| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 14/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 27 |
| Copyright: Other |
Croatia seeks foreign tourism investment
Croatia wants foreign investors to play a major role in the development of thecountry’s tourism industry, according to new tourism minister Pave Zupan-Ruskovic.The 43 state-owned companies currently up for privatisation include several in the tourism sector. “We need investors who are prepared to develop and improve our facilities,” she said.
“The privatisation process isn’t happening as fast as we would like and we are working on introducing new laws that would give incentives to investors, like reducing VAT. Zero VAT is our aim.”
Marketing in the UK had stalled through lack of available funds this year. “We’re planning more promotion for next year – we certainly need to do more in the UK,” she said.
“Tourism in Croatia is still in a difficult situation financially, having suffered 10 years without normal business as a result of the war.
“We need to motivate families to visit Croatia, which is set to become one of the most important Mediterranean destinations. We’re a very safe country and that’s what people are looking for.”