Despite fears of a poor season, Split is seeing higher tourist spending. Guests confirm Croatia is no longer cheap, but they still come and spend, while small private renters warn of rising costs.
Due to high prices on the Adriatic, there were fears that this summer might see fewer tourists than last year. However, in Split, that has not been the case so far. Guests are still coming, and data shows higher tourist spending.
Tourists who spoke with the RTL Danas crew confirm that Croatia is no longer a budget destination. Donna from England says prices are comparable to those in her home country.
"I think prices are roughly on par with those in the UK, so they're quite high," Donna told RTL Danas.
Despite that, she isn't giving up her vacation and spends around 80 euros a day. Some tourists spend significantly more. One guest said that on average, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, he spends about 100 to 150 euros. With souvenirs and excursions, that amount can rise to 200 euros a day.
In July, around 202,000 tourists arrived in Split, with 677,000 overnight stays recorded. That's slightly fewer compared to last year, but there are noticeable changes in the composition of visitors. The number of Spanish tourists increased by 15 percent compared to last year, Germans by 12 percent, and guests from the USA by four percent. At the same time, the number of guests from the Netherlands decreased by 19 percent, while those from the UK were down 5 percent.
People working in hospitality also notice that visitors who come are spending more money. Ante Bakotić, manager of the restaurant Fife, points out that guests this season are even a bit more upscale.
"There are fewer people, but they spend better. They don't look at prices at all, as far as we're concerned. They're having better food, fish, a bottle of wine," Bakotić told RTL Danas.
The Split Tourist Board is also recording higher spending. Director Ivana Vladović confirms financial data from the Tax Administration that indicates growth.
"We also have higher spending. Unfortunately, it's partly driven by price increases, which haven't only risen here but across the whole world," Vladović stated for RTL Danas.
However, higher tourist spending doesn't automatically mean higher profits for everyone dependent on tourism. Small family renters point out that their operating costs have risen significantly at the same time. Hana Matić from the association Save Small Family Renters warns that earnings will be lower.
"Income will be lower, prices have stayed the same, and costs have risen. So what renters end up earning will certainly be worth much less than last year," Matić said.
Although there was much debate throughout the summer about whether high prices would drive guests away, the data from Split so far paints a more complex picture. The number of tourists is lower, the composition of guests is changing, and those who come are more willing to spend. Whether higher tourist spending will ultimately result in a successful season for restaurateurs and renters will only be known after the full tourist year is tallied.
