Izvor: kigo.hr
While the neighboring Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is systematically developing the nautical sector and providing millions in incentives, such concrete measures almost do not exist in Croatia.
Million-dollar incentives for marinas and vessels
The meeting presented the results of the first round of public calls for funding projects in the nautical sector.
Special interest was aroused by incentives for marinas, docks and wharves. This program financed 23 projects and awarded 1.8 million euros in grants.
The support program for the renovation and modernization of recreational vessels and their removal from use also showed great interest. In this program, 231 applications were approved, with a total of around 750,000 euros in support.
Regional Councilor for Tourism Sergio Emidio Bini also announced new measures that will be launched during 2026.
New incentives are planned:
- 300,000 euros for shipbuilding companies
- 200,000 euros for eco-friendly marine engines and the purchase of vessels with a lower environmental impact
- 1 million euros for the renovation or removal of old vessels
In addition, the region plans to further strengthen the promotion of nautical tourism through the tourism organization PromoTurismoFVG and organize information days for entrepreneurs in cooperation with coastal municipalities and business associations.
The Italians are also planning future connections
One of the key projects will be the creation of a moorings master plan, i.e. a detailed mapping of marinas and piers in the region in order to clearly determine the needs for infrastructure expansion.
U izradu plana bit će uključeni i javni i privatni sektor.
“The public sector is investing significant funds, but without cooperation with entrepreneurs there is no real growth. Strong synergy is needed to further raise the quality of services for nautical tourism,” said Bini.
And where is Croatia?
The example of Friuli-Venezia Giulia shows how seriously some European regions approach the development of nautical tourism. Although this Italian region has only 96 kilometers of coastline, it is actively developing an entire system of incentives, infrastructure planning and cooperation with entrepreneurs.
On the other hand, Croatia has one of the most developed charter industries in the Mediterranean, but the development strategy of the nautical sector is often reduced to individual projects and initiatives. Nautical industry generates a large number of jobs and strongly influences tourism, service activities, shipbuilding and logistics.
Time for serious strategy
While some European regions are already systematically planning the future of nautical tourism, the question arises whether Croatia should also start creating a clear nautical development strategy.
Jer bez planiranja infrastrukture, poticaja za poduzetnike i koordinirane promocije, teško je dugoročno zadržati konkurentnost na sve zahtjevnijem mediteranskom tržištu nautičkog turizma.
