Dubrovnik’s attempts to prolong the season and establish itself as a 12-month destination are about to receive a considerable boost, according to a report by the reliable Aerocroatia on June 7, 2016.
Is this finally the start of what so many are looking for – year-round flights to Croatia’s Adriatic coast, one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the development of 12-month tourism in Croatia?
As we previously reported, Dubrovnik has been increasing its efforts to attract more airlines out of season, with 14 direct international flights announced this winter, but things could be about to get even better, with budget carrier Ryanair reportedly close to a deal with the authorities in Dubrovnik to operate flights to the city until 2024 initially. According to ExYuAviation, a respected and accurate website covering aviation issues in the region:
“Dubrovnik Airport and Ryanair are close to reaching a deal concerning the low cost airline’s future operations from the city. Following talks with local authorities, the airport and Tourist Board, the budget carrier has requested for Dubrovnik Airport to reduce its fees and sign a multi-year agreement prior to it starting operations. Ryanair’s Route Development Manager, Luis Fernandez-Mellado, said the budget carrier is willing to maintain year-round flights from Dubrovnik, describing it as an extremely interesting destination. He added there is already strong demand for the airline to introduce services to the coastal city, which would prove an excellent city-break option during the winter months. Mr Fernandez-Mellado also hinted at the possibility of Ryanair operating domestic flights within Croatia, noting that it runs a number of domestic services within European Union-member states.
“Following talks with the airline, the Mayor of Dubrovnik, Andro Vlahušić, said the city is prepared to sign an agreement with Ryanair which would be applicable until 2024. Furthermore, the two sides will continue negotiating over the coming weeks, while a draft contract will be presented next month. In addition, the Tourist Board and local hoteliers will propose a number of desired destinations for the airline. Ryanair has so far avoided Dubrovnik due to high fees, allowing its competitors, most notably easyJet, greater access to the market.”
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No routes have been mentioned, but the arrival of Ryanair would be excellent news for both Dalmatia and neighbouring Montenegro, which many tourists access via Dubrovnik, and it could be a very important step to opening up the Dalmatian coast to a much longer season, with increased tourism revenues and quality of life for tourist destinations which all but close down in the winter months.
