A particular combination of factors has been crucial for the increase of tourism in Croatia during the last months: instability in Egypt and Tunisia, Greece's economic situation and the unexpected warm weather thats is enjoying most part of Europe.Last year, many of the hotels were closed around September 15th , but this year they are still receiving guests and most of them will stay until the end of October.
Although Egypt and Tunisia worked hard to offer low prices to visitors, the political turmoil had a higher impact among tourists. Many of them, above all travellers over 50, decided to look for a more stable destiny, avoiding Greece as well.
These are the guests that are enjoying the warm Croatian autumn.
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This article shows how states are highly influenced by the events in the international stage.
Despite the negative impact that the economic crisis, the political turmoil in North Africa and a possible effect of climate change could have, there are some other countries that have to thank these events.
Tourism is one of the most important sources of Croatian economy. More and more people are now discovering this country and interested in visiting its numerous attractions full of beautiful landscapes and history. Apart from all the touristic proposals that the Adriatic country offers to the travellers, Croatian travel agencies and all the sector related to the tourism are also favored by the crisis that is taking place in the area.
In my opinion, I think it is an intelligent idea to take advantage of this situation in order to spread the image of Croatia in the world as an important tourist destination: and they are using it.
They are bringing new airlines to the country; Germanwings has announced the creation of a new direct line Dubrovnik-Hamburg; less cruises but with more guests are arriving to the Croatian coasts, many of its islands are expected to become a new Ibiza, and more and more British are choosing Croatia as their vacation place. Moreover, the new Croatian tourist sector's goal is to attract more visitors from countries like China, Japan or India.
Should the traditional Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy, leaders in tourism, be worried about the Croatian impact in this sector?
Again, international events would have consequences for many other countries.
Not only Croatia, but the whole Balkans (specially the coast) are becoming more and more popular as a vacation destination. I think Italy, Spain, and specially the french south coast will be affected by the popularity of these new destinations. There are beautiful places and for the time much cheaper than for example the Cote d'Azur. I agree with Ana, the former popular summer destinations should be aware and careful.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.croatiantimes.com/news/Business/2011-10-04/22300/Tourist_season_continues_well_into_October
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to hear that at least there is someone taking advantage of a bad situation. I think this is good for a country like Croatia that otherwise would have had problems to become visible in the shadow of such important neighbors.
ReplyDeleteAs i recognize this will definitely have a bad effect for countries like Greece, Tunisia or Egypt, I do not think that Croatia's appearance in the world of tourism will have a negative effect for countries as Spain, France or Italy. The reason? Croatia is still a young country that will have to learn a lot before actually being able to compete with these three countries that already have a worldwide reputation, really well-known monuments and have been a touristic destination for ages.
I agree with Teresa, I think it will not be easy for Croatia to achieve the status countries such as Italy or Spain have in the tourism industry, since they have a long tradition of being top touristic destinations. However, they should be aware of the fact that some emerging countries can are will become a threat in the future, if not in the most immediate one.
ReplyDeleteNowadays tourism in the Mediterranean is divided in two groups: affordable resorts in the south Mediterranean countries, like Egypt or Tunisia and the ones that offer higher standards, but also higher prices, like Spain or Italy, the traditional European touristic powers. The case of Croatia is very unique because it is experiencing a transition between the first and the second group, but the consequences of the Arab Spring are slowing down this process.
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