June 14, 2023 – News of new Split tourism rules and fines are making their way into the UK media ahead of the peak season rush.
Summer is almost here and already the first articles in the Croatian media about rowdy tourists are doing the rounds. Until we have a proper tourism strategy that does not focus on numbers, numbers, numbers, it is an inevitable part of the summer cycle. There is little new to write about the subject, and I don’t intend to make is a TCN focus this year. Indeed, if you are looking for some quick wins on this topic, Ultra Europe founder Joe Basic had some great points in a TCN interview last year.
Split has taken some visible steps to make the city cleaner and to warn tourists that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and a system of fines has been announced, with 13 fines already issued, according to this UK media report.
the View from the Hvar Cathedral Roof
The fact that the new Split tourism rules are in the media internationally in the media is a huge step forward from a few years ago, as I learned when I interviewed two Australians who police arrested for climbing onto – and causing 5,000 kuna of damage – to the roof of Hvar’s cathedral (you can read the interview here). According to them, Croatia was famous as a party place where there were no rules. No, they did not behave that way back home.
When Hvar Town introduced signs announcing fines soon after, it was a global story. So too, it seems, with Split and it is clear that the local authorities are focusing on the issue, according to INews.
Bojan Ivošević, Split’s deputy mayor, said of the new rules: “We want to rebrand Split, we want to change the type of guest who comes to our town. We want to come off the list of highly desirable party destinations and start attracting families or individuals who enjoy our city, enjoy the beauty of the sea, and who won’t just go crazy in Split.”
Sentiments which are also similar to a spokesperson from the Split Tourist Board:
“The introduction of fines for anti-social behaviour in Split is not the result of more British tourists coming to Split in recent years.”
“We believe that the implementation of this decision will change the profile of guests who come to our city, as well as attract families with children and individuals motivated by culture, gastronomy, sports, recreation and work, who want to enjoy our city and admire its beauty.”
official UK Govt Advice
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office official advice is also highlighting the issues. When I first moved here, for example, there advice was little more than keep hydrated and use sunscreen, but now they include the following:
“In some Croatian town centres, authorities may issue on the spot fines for behaviour which is locally inappropriate.
“You can also be fined up to €4,000 for actions considered to be disturbances to public order. These include fighting, verbal abuse and drunken behaviour.
“Most towns have signage to advise about actions that are prohibited by local law. Take notice of your surroundings, including signage, and seek local advice. Drug related offences are punishable with fines and jail sentences.”
There is, of course, a very big difference between signs threatening action, and action itself. INews cites a Facebook group called Get Direkt:
“Split market is the site of nightly rampage of British tourists. Screaming, shouting, breaking bottles, urinating.
“Local residents are at the end of their tether; they want to take things into their own hands. We are asking authorities to take action and patrol the streets after 11pm.”
The tourist season has always begun strongly, and it is a 100% guarantee that Split will be full all summer. What kind of tourism experience that will be for tourists and locals alike is very much in the hands of the authorities to back up the new Split tourism rules.
…yes , dont just announce there , implement ! and you should say , young British ( or xxx ) tourists. There are plenty of adult British ( or xxx ) tourists who know how to behave. Its YOUNG.
and not only on Split.
a Stari Grad res.