The 2011 tourist season will be even tougher and more demanding, but preparations for it are nearing completion, it was announced on Saturday at the Commission for Season Preparation.
Croatia plans to achieve results next year similar to those that marked 2010, and to try to surpass them, and the return of Thomas Cook, one of the world’s largest travel agencies, to the Croatian market is also encouraging.
– The final results of the season are not yet known, but estimates from independent analysts indicate a 4.5 percent growth in total revenue. Next year, we want them to be at least as good, if not better – said Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, adding that it is a success that space has been found in a scarce budget for increasing funds for tourism.
The Prime Minister also commented on opposition proposals for additional taxation of tourism, stating that the Government will not do this and that it would be a wrong decision at a time when the battle for every tourist is taking place.
– Croatia aimed to defend its increased share of tourism, and according to currently available data, we have succeeded, and for the third consecutive year, we are better than the European average – emphasized Minister of Tourism Damir Bajs. According to recently published data from UNWTO, results for the first three quarters show that Europe grew in tourism results at a rate of 2.6 percent, the Mediterranean 2.1 percent, and Croatia 4.5 percent. (T. B.)
