Ther number of German tourists in Croatia decreased by 8% compared to the same period last year
During the first five months of 2017, the number of German tourists visiting Croatia decreased by 8%, and their overnight stays decreased by 15%, Jutarnji list reports on July 10.
Most experts in tourism were surprised by this fact because Croatia is normally one of the favourite destinations for German tourists. According to European Travel Commission’s Quarterly Report, Croatia is the only country besides Turkey to record a decrease in the number of German tourists.
At the same time, most other destinations have seen an increase in German arrivals – Bulgaria, for example, has had a 40% increase in the number of German arrivals, followed by 26% increase in Serbia, 25% in Montenegro, and 18% in Romania.
Most German tourists in the pre-season decided to visit cheaper and relatively unknown destinations within the region, and, when it comes to Croatia, they have been replaced by British and Polish tourists.
There has been an increase of 40% in British arrivals and overnight stays in Croatia, which is the biggest increase for British tourists in almost all European destinations.
Other than that, Croatia has seen an increase in arrivals from practically all other markets (India, Italy, Russia, France), but there have been 2% fewer Japanese tourists.
Sanja Čižmar of HD Consulting says that the decrease in German tourists’ arrivals is not alarming yet, but it can serve as an initial warning.
“Research should be conducted in order to determine whether the lower number of German tourists occurred among the business or leisure tourist population. In the former case, we would have more reasons to worry because it would signify a decrease in economic activities with Germany, which is one of Croatia’s leading foreign trading partners.”
Ms Čižmar added that one of the reasons might be the fact that tourists are looking for cheaper destinations.
“Croatia has attracted budget and mid-range travellers so far, that have now opted for more affordable destinations. This doesn’t mean that Croatia should try to compete with cheaper destinations, but it should work on developing higher quality options by upgrading old and building new hotels,” Ms Čižmar concludes.
Croatian National Tourist Board stated that this is no cause for alarm because the season is more important than the pre-season, and the January – April period makes up only 4% of the overall tourist traffic.
