PARLIAMENT ENDS SITTING BY DEBATING THREE TOURISM BILLS

ZAGREB, Oct 10 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament wrapped this week's sitting by debating on Friday three final government-sponsored tourism bills which propose the establishment of eight regional tourist boards with the aim of improving the economising of funds and collection of visitors' fees, i.e. reducing unreported accommodation. #L# In the combined debate on bills on membership and visitors' fees in tourist boards and the promotion of Croatian tourism, Minister Pave Zupan-Ruskovic said domestic tourist regions must step up their presence at tourism fairs and on generating markets. She recalled Croatia had about 300 local tourist boards but said that until now funds were spent irrationally. As of now, the development of Croatian tourism will be in the charge of the National Tourist Board's (HTZ) head office and eight regional tourist boards instead of the current 20 county boards, said the minister. She added the new organisation was necessary to launch the development of tourism in continental Croatia, which she said would also benefit the coast. Commenting on criticism that the tourism minister should not chair the HTZ, Zupan-Ruskovic said that as long as the government funded tourism it was entitled to control said money. She added that her successor should head the HTZ. The opposition slammed the proposal to abolish the current 20 county tourist boards, saying this will affect local self- government. Opposition MPs also objected to the establishment of eight tourist regions. The ruling coalition's clubs of deputies endorsed the bills, stating their enforcement would result in an economical and efficient management of tourism revenue. Parliament resumes its last session before dissolution next week. (hina) ha