ZAGREB, Dec 27 (Hina) - According to this year's results, the Croatian tourism approached to a successful pre-war 1991, while accommodation facilities have been engaged for additional 15 days as against 1991. In relation to 2000,
tourists spendings have increased by 35 percent, and due to a wider offer, tourist arrivals have balanced out throughout all Croatian tourist regions, the tourism minister, Pave Zupan-Ruskovic, said Thursday. The minister said she understood the reason for the ministry being allotted with only 58.2 million kuna from the 2002 state budget, which is the same amount as in 2001. The additional 102 million kuna from the Development and Employment Fund are assumed for subsidies and support to domestic tour-operators for organised tourist arrivals and the stimulation of private tourism businesses. As in 2001, 45 of 58.2 million kuna for the ministry have been assumed for
ZAGREB, Dec 27 (Hina) - According to this year's results, the
Croatian tourism approached to a successful pre-war 1991, while
accommodation facilities have been engaged for additional 15 days
as against 1991. In relation to 2000, tourists spendings have
increased by 35 percent, and due to a wider offer, tourist arrivals
have balanced out throughout all Croatian tourist regions, the
tourism minister, Pave Zupan-Ruskovic, said Thursday.
The minister said she understood the reason for the ministry being
allotted with only 58.2 million kuna from the 2002 state budget,
which is the same amount as in 2001. The additional 102 million kuna
from the Development and Employment Fund are assumed for subsidies
and support to domestic tour-operators for organised tourist
arrivals and the stimulation of private tourism businesses. As in
2001, 45 of 58.2 million kuna for the ministry have been assumed for
the Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) for the promotion, participation
at fairs and international cooperation.
Zupan-Ruskovic said she did not expect significant changes in
Croatian tourism, particularly in the tourists' turnout, the
increase of which is expected to reach a mere 5 percent due to the
lack of accommodation facilities. But, positive changes are
expected with the extended season and the quality offer to which a
EUR20 million loan to Croatian hotels by the London Standard Bank
should contribute. The relevant agreement should be signed by the
end of January 2002.
She also added the financial effect should be by 20 percent better.
The foreign currency turnover is expected to reach at least USD4.5
billion (this year USD3.6 billion).
The minister recalled the continuation of the privatisation
process and negotiations with the European Bank for Research and
Development (EBRD) on the privatisation of Croatian strategic
tourism companies which should result in the signing of an
agreement in mid January 2002. By this, the EBRD would have an
obligation to privatise the companies and bring famous and
acknowledged names from the hotel business to Croatia within the
following year.
(hina) np sb