THECRISIS in Kosovohas dented Croatia’s efforts to re-establish its image as a safe holiday destination.
The Croatian National Tourist Board said its airports were open and that holiday resorts had been unaffected by the conflict, but admitted it would be a setback for tourism.
“The war will have a serious impact on forward bookings,” said a CNTB spokesman. “There won’t be a total collapse in tourism because people who have already booked are not cancelling, but our future bookings depend on how long this situation goes on.”
Croatia attracted 68,000 British tourists in 1998, and before the most recent troubles it was forecasting the figure would rise to 80,000 this year.
The CNTB said it could not issue any revised forecast because events are uncertain.
The Foreign Office has warned that airspace over Croatia could be closed at any time, although NATO flying restrictions were lifted last week. The Foreign Office has also it advised travellers to stay away from the country’s borders with Serbia and Bosnia and advises holidaymakers to check with tour operators for the latest information.