Friday, April 17, 2020
Tourism is the biggest contributor to Croatia’s economy. Croatia is also the country that relies the most on the tourism industry in the European Union. However, the coronavirus pandemic has battered the tourism industry all across the globe. Amidst of the grave global crisis Croatia is hoping to open marinas, campsites and hotels in more-remote areas to generate a minimum income from the summer tourist season.
On Thursday, Gari Cappelli, Tourism Minister, Croatia said in a press statement that a modest recovery of the tourism sector can start with three targeted areas that could offer some isolation and privacy. He also informed that the country is planning to allow foreigners who have properties or yachts in Croatia to arrive at the selected destinations.
Tourism contributes to about 20% of Croatia’s gross domestic product, which is also the maximum tourism revenue by any country in Europe. Croatia’s income from tourism has broken annual records over the last few years. In 2019 alone it secured a total of10 billion Euros ($10.8 billion) approximately.
According to the ministry, tourism is expected to decline by 75% this year. However, the tourism industry is relying on domestic tourism to a certain extent. Although domestic tourism cannot completely suffice the total loss that the country is facing but the industry can count on domestic travel to help the tourism sector recover.
Croatia also shut its borders and restricted international tourist entry except for rescue operations members or science teams. As of now, all non-essential businesses are shut and local people are not allowed to travel beyond their own houses or essential requirements.
The government has also decided to ease restriction measures in forthcoming days if the rate of new infections gradually comes down and the graph of active coronavirus cases flatten. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the country has not yet crossed the 50-mark. It is also one if regions with the lowest fatality rates per capita in Europe.
Tags: Coronavirus, Croatia, Croatia tourism
