CROATIAN TOURISM 365?
Politicians, tour operators and everyone involved in tourism have been saying for years that it is necessary to extend our tourist season. Experiences and tourist results of neighbor countries show that tourism 365 days a year is something we should strive for. But is this really possible in Croatia or is it just a dream we want to believe in?
Croatian tourism achieves top results, but only in 80 summer days. The rest of the year most tourist facilities are unused. In the coastal area of Croatia, 75 million overnight stays happens, while only 4,8% of overnights are realized in the entire continental Croatia and 2% of that in the City of Zagreb. Numerous potentials stays unused, hotels unbuilt, resorts undeveloped and just a few touristic oases show that the continental Croatia can also do well, for all 365 days a year. Neighboring countries, such as Austria and Hungary, are achieving successful results in tourism throughout the year, and some of the others that until recently have not been considered seriously competitive in tourism, such as Slovenia, show that the hidden potentials of each destination can be developed and that many challenges still remain ahead of us.
Why tourism in Croatia doesn’t exist during all 12 months? Why don’t we develop an offer through the whole year? Why do we accept such a situation and what can we do to change it? Who could be the initiator of changes and how to achieve them? How to achieve a successful and attractive year-round season and are we ready for it?