Croatia has to be wise with tourism prices 

Dubrovnik

As the tourist season reaches its peak, Croatia is experiencing both the benefits and challenges. With a large numbers of visitors, questions arise about the sustainability and quality of tourism in the country.

Many tourists have also been vocal about the high prices on the Croatian coast, expressing concerns that the increased costs are deterring them from returning.

With other Mediterranean destinations offering similar experiences at lower prices, there is a growing risk that visitors may choose more affordable alternatives in the future. This sentiment underscores the need for a balanced pricing strategy to ensure Croatia remains an attractive and competitive destination.

Has the season been successful so far?

Croatian Tourist Board Director, Kristjan Staničić, highlighted in that they consider multiple parameters to assess whether the season was successful.

“We consider physical indicators, such as arrivals and overnight stays, as well as financial impacts, which are among the most important.  However, we are increasingly emphasising the quality and sustainability of our destinations, the coexistence between locals and tourists, and the preservation of our environment and space,” Staničić told HRT’s main news.

Family accommodation: This trend in capacity is unsustainable

Each year, there are about 25,000 more beds in private accommodation in Croatia. Every storage room and garage literally becomes an apartment. Do we need more capacity and tourists than we currently have?

Staničić emphasised that this year, Croatia has 22,000 more beds in commercial accommodation compared to last year.

“Last year, it was also around thirty thousand. So, we are growing every year, and it is certain that, in the long run, this trend in capacity is unsustainable.

That is why the Tourism Law was passed, and the Government, specifically the Ministry of Tourism, will soon introduce regulations to ensure that local and regional governments, in collaboration with the tourism sector and the system of tourist boards, will focus on and build the quality and sustainability of tourist destinations in the future,” he said.

“Every price increase must be accompanied by quality service”

Tourists say that Croatia has become too expensive. It is very difficult to fill three-star apartments because their prices are high, and the cost of food is also high.

Rovinj

Tourists staying in family accommodations often shop at foreign supermarket chains. What benefit does Croatian tourism gain from this?

“This benefit is certainly reflected in many segments of social life. I would say that, in terms of prices, Croatia is still a competitive tourist destination in the Mediterranean.

We are on par with our competitors, such as the Italians, Spaniards, and Greeks, among others. However, we must be cautious and wise in our pricing policies, and we always advocate that any price increase must be accompanied by quality service so that the guest receives value for money,” concluded the Director of the Croatian Tourist Board.