September the 7th, 2022 - Tourist spending has been excellent so far, but with Croatian energy bills soaring just like across the rest of Europe, it's difficult to say just how much cash businesses have actually managed to pocket.
As Morski writes, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that year's summer tourist season will definitely surpass all previous ones in terms of revenue earned, primarily due to higher prices caused by inflation, but what about energy and food prices?
Due to there never having been so many concerts held at the Pula Arena before, the number of daily visitors to this historic structure was only slightly less than back during the record year of 2019. However, this wasn't felt in terms of consumption, not even in the souvenir shop, where people still spent a decent amount.
''Things weren't expensive, just 22 kuna, it's fine,'' says Renie from the Netherlands, who bought a small ceramic souvenir from the famous Istrian city.
''This year, we generated income in the souvenir shop of 1,660,000 kuna, last year it was around a million, and even that is a 4 percent increase when compared to 2019, which means that people have had deeper pockets, people are spending money as if there's no tomorrow,'' said Darko Komso, director of the Archaeological Museum of Istria.
The terraces of Pula's restaurants and cafes are still full, and it seems that main season is still going on.
''The prices are fine, they're not too expensive, about the same as in Poland,'' says Camil, a guest from Poland. Even some Americans, who have been travelling in Croatia for several weeks now, have no objections to anything except payment methods. ''The only thing is that in Split we had to pay for everything in cash, and here we can pay by card everywhere, which is much more convenient for us,'' says Dean.
There is no doubt that there has been truly excellent consumption, but restaurateurs are still worried about energy and food prices as Croatian energy bills continue to soar.
Consumption was growing even back during the pre-season, and according to the Chamber's data, 30 percent more bills were issued in Istria, and their value was 80 percent higher, and back then there was no inflation and higher prices. In Fazana, they say that the demand for fish dishes has never been better.
''It's definitely been the best so far, even better than the record year of 2019. The terraces are full, both here and across the whole of Fazana. The guests are relaxed, more and more of them are coming and asking for tables, and waiting in line to get one,'' said Almir Mahmutovic, a restaurateur in Fazana.
However, Croatian energy bills are rising, and the sources of energy used for everything involved in their business are three times more expensive for restaurateurs. This means that the purchase price of food is at least 20 percent higher, too.
While restaurateurs are figuring out how to stay competitive and still make money at the same time, the umbrella association of hoteliers expects compensatory measures from the state to moderate price increases. They point out that otherwise, not only will profitability and the investment cycle be put at risk, but the viability of doing business completely will also.'' writes HRT.
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