A German man who has attended the Brotherhood for 18 years: "The hosts see me as a walking wallet who has to spend a lot of money"

A German businessman from Frankfurt, Christoph, has been visiting the Croatian island of Brač for 18 years, maintaining his own home there and fully integrating into the local community. This year, however, he has noticed changes that have left him unsettled and prompted him to reconsider returning. Christoph, who values the authenticity of the island’s culture and lifestyle, feels that greed is eroding what tourists most cherish about the Croatian coast. Christoph, a successful entrepreneur, describes Croatia as never having felt like the luxurious French Riviera, which he sees as the greatest compliment. He sought warmth, friendly locals, and a relaxed atmosphere rather than glitz and glamour. His experience with high prices in restaurants has become increasingly troubling. A simple portion of meatball costs between 20 and 25 euros, while a slice of pizza can cost as much as 35 euros. As someone accustomed to high living costs in Frankfurt, he finds it hard to understand why such modest meals should command such steep prices on Brač. He explains that the issue is not a lack of money, but rather a growing reluctance to fund tourist fantasies. Christoph believes that high prices alone do not transform ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences. “Meatballs don’t become a luxury dish just because they cost 25 euros,” he says. Similarly, a regular tavern does not automatically become a prestigious restaurant simply because it charges 100 euros per person for dinner. The changes are also evident in small businesses. Public showers in the bay, once freely available thanks to the local municipality, are now operated by automated machines requiring payment. Each shower session demands a fee, which Christoph finds disheartening. While one euro won’t push anyone into poverty, he is disturbed by the notion that tour operators must charge for even the simplest actions. He urges local decision-makers and business owners to consider the long-term impact of these decisions. Prices can change quickly, roads can be repaired, but once tourists lose trust and a sense of belonging, they rarely return. “This trust is worth far more than an additional euro in profit,” he concludes. His concerns reflect a broader sentiment among long-time visitors who fear that the essence of Brač, its simplicity, hospitality, and connection to the land, is being lost beneath rising costs and commercialization.