Speaking of the current water supply cuts in Istria County, which he will discuss with local officials tomorrow, the minister said "this shouldn't happen again, notably in a region which accounts for one-third of Croatian tourism."
Ostojic said the county was reporting three per cent more arrivals and five per cent more nights on the year. He was especially pleased that 50 per cent of the increase was generated in the pre-season, which he said meant that Istria was extending the tourist season, which is one of the ministry's main goals.
The minister visited the recently renovated Laguna Parentium hotel, in which the Plava Laguna company invested EUR 22 million, the second largest investment in Croatian tourism this year. The 4+ star hotel is intended for guests without children and the average room price is 200 euros per day.
Ostojic said HRK 2.5-3 billion would be invested in tourism in 2013, of which HRK 1.5 billion through Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development loans.
Speaking of investments in campsites, where return on investment is much faster than in hotels, he said it would be possible to invest more once the law on tourism land use was amended.
Plava Laguna management board chair Neven Staver said the company invested a total of HRK 220 million this year, of which HRK 120 million in the Laguna Parentium hotel.
(EUR 1 = HRK 7.5)