rather than ‘making rash decisions’ without long-term strategy or consideration, Hvar risks being transformed from a lively, attractive leader in tourism into a provincial backwater,” they state.

Hvar

Hvar’s hospitality owners warn that the consequences for the island’s tourism in the coming seasons could be far-reaching.

“We are confident and believe that through dialogue, a compromise can be reached that satisfies everyone, allowing the city to maintain its status as one of Croatia’s top tourist destinations, while preserving the reputation and dignity it undoubtedly deserves,” they add in the statement.

The statement was signed by hospitality owner Visko Visković, along with ten other establishments: Aloha Bar, Central Park Club Hvar, Kiva Bar, Lola Bar, Lime Bar, Nautica Bar, Seven Bar, Sidro Bar, Silk Street Food Hvar, and Vintage Bar Hvar, 24sata reported.