The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, warned at a conference in Split that short-term apartment rentals to tourists and rental services have started to threaten sustainable tourism. He shared data showing that 26,000 new beds were offered for short-term rental this year, which has decreased occupancy and income for existing apartments in tourism, reports HRT. 

The Croatian Employers' Association and BKS Bank organized a conference on sustainable tourism development in Croatia, emphasizing the need to shift away from an unsustainable model of excessive and mass tourism towards sustainable tourism with high added value. Sustainable tourism is now considered essential, as it entails year-round, regionally balanced tourism, and the preservation of the environment, space, and climate, which are also strategic goals defined in the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy by 2030.

Minister Glavina explained how to achieve these Strategy goals, especially within the framework of new tax changes and the introduction of a property tax, in his speech.

"The Government of Croatia is implementing a comprehensive reform of tourism development management, coordinated across spatial, tax, and tourism policies at the national level, while some activities are directed toward policies implemented locally. Nationally, we began with the Building Management and Maintenance Act, continued with amendments to tax laws, and by year’s end, amendments to the Hospitality Services Act will take effect, a concrete measure in support of sustainable tourism development. These amendments represent our strongest contribution to a sustainable accommodation structure, focusing especially on the satisfaction and quality of life for local residents. We have also fulfilled our mandate commitment to protect and preserve true family-owned accommodations as part of our tradition and an added value to our tourism offerings," said Glavina.