Barber wants an announcement on the cost of 298 tourist communities

Damir Barbir, a member of parliament representing the Centar party, has called for the publication of financial data regarding 298 tourist associations operating in Croatia. In a statement released on Monday, he highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding these organizations, which he argues are essential to understanding the country’s tourism sector. Barbir emphasized that before the government labels small rental operators as a problem, it should first explain what support the system provides to them, given their obligation to co-finance certain initiatives. The call comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of Croatia’s tourism industry. According to data from the Croatian Tourism Association (HTZ), domestic family-run accommodations account for 42 percent of all commercial overnight stays in the country. Despite this contribution, the public lacks access to detailed financial reports on the 298 tourist associations, including their income, expenses, number of employees, wage costs, and measurable outcomes. Barbir argued that such transparency is necessary to assess the real impact of these entities on the economy. In his statement, Barbir noted that the HTZ reported total expenditures of 52.5 million euros for the past year, with 41.6 million euros allocated to operational costs and 10.8 million euros to special funds. However, this figure does not represent the entire cost of all local and regional tourist associations. He pointed out that the number of beds in family-run homes decreased by 0.43 percent, while occupancy rates fell by 1.48 percent. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy rose by 2.15 percent, and camping sites saw a 2.37 percent increase in usage. These figures, according to Barbir, challenge the narrative that small rental operators are the primary cause of challenges facing Croatian tourism. He stressed that their capacity has not grown, their occupancy has declined, and they are now being further burdened by potential blame. If family-run accommodation generates 42 percent of commercial overnight stays, he argued, it deserves a concrete support plan rather than new penalties. Barbir requested the release of a unified financial report detailing the operations of all 298 tourist associations, including employee numbers, wage expenses, and results of major campaigns. He also demanded the cancellation of mandatory tourism membership fees for small family-run rentals, unless the system can demonstrate tangible value for the money paid. He concluded by stating that small rental operators must justify each bed, report every guest, and pay every obligation. Before imposing another bill on them, he insisted, the state must first provide a detailed account of the financial status of all 298 tourist associations. This demand reflects broader calls for greater accountability and transparency within Croatia's tourism sector.