The number of tourists visiting Croatia has fallen in a big blow to the industry. The Balkan country has been a refuge for visitors from Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy – attracted many by the cheaper prices that can be found there.
In the past three years, however, tourist prizes in Croatia have risen by no less than 50%. Prices in prices makes Croatia more expensive than two of the largest rivals – Spain and Greece. The costs in the two Mediterranean countries have risen by only 15-20% in the same period.
The steep turnout now brings the reputation of Croatia as an affordable travel destination with a high risk.
The balloon costs are not the result of external factors – such as energy costs or VAT rates with added value (VAT).
Croatia has some of the lowest energy prices within the EU and reduced VAT -VAT percentage of 13%.
The main cause for the price peak lies in the rising operational costs within the hospitality industry.
Higher prices have seen a stagnation in the nocturnal stay and carefully a decrease in tourist spending.
During the peak summer season last year, income from foreign tourism in Croatia fell by 0.7% compared to the previous year.
Tourists have expressed their anger about the steep rise in prices on travel rating platforms, such as TripAdvisor.
One Norwegian was deeply disillusioned after vacation in Croatia last year.
“Everything is much more expensive than before,” they wrote. “The prices are abnormally high and have probably risen two to three times in two years.
“The price of a sunbed 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’ll return. I’m sorry Croatia is developing in this direction.”
However, a British tourist did not see any proof of a steep rise on an annual basis.
They wrote: “Comparison of what we spent in Rovinj on food and drinks in 2023 and what we spent in HVAR this year was interesting.
“There was no large variation on the prices. The only difference was that Rovinj was a little better value with wine with more in the way of carefens offered.”
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