ZAGREB, 13 June (Hina) – Croatia’s tourism sector is well prepared for the summer high season, and as value for money is a key factor in destination choice this year, it is important to price wisely to reinforce Croatia’s image as a destination that delivers quality, Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina told Hina.

Ahead of the peak tourist season, Glavina said that good sectoral preparation was confirmed at a meeting with emergency services in early May, and that Croatia has been promoted internationally as a year-round destination offering diversity, qualityВ and value.

Summer demand stable, no reason for unrealistic price hikes

Asked about demand for the summer, Glavina said forecasts are on par with last year and incoming data allows for optimism, although price competitiveness must remain a priority.

“This doesn’t only apply to accommodation but to all tourism-related services. The government has adopted eight support packages worth €8.3 billion, including aid for the tourism sector, so there’s no justification for unrealistic price increases,” he said, adding that global market shifts must be taken into account.

“Prices must match quality. If they do, no one will complain. Problems arise when that’s not the case. Prices have started to stabilise in some areas, and I expect further stabilisation,” he said.

Domestic tourism near record highs

Asked how domestic tourists are responding to price trends, Glavina stressed that Croatian tourists are the second most important group, after Germans.

“So far this year, domestic tourists have reached record figures – over 1.1 million arrivals and nearly 2.7 million overnight stays by 10 June, up 8% and 6% year-on-year, respectively,” he said.

Strong start to June, rising revenues

Glavina described early June as “fantastic”, with 15% more tourist traffic compared to the same period last year, especially due to a significant increase in German arrivals.

In terms of financial indicators, he said 153.4 million receipts were issued in tourism-related services by 1 June, up 2.6% from last year, with the total value of fiscalised receipts exceeding €1.97 billion -В a 10.1% increase year-on-year.