ZAGREB, Dec 29 (Hina) - The year 2002 has been significant for Croatia's tourism not only in terms of an increased number of tourists and a better quality offer but also in the change of image on foreign markets, which view Croatia
with increasing frequency as a desirable destination, leading domestic tourist officials said this week.
ZAGREB, Dec 29 (Hina) - The year 2002 has been significant for
Croatia's tourism not only in terms of an increased number of
tourists and a better quality offer but also in the change of image
on foreign markets, which view Croatia with increasing frequency as
a desirable destination, leading domestic tourist officials said
this week. #L#
Despite estimates that 2003 will be difficult for many tourist
countries world-wide, Croatia may expect another good tourist
year, Tourism Minister Pave Zupan-Ruskovic and National Tourist
Board president Niko Bulic told reporters at the tourism ministry.
Zupan-Ruskovic recalled that her ministry had received more funds
from the state budget for 2003 and that the 262.4 million kuna
(EUR35.5 million) allocated would be used, amongst other things, to
clear debts for subsidies to tour operators. Organised arrivals
will be subsidised with 110 million kuna (EUR14.9 million), two
million more than this year, as these subsidies extend the tourist
season considerably, she said.
About 80 million kuna (EUR10.8 million) will be used to subsidise
bank interest on loans from "Inducement for Success", a programme
launched this year which the minister said would gain momentum in
2003. Six banks are included in the programme, about 120 loan
requests have been submitted so far and seven loans have been
approved. In order to facilitate the programme's implementation,
Zupan-Ruskovic announced a new administration and an info-centre
would be set up at the tourism ministry.
Loans for tourism will continue to be granted in cooperation with
the trades, small and medium-size enterprises ministry. So far 280
requests have been okayed in the total amount of 397.6 million kuna
(EUR53.7 million).
Also for 2003 the minister announced a programme focusing on the
development of winter tourism which should include 25 locations.
Feasibility studies have been completed for eight and the search
for investors should begin soon.
Commenting on the privatisation of tourism companies, Zupan-
Ruskovic said four companies were privatised this year through bid
invitation. Thirty-five more such companies remain in the state
portfolio, valued at some 400 million euros.
(EUR1 = 7.4 kuna)
(hina) ha