December 11, 2020 - The first meeting of the Council for Croatia's Recovery and Development of Tourism, the 2021 tourist year, and improving the tourist offer was held at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.
HRTurizam reports that the recently established council brings together key representatives of the tourism and travel sector, including associations of large and small hoteliers, camps, agencies, marinas, caterers, family accommodation, unions, carriers, and others.
The meeting participants agreed that health is in the first place and that by respecting the measures, we can contribute to the faster normalization of tourist activities. The meeting also discussed short-term recovery measures, preparation for the next tourist year, and things important for the tourism sector. Also, it appealed to hoteliers celebrating the New Year to adhere to the measures of the Headquarters. They assessed the Government of the Republic of Croatia's compensatory measures to preserve the economy and jobs as satisfactory, with the expectation that they will continue.
"Cooperation is now needed more than ever before as the tourism sector is one of the most affected by the pandemic," Brnjac said, adding that the full potential of European funds was being used to enable the tourism sector to grow further on a sound footing.
The Council members presented their views on the situation and constructive proposals to improve the tourist offer further. They expressed satisfaction with this model of work, believing that open cooperation guarantees quality solutions. Minister Brnjac once again called on them for cooperation and openness and for better interconnection to create quality tourist products, raise the competitiveness of Croatian destinations and announced further activities of the Ministry in which they will be involved.
New Year's Eve will not be possible in hotel and catering facilities following the measures and the current epidemiological situation.
"At today's meeting, we touched on key topics related to short-term measures for the recovery of Croatian tourism, with an emphasis on the hotel industry, as well as preparations for the 2021 tourist year. I must say that at this moment, the most important thing for all of us is to stay healthy and to stay focused until the end of this challenging year, thinking that our health is still in the first place. For us all to start preparing for next year as soon as possible, I appeal to my fellow hoteliers to take all the Civil Protection Headquarters' prescribed measures very seriously and not to try to interpret those measures as would suit us. Unfortunately, the situation is such that it does not suit anyone, but the most important thing is to stay healthy. Organizing New Year's Eve and other celebrations prescribed by the Headquarters is not allowed to be organized. I believe that we are all aware that we must spend these holidays in peace and health," pointed out Josipa Jutt Ferlan, president of the HGK Hoteliers Association.
Eduard Andrić, President of the Trade Union of Tourism and Services of Croatia and the Social Council for Tourism, pointed out that the meeting was good with open topics.
"My goal as a representative of the Trade Union and workers is for the Government to decide by Christmas at the latest whether the subsidies for workers go further, i.e., by Easter. This is the only condition for workers and employers to welcome the next season without any problems. Workers who are dissatisfied at the moment because most of them receive only support provided by the Government, will be in a position next year to return to their salaries agreed in collective agreements by the tourist season," said Andrić, adding that the goal is to stay healthy, which is why it is better, both for guests and workers, not to hold New Year's Eve.
"At today's meeting, we presented our proposals on the topic of recovery and resilience in the short term and preparation for the 2021 season, which aims to ensure quality service to all guests who will come to Croatia. We hope that the measures to preserve jobs will remain in force, at least until April, and we are pleased that the new liquidity loans will ensure better accessibility to small and family hotels. We are sure that with all the adopted measures and those planned, we will welcome guests in Croatia with a quality workforce and service. As for the topic of holding New Year's Eve in hotels, I think that most, or no one is even thinking about it, given that the measures that have been adopted in no way allow any celebration over 20 people or pouring alcohol. So, at the moment, the measures do not provide any possibilities for New Year's Eve, so I am surprised that some are advertising New Year's Eve, which will certainly not be able to happen," said Sime Klaric, president of the National Association of Family and Small Hotels.
"The conclusion of the first meetings goes in the direction of cooperation, openness, and a stronger focus on the domestic guest as well as on the importance of uniform security protocols, which are being prepared," concluded Minister Brnjac.
Associations in tourism and related activities that participated in the meetings were: Croatian Association for Tourism and Rural Development "Village Members Club", Croatian Rural Tourism Association, Family Tourism Association HGK, Adventure Tourism Association HGK, Cultural Tourism Association HGK, Croatian Holiday and Hostel association, Association of Hostels of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Family and Small Hotels, Association of Hoteliers of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Group of unique luxury hotels HGK, Croatian Tourism and Services Union, Health Tourism Association HGK, Croatian Employers' Association, Business Tourism Association HGK, Croatian Tourism Association, KUH, Croatian Hotel Employers Association, Association of Catering Activities of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Caterers, Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts - Guild of Caterers and Tourist Workers, Association of Voices of Entrepreneurs, Association of Croatian Travel Agencies, Association of Travel Agencies HGK, Association of Croatian Tourist Guides, Association of marinas HGK, Association of boat accommodation providers - charter HGK, Association of tourist shipping companies HGK, River tourism association HGK and Diving tourism association HGK.
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