Boat charterers in Croatia call for organised coronavirus testing to minimise risks for season

ZAGREB, Aug 18 (Hina) – The nautical charter season in Croatia is recording good results, but it could be jeopardised by restrictive measures being introduced by an increasing number of European countries, the HGK’s association of providers of boat charter services said on Tuesday.

The problem could be compounded by the unavailability of organised coronavirus testing for guests of marinas.

The charter season lasts until October, which means it is in full swing even now, but the measures being introduced in markets from which tourists come to Croatia could result in tourists suddenly leaving. In order to avoid that, providers of boat charter services are considering solutions – either making available organised testing to guests or providing early departure so that guests could have enough time to get tested in their home country before returning to work, said the press release by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK).

“Diplomatic negotiations that will impact the final outcome of measures being adopted by the countries are currently underway. Some countries do not accept the test and ask for 14 days of self-isolation upon return. This is a topic we are negotiating intensively and we are lobbying for a negative test to suffice,” said Assistant Tourism Minister Robert Pende, as carried by the press release.