He talks about Split as a 'party destination': 'We see tourism differently, it will take time'

Split’s mayor Tomislav Šuta has confirmed that the celebration of Croatia's Independence Day will proceed as planned despite warnings from the Croatian Meteorological Agency about dangerously high temperatures and heatwaves. The evening festivities on the Riva promenade began slightly later than scheduled, with a larger number of locals and tourists expected to arrive around 9:30 PM. The main attraction of the night was a concert by one of Croatia’s most renowned bands, Prljavo Kazalište, followed by a traditional fireworks display from the St. Nicholas Gate at 10:30 PM. Šuta emphasized the significance of commemorating this day, highlighting its role in celebrating democracy and freedom. He expressed gratitude toward Croatian defenders whose victory ensured a free and inclusive space for future generations. “We build a Croatia that is inclusive, united, and rooted in dialogue,” he stated, underscoring the importance of these values for younger citizens. The mayor also revealed his personal favorite song by Prljavo Kazalište, which he plans to share during the event. When asked whether he would remain for the entire concert and if there was a particular song he cherished, Šuta mentioned “Uzalud vam trud svirači” as his immediate thought. “It’s a beautiful moment I want people to enjoy with me,” he added, expressing his enthusiasm for the performance. Šuta reflected on his participation in commemorations in Knin and noted that a formal parade had taken place in Split the previous day. “Today I was in Knin, and yesterday we held a solemn parade here. We continue to uphold these values and must keep them alive,” he said, reinforcing the city’s commitment to preserving national identity and unity. He also addressed how some foreign visitors experience Split primarily as a destination for entertainment and nightlife. “Yesterday’s parade and celebrations were conducted in both Croatian and English, and we wanted to introduce all our guests to what is happening here, what we are celebrating, and to acquaint them with our history,” he explained, showing efforts to engage international visitors. In terms of managing tourism, Šuta acknowledged the challenges faced by the city. He announced that Split has adopted new regulations limiting alcohol sales between 9 PM and 6 AM, aiming to better control the flow of visitors and enhance the quality of experiences. “We see tourism differently, and it will take time, but we want to correct certain things that may have been poorly handled in the past,” he said, indicating a shift towards more structured and sustainable practices. Looking ahead, Śuta outlined plans for developing a different model of tourism in the future. “I’m not talking about a short-term approach, but long-term. We haven’t had a clear strategy before, and tourism has happened organically. Necessary changes are needed,” he concluded, emphasizing the city’s intent to evolve its approach to hospitality and visitor management.