Tomas Nautica Yachting 2012: Recession hits Croatian marinas too

Although they are very satisfied when it comes to beauty of the landscape and personal safety tourists who arrive to Croatia for sailing are mostly unsatisfied with the purchases in marinas, the nautical supply and the value they get for money

According to the Tomas Nautica Yachting 2012 research, which was conducted recently by the Institute for Tourism, Croatia has been recognized as one of the most popular yachting destinations in the Mediterranean. However, there is still room for further improvement of the overall Croatian nautical offer, said Minister Veljko Ostojic during the presentation of the results of this study at the Croatian Ministry of Tourism.

  The goal of the study was to asses the position, market potential and differences that have occured since 2007 when the last survey was made. More than 2000 sailors were interviewed who arrived to the Adriatic sea in their own boat or in a chartered boat.

  Although they are very satisfied when it comes to the beauty of the landscape and personal safety, they are relatively happy with the amenities, shopping and cultural opportunities in Croatia, the survey showed. When it comes to purchases being made in marinas, nautical supply and the value that they get for money, they were mostly unsatisfied.

  While the average sailor spends 100 euros per day, the same as in 2007, it should be pointed out that those who are in charter spend more - 160 euros a day per person. Those who arrive in private boats spend 68 euros per day. The French, Russian and British sailors spend the most - over 176 euros per day, with Italians spending 74 euros per day.

 Overall consumption has been reduced, the survey showed, I.e., expenditure for culture, entertainment and shopping and when compared to 2007 it has fallen by 25 percent. "With reduced demand also the supply in marinas fell. This is simply a consequence of the global economic developments," minister Ostoji? said, while presenting the results of this research.

 The average sailor spends 12 days in Croatia, is 45 years old and spends 100 euros per day. 43 percent of all guests who arrive to Croatia in order to sail are highly educated, own a car, and have a monthly income of EUR 3,500 or above. They usually sail without a skipper. When it comes to the type of sailing, 39 percent of the time we are talking about family trips. 31 percent of guests sail with a partner, and 28 percent with friends.

  On average, there are 4 people on a vessel. In 12 nights, our guests are quite mobile. As far as activities go, most of them go to restaurants, cafes, or do some shopping and walking. They often change marinas and easily find free, transit berths.