As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 25th of October, 2020, the average drop in arrivals in the Croatian nautical sector this year stands at about 50 percent, while revenues typically enjoyed by this enfeebled sector have fallen by an extremely concerning 65 percent, meaning that boat accommodation providers are asking the Ministry of Labour to correct the criteria for job support, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) announced.
Pasko Klisovic, President of the Association of Boat Accommodation Providers, said that the success of the activities in the Croatian nautical sector is primarily related to the results garnered by marinas and mega yachts, while the figures for the charter segment are higher. “Charters in the Split basin have a drop of about 60 percent, while further south it is even worse,” Klisovic explained.
“Most bookings were made at the last minute and at significantly lower prices, so the loss is significant,” said Luka Shangulin, the owner and director of the charter company Angelina Tours from Biograd near Zadar. They are appealing to the Minister of Labour, Josip Aladrovic, to correct the criteria for continuing to receive support for preserving jobs in order to protect the struggling sector.
“According to the new law, the subsidies are based on the fall in income during the season, which may go perfectly well with some, but we don’t make our living from ‘rush hours’ and our inflows continue in winter, which means that despite the 80 percent drop, we still aren’t going to be able to take advantage of these measures until they’re changed,” stated Klisovic.
Regarding the Croatian nautical sector and nautical tourism, the Marine Association of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce has again elected Sean Lisjak as its leader. “The priorities are the extension of concessions and the release of concession fees. This would free up money to prepare for next season and to help with charters. We’re also asking for a reduction in VAT,” pointed out Lisjak.
In the first eight months of what has undoubtedly been a horrendous 2020 for the majority, the total revenue per berth fell by 16 percent, and the use of marinas was 4 percent lower than it was last year.
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