Only 25 percent of last year’s tourist visited Hvar Island

Even though tourist numbers for Hvar island in 2020 have not been spectacular and will impact Hvar residents, tourism workers are not losing hope. Like other Croatian islands and tourist destinations, Hvar has also been deeply impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. This is confirmed by the latest stats by Tourism Barometer, for the first 9 months of 2020.

In the same period of last year, the sunniest island in Croatia recorded a total of 1.663.711 overnight stays. This year that number is down to 846.152 stays (50.85%), so it’s safe to presume that the upcoming months will be challenging for Hvar residents. More specifically, Hvar Town Tourist Board recorded only 49.761 arrivals and 276.475 overnight stays in the said period. That accounts for 25 percent of the total from 2019 (arrivals) and 39 percent for the stays. Neighbouring town of Stari Grad has recorded 12.783 arrivals (35%) and 118.478 overnight stays (47%). 

As we move to the eastern parts of the island, the results get better. Jelsa has recorded 33.198 arrivals (52%) and 301.106 overnight stays (64%). Vrboska has seen the number of arrivals go down to 10.135 (51%) and 92.110 stays (58%), while Sucuraj recorded 5826 arrivals (62%) and 57.983 stays (70%). As for the guest structure, there were some changes in the nationalities which visited Hvar island the most. In general, there was a lack of tourists from further countries like the USA and UK, but more have come from Croatia, Slovenia, Czech and Poland. Most of them arrived by car and other vehicles, which is of no surprise since flights took a major hit during the pandemic.

Despite everything, tourism workers are not giving up. They continue with their marketing activities for the 2021 season, which of course depends on the achieved revenues and overall Coronavirus situation. What is certain is that their activities are gonna be aligned with epidemiologic measures given by the government, as they try to ensure safe vacations for everyone visiting the island.

Source: Slobodna Dalmacija