Croatian Tourist Board Head Discusses Exorbitant Tourist Fees
Croatia Remains Competitive in Mediterranean Tourism Market, but Prices Must Remain Reasonable
Croatia's tourism industry is thriving, with growth recorded from various source markets such as Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Poland, the USA, and the domestic market. However, the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Stanicić, has emphasized the need for the industry to remain competitive in relation to other Mediterranean destinations.
Stanicić has warned the tourism and hospitality sector to be reasonable when setting their prices, as Croatia remains an attractive destination despite constant talk of high prices. He pointed out that it is necessary to break down accommodation and catering services when comparing prices with other Mediterranean destinations.
According to recent data, Croatia offers competitive accommodation and catering pricing, especially compared to more expensive Western Mediterranean locations. For instance, 3-star hotels in Croatia average around $66 to $127 per night, with 4-star hotels ranging from $94 to $154 and 5-star hotels averaging $89 to $168 per night. Property prices in coastal areas like Rovinj and Porec are roughly €2,300 to €3,000 per square meter for apartments, while inland areas offer more affordable prices, around €1,500 to €1,800 per square meter.
All-inclusive beachfront hotels in Croatia start from around $124 per night, offering relatively good value. While direct catering price data specific to Croatia compared to Mediterranean competitors is not detailed, grocery and local market prices tend to be competitive, with inland areas being cheaper than coastal tourist hotspots. Average hotel restaurants and resorts incorporate mid-to-high-range pricing aligned with 3-5 star hotel costs.
When comparing Croatia to other Mediterranean destinations, 3-star and 4-star hotel prices (roughly $60–$150) are often more affordable or comparable to some Western Mediterranean popular destinations such as Italy, France (French Riviera), and Spain, where similar hotels can commonly exceed $100–$200 per night in peak season. 5-star hotels in Croatia appear relatively affordable on average but with some luxury options approaching Western Mediterranean price points. Property prices in Croatia’s coastal areas are generally lower than top Mediterranean hotspots, offering potentially competitive accommodation investment costs.
Stanicić has appealed to those in the tourism sector to "set their prices for services wisely" to remain competitive. He stated that Croatia has reached the edge of what visitors will tolerate in terms of high prices. Despite the growth in tourism, it is important for Croatia not to make the wrong moves in terms of excessively increasing prices to remain attractive to visitors.
In summary, while Croatia offers competitive accommodation and catering pricing compared to more expensive Western Mediterranean locations, it is crucial for the tourism and hospitality sector to remain mindful of pricing to maintain its competitiveness in the Mediterranean market.
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Maintaining competitiveness in the Mediterranean market, Croatia's tourism and hospitality sector should set their prices wisely to remain attractive for lifestyle-seekers. By comparing costs with other Mediterranean destinations, it's evident that travelers can find affordable accommodations in Croatia, especially when choosing 3-star and 4-star hotels, which are often more budget-friendly or comparable to popular Western Mediterranean locations.
