Crisis in Croatia while Italian and German tourists abandon the country | World | News
The number of tourists visiting Croatia fell in a major blow for industry. The country of the Balkans was a paradise for visitors to Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy – many attracted by the cheaper prices found there.
However, over the past three years, tourism prices in Croatia have increased by 50%. The prize peak makes Croatia more expensive than two of its greatest rivals – Spain and Greece. Costs in the two Mediterranean countries have increased only 15 to 20% over the same period.
The sharp increase now puts the reputation of Croatia as a great risk affordable travel destination.
Balloon costs are not the result of external factors – such as energy costs or value -added tax rates (VAT).
Croatia has some of the lowest energy prices within the EU and a reduced tourist VAT rate by 13%.
The main cause of the price increase lies in the increase in operational costs within the hotel industry.
Higher prices have experienced stagnation in the nights and in a worrying manner a drop in tourist expenses.
During the first summer season of last year, foreign tourist income in Croatia fell 0.7% compared to the previous year.
Tourists have evacuated their anger against the sharp increase in prices of travel exams, such as TripAdvisor.
A Norwegian was deeply disappointed after the holidays in Croatia last year.
“Everything is much more expensive than before,” they wrote. “The prices are abnormally high and have probably increased by two to three times in two years.
“The price of a sunbar is 25 to 30 euros! Croatia was our first choice for a summer vacation, but now everything has unfortunately become too expensive.
“I don’t know if we will come back. I’m sorry that Croatia is developing in this direction.”
However, a British tourist saw no evidence of a sharp increase in annual shift.
They wrote: “The comparison of what we spent in Rovinj for food and drinks in 2023 and what we spent in Hvar this year was very close.
“There was not a great variation in prices. The only difference was that Rovinj was a little better in terms of wine with more carases offered.”
