Rural tourism association calls for solidarity, responsibility for better off-season

The Croatian rural tourism association (URTH) said on Saturday that the latest developments concerning the spread of coronavirus and irresponsible behaviour of individuals could cause a new lockdown in the autumn and thus undermine the tourist industry in the interior of Croatia this autumn.

Therefore the association called for responsible behaviour and solidarity.

The URTH says in a press release that in the first half of 2021, Croatia's rural tourist trade had seen record high results, however, the lax attitude of members of the general public and visitors toward anti-epidemic rules could prompt a new lockdown and a negative fallout for the autumn tourist season in the interior of the country.

The association recalls that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural tourism has borne much of the brunt of the crisis in connection with the lockdown and restrictions for doing business.

The press release says that stakeholders in the rural tourist trade showed solidarity during the preparation of the country for the summer season, aware of the importance of that season in the coastal parts of Croatia for the state budget.

"We are now calling on our colleagues, guests and visitors and all members of the general public to show their solidarity through responsible behaviour so that Croatia could avoid the spread of the contagion and another lockdown."

They recalled that, together with the tourism ministry, they had launched the first national campaign about rural tourism called "Experience local. Explore rural Croatia!" which enabled record high numbers of visitors to nature parks and other components of rural, cultural and adventure tourism, and they are looking forward to the resumption of the season in the autumn.

The association pointed out the "Safe Stay in Croatia" campaign, and explained that the criteria for the national label "Safe stay" are easy to fulfill and that compliance with those criteria is one of the preconditions for halting the spread of the virus during the main tourism season.

(Hina)

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