Nautical tourism sector is recovering fastest. New online service for sailors from other countries
Tourism industry was hit hard by the pandemics, but nautical tourism sector is recovering quickly. The figures show that the number of foreign cruising sailors has been growing by about 10 thousands weekly since the border re-opening. The result is better than expected. The first half of the year recorded the decrease of 42 per cent in foreign yachts and vessel arrivals compared with the same period last year.
Despite the considerable decline, the difference is starting to diminish so the June figures show 10.821 arrivals which is by 21.45% less than in June last year when there were 13.776 vessels arriving. This year’s figures show the increased number of large vessels and megayachts. According to the Ministry of the sea, transport and Infrastructure, the explanation may be in the perception of Croatia as a safe destination for this year’s summer holidays. In the first half of this year, the number of vessels of 20m in length and less has decreased by 23,4 per cent, while the number of vessels exceeding 20m has remained identical to June 2019 figures.
In past two weeks, there has been a growing number of new cases in the country. Should such a trend continue, it is likely to expect more strict safety protocols. For the time being, the epidemiological situation is favourable regardless of the increased number of new cases, especially in the coastal area. Face masks are obligatory in the means of public transport. It is still recommended to keep social distance of at least 1.5 m and carry face masks in closed and open areas of restaurants and cafes.
News for sailors cruising in Croatia
Beginning Friday, July 3, the online service for the purchase of vignette has been released in its new and improved version. That is to say that sailors from 7 EU countries (Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Belgium, Lativa, Estonia and Luxembourg) do not have to go to port authorities to get one when they cross the border because the service is available online via NIAS/eIDAS system.
New service has become available with the merger of two systems – eNautika and ePristojbe allowing online payment for the vignette – a fee for safety at sea and the protection against marine pollution. Paying with credit cards is much faster and safer so the sailors can save a lot of time and fully enjoy their summer sailing. The ministry has announced that they will continue to introduce new digital services.
