Is Croatian Charter Tourism Path Forward for 2021 Tourist Season?

As Marija Crnjak/Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the solution for re-launching air transport in 2021, with which many companies will still have financial and logistical problems with the introduction of scheduled and even low-cost flights, could be charter flights, a concept that Croatia has never adopted unlike its competitors in the Mediterranean.

Although guests who can arrive in the country by car are expected in Croatia this season as well, Poslovni’s interlocutors have pointed out that the country should not give up trying when it comes to airlines and air passengers, as he are big spenders and here is a high level of inerest in coming to the Adriatic from them this summer.

While we’re waiting for air traffic to approach the dynamics that might resemble anything remotely like 2019 when it comes to regular air routes, charter flights will be the fastest and most efficient solution that will work to activate what are currently all but destroyed travel agencies, but not without public sector investment.

The above has also been shown by the dynamics of the market, after the recent establishment of a new Croatian charter company, ETF Airways, this was the founding of a Croatian startup for air charter for the spring which was announced by the founder of the German company Sundair. Last weekend, Slovenian tourists even managed to go on holiday to Tenerife thanks to the Palma agency charter.

“Croatia now has the opportunity to finally understand the advantage of charters, as well as the importance of connecting all stakeholders in tourism, and especially the importance of Croatian charter tourism companies that can bring in many tourists. The move would bring man benefits, especially this summer.

Such companies cover destinations and departures that aren’t covered by regular scheduled flights, they bring guests who wouldn’t otherwise come – guests need a sunny destination after a long, depressing winter and repeated coronavirus lockdowns, be it in Turkey or Spain or here on the Adriatic, and more than ever they need security and a guarantee that they’ll manage to arrive at their final destination quickly and safely.

All Croatia needs to do is work out and come up with some good packages with such agencies, which include direct flights with a guaranteed departure,” claimed Stjepan Bedic, the director of ETF Airways, an aviation enthusiast and entrepreneur who has travelled the wider region with this business.

Bedic also stated that Croatia has so far underestimated the advantages of charters and instead grants have been given to those who already have a commercial interest in flying to Croatia.

He believes that the Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) should support Croatian charter tourism and domestic air charter companies that could bring guests in the low season and make a promotion in the emitting markets, either through various regulations or with programme subsidies.

“It’s something that has boosted Turkey’s tourism over the last decade – thanks to arrangements with charter companies and tour operators backed by the Turkish Government, guests have flown to Turkey and brought with them huge traffic to various Turkish destinations, filling hotels and restaurants. Over recent days in particular we’re seeing great interest from Russian guests to come to the Adriatic, and Croatia hasn’t yet allowed them to obtain visas on arrival, so that’s a solution which is necessary in times when we have help tourism recover,” explained Stjepan Bedic.

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