Croatia to stay visa-free for another year

In 2011 around 190 thousand Russians spent their vacations in Croatia. Director of head office of Croatian National Tourist Board Mr. Niko Bulich commented on this matter during a press-conference: we are talking about “registered” tourists only, the actual number of visitors from Russia is 30-40% higher – he said.

The previous year proved to be record-breaking for Croatia’s travel industry. The country welcomed 11 million foreign tourists, 8% more than a year ago and managed to get €7 billion out of it. In 2012 Croatia hopes to come up with at least the same results.

Most likely Russian tourists will still be able to travel to Croatia with no visa during the period from April 1^st to October 31^st – assured Mrs. Yadranka Yapunich, counselor of Croatia’s Embassy to Russia. However she added that this step should be agreed with European Commission. “We expect a positive decision, but we won’t have any details until March 15^th” – said Mrs. Yapunich.

If the visa-free regime stays for another year, it would be the last chance for the Russians to travel to Croatia without the need of obtaining a visa. On June 1^st, 2013 the country joins the European Union and could only be entered by holders of Schengen visa. The counselor pointed out that Croatia had already started to get ready for this. New consulates are to be established in Russia to make the visa application procedure less challenging.

Mrs. Yapunich also reminded that starting from January 1^st, 2012 the republic can be entered by Schengen visa holders issued by other countries. At that a tourist can cross the Croatian border holding a valid passport and an original tourist voucher, confirming hotel accommodation throughout the entire stay.

As per Croatian National Tourist Board’s data, the resorts mostly favored by Russian tourists are Dubrovnik in South Dalmatia and Porech on the western coast of Istria Peninsula. In 2011 47% of visitors from Russia stayed in Istria. Around 15% of the total tourist flow fell on Kvarner Region. Director of Kvarner Tourist Office Ms Irena Pershich-Zhivadinov revealed that in 2011 the number of Russians has grown by 18% compared to the previous year, reaching 16.8 thousand people.

In 2011 more than 70% of Russian tourists booked their trips to Croatia with tour operators, and the remaining 30% arranged their holidays by themselves. However the country’s Authorities expect the number of individual tourists to fall down due to the visa requirement. “This means that tour operators’ fences will be mended. Travel companies often offer even lower prices, than tourists can get online” – pointed out Director of Croatian National Tourist Board’s Moscow office Mr. Mladlen Falkoni. He also added that as for today one can catch a direct flight to Croatia from 12 Russian cities.