half-baked assessment, almost 18 months after the changeover to the euro

The Eastern European country promises to break new records in the number of tourists again this summer. According to the government, this large influx is mainly due to the introduction of the euro. But for locals, prices have increased, as this French woman living in Croatia explains.

Émilie Triolo has lived for around twenty years in Šibenik, on the Adriatic coast. Born in Savoie, after a career in marketing and communication, the Frenchwoman now advises, via an Internet platform, French people wishing to settle in Croatia, as tourism professionals by purchasing campsites or nautical bases. It also details the mistakes to avoid.

“Croats are truly aware of the jewel they hold in their hands, she notes. Croatia is truly a little pearl of beauty, I think. And it’s true that we Westerners cannot come and say to ourselves: we’re going to buy this, we’re going to buy that, it won’t be expensive. Indeed, they defend what they have in their hands, and often at a fairly expensive price all the same!”

Tourism is an essential sector for Croatia’s economy. It represents a fifth of the country’s GDP.

“There are thousands of kilometers of coastline, testifies the Frenchwoman, with the Adriatic Sea. Croatia still has more than 1,200 islands and islets. It is a real little paradise which is starting to make itself known, and which is becoming more and more talked about. We can have fun on the islands, without going to the ends of the earth, since now Croatia is the CETA zone, it is Europe, and it has been the euro since the 1^er January 2023.”

According to the latest figures, more than 9 million travelers visited the small Balkan country last year, representing an increase of 12% year-on-year. The Zagreb authorities attribute this record increase to two factors: the absence of borders now, and the adoption of the euro almost a year and a half ago. The transition to the single currency has made life easier for travelers, who no longer need to look for exchange offices or check exchange rates.

“It encourages the arrival of French tourists, recognizes Émilie Triolo, because before, it was the kuna, it could complicate those who were a little cold. We really feel this openness and this desire of the French to go and discover Croatia, its islands and the rest of its beauties which can be cultural, architectural and gastronomic too.”