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Valamar Riviera Achieved 2.32 Billion Kuna in Revenue and Confirmed Recovery from the Pandemic Crisis

According to the business report for the first nine months of 2022, Valamar Riviera has achieved results that confirm the recovery of operations after two years of pandemic crisis, but also indicate a significant impact of the new crisis on operating costs.

As stated in the announcement, 2.32 billion kuna in business revenue was achieved, which grew by 14 percent compared to 2019, primarily as a result of a 19.5 percent increase in average prices. Operating profit (EBITDA) in the first 9 months reached 943 million kuna, representing a growth of 7.7 percent.

The highest growth was achieved by premium hotels and camps, confirming the justification of Valamar’s previous investments in high value-added tourism. Northern destinations are experiencing higher demand and a faster recovery than southern Croatia, although hotels in Dubrovnik also reached the traffic level of 2019 during the main season.

Operating costs for the first nine months of 2022 increased by 19 percent compared to 2019 due to a significant rise in energy costs and an increase in other operating costs influenced by inflation. Electricity costs rose by 89 million kuna, while other costs increased by a total of 126 million kuna compared to 2019. The greatest impact on the increase in costs is due to the tripling of electricity prices to 230 euros per MWh, which has led to a reduction in the operation of accommodation facilities in the off-season.

– With a revenue growth of 14 percent compared to 2019, Valamar Riviera has achieved a full recovery from the pandemic crisis. Through the increase in service prices, primarily accommodation prices in the premium segment, we managed to offset the enormous increase in energy costs and the rise in other operating costs – emphasized Željko Kukurin, CEO of Valamar Riviera.

He also added that the company faces a year of high uncertainty and challenges from the energy crisis, inflation, financing costs, and geopolitical disruptions, but also good news such as entry into the Eurozone and Schengen area.

– The tourism sector needs to turn to preparing for the next tourist season as soon as possible to ensure competitive business conditions and sustainable tourism growth in a timely manner – said Kukurin.

Despite the crisis, this year, investments amounting to 530 million kuna have been realized in facilities managed by Valamar. In order to improve working conditions and retain local employees, 15 million euros have been invested this year in salary increases and reward programs. By entering the TOP 10 most desirable employers in Croatia, Valamar has confirmed its long-standing position as the best employer in tourism.

As stated, in June 2022, Valamar presented a new sustainability strategy and ESG goals for 2025, under which it plans to become a carbon-neutral company in the first and second scope within the next three years and invest 50 million euros in further development of destinations and sustainability projects.

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