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Post by dugodude on Jul 19, 2014 10:29:21 GMT 1
What ho, dear board!
Long time, no post, but given the extent of "bad service in Croatia" experiences on this board, kind of feel it is my duty to report on conversation this week, in the interests of balance.
A friend who spent a week on a hired boat based in Split told me he'd had a thoroughly good time. That, in itself, is probably not so uncommon, but he also said that the natives had been "very friendly".
He then checked that, and said 80% of them.
"This was very different from four-five years ago. I think the Croats are learning they can't just assume tourists are going to turn up and accept bad service."
(not exact quote, but along those lines).
If it's not obvious, man in question is the well-balanced type who's views I respect.
Anyone else detect said improvement in general attitudes, and if so, any explanation?
happy summer, everyone! dugodude
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Post by Ribaric on Jul 19, 2014 14:33:11 GMT 1
following Dugo's track... Up here, there has long been a "village tourism" idea where people come to see the stunning beauty of the countryside and visit all manner of living museums, vineyards, home cooking events and similar. The trouble was, there was no marketing or synergy in terms of organisation. Now there is, it's way too small and a bit hit and miss but the general direction is the right one. Those involved do seem to have the right idea about being customer focussed even though they lack the finances to put it together properly. I hope it continues thus. I may get involved next summer but I'm maintaining a healthy skepticism.
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Post by Tonka on Jul 21, 2014 20:12:43 GMT 1
You are right Ribaric, The tourist bosses are incompetent, and there is no proper strategy to promote CRO tourism.
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Post by crojoe on Jul 22, 2014 8:48:09 GMT 1
You are right Ribaric, The tourist bosses are incompetent, and there is no proper strategy to promote CRO tourism. But you got to remember that the countries advertising motto/logo/catch phrase is "The Adriatic as it once was". Of course the big question is.. when is the "once was" period they are basing their hopes on? From all accounts it could be a mix of medieval times of Lords and Ladies who owned everything or it could be a mix of communistic times when you drowned in paperwork, no body would do anything anything unless the central government in Zagreb said OK. Lets just hope they find here way one day soon before it's all to late! That said, tourism levels are up, coupled with the financial problems in the world I would say Croatia is doing alright. Where I see a need is for major improvement in upgrading facilities, introducing theme parks, broaden their service to a wider audience, launching inland tourism and overall not relying on tourism alone to pay all the bills.
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Post by happy on Jul 22, 2014 18:56:29 GMT 1
You are right Ribaric, The tourist bosses are incompetent, and there is no proper strategy to promote CRO tourism. But you got to remember that the countries advertising motto/logo/catch phrase is "The Adriatic as it once was". Of course the big question is.. when is the "once was" period they are basing their hopes on? From all accounts it could be a mix of medieval times of Lords and Ladies who owned everything or it could be a mix of communistic times when you drowned in paperwork, no body would do anything anything unless the central government in Zagreb said OK. Lets just hope they find here way one day soon before it's all to late! That said, tourism levels are up, coupled with the financial problems in the world I would say Croatia is doing alright. Where I see a need is for major improvement in upgrading facilities, introducing theme parks, broaden their service to a wider audience, launching inland tourism and overall not relying on tourism alone to pay all the bills. What happened to 'ELITE TOURISM'?
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Post by crojoe on Jul 22, 2014 20:54:34 GMT 1
But you got to remember that the countries advertising motto/logo/catch phrase is "The Adriatic as it once was". Of course the big question is.. when is the "once was" period they are basing their hopes on? From all accounts it could be a mix of medieval times of Lords and Ladies who owned everything or it could be a mix of communistic times when you drowned in paperwork, no body would do anything anything unless the central government in Zagreb said OK. Lets just hope they find here way one day soon before it's all to late! That said, tourism levels are up, coupled with the financial problems in the world I would say Croatia is doing alright. Where I see a need is for major improvement in upgrading facilities, introducing theme parks, broaden their service to a wider audience, launching inland tourism and overall not relying on tourism alone to pay all the bills. What happened to 'ELITE TOURISM'? Elite Tourism: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2699665/Serena-Williams-shows-impressive-bikini-body-Croatian-holiday-two-weeks-dropping-Wimbledon-virus.html
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Post by jill on Jul 24, 2014 8:45:11 GMT 1
Having been coming to Croatia (and have a house here) for the last 15 years) I confirm it's true! 90% of service, especially out in the islands has been truly helpful, friendly and fun, very different to 10/15 years ago!
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