Data recently shared by Chief Executive Officer for Business Transformation at Lošinj Hotels & Villas, on LinkedIn indicates an unprecedented number of empty apartments at the height of the tourist season. As highlighted by the Express portal, these insights come from an industry professional, making it no surprise that he points out the shortcomings of private accommodations.
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Nevertheless, the data remains concerning. Pejović noted that last year already served as a minor warning, “but this year, the situation seems significantly different.”
Pool Villas Available During Peak Season
Pejović discovered several pool villas, suitable for six or more people, available between July 27 and August 3. In Istria, there were 467 such villas, 387 in Kvarner, and 405 in Dalmatia. “In total, there are 1259 pool villas with nearly 5000 available rooms,” he emphasized.
To put these numbers into perspective, it equates to around 25 hotels with 200 rooms each. During the peak summer season, this would mean one of Croatia’s largest hotel chains being completely vacant, which is particularly alarming.
Lack of Sales Strategies
Pejović pointed out that hotels would typically have at least 25 sales and marketing managers equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage the situation. Private owners often rely on price reductions, extending loans, and hoping for a surge in tourists due to global events, which is not a viable strategy.
Additional Issues in Split
According to Slobodna Dalmacija, during the Ultra festival in Split, it was previously impossible to find available accommodation. This year, however, three days before the festival, there were still more than 650 vacant properties in Split, many of which remained empty even during the event.
High Prices and Increased Supply
So, what is causing the empty tourist accommodations? In Dalmatia, for the given period, there were 1985 available units for a family of four. One significant reason is undoubtedly the high prices, along with the increased supply of accommodations.
Croatia has nearly 440,000 registered apartments offering 1.2 million beds. Over the past ten years, the number of apartments has increased by more than 30%, contributing to the current situation. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, think carefully before buying a property by the sea to determine if it’s worth the investment.
For those considering purchasing property by the sea, seeking proper advice and being well-informed is essential. Every investment has challenges and opportunities, so being prepared and well-informed is important. If you need assistance in finding your dream home or advice on investment opportunities, contact me. I will be a reliable partner on your journey to fulfilling your dreams.
