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A smaller accommodation in Slovenia could open next week, and Croatia would start the season on June 15 at the latest, writes MTI.
Slovenian Economy Minister Zdravko Pocivalsek said on Tuesday that he would recommend the government extend after May 30 the economic stimulus measures taken to alleviate the economic difficulties caused by the coronavirus epidemic in the sector most affected by the imposed restrictions.
According to the Minister of Economy, tourism will need state subsidies for at least another four months or until the end of the year. In addition, it proposes the creation of a fund that will help revitalize tourism with grants and soft loans.
In Slovenia, tourism revenues represent 12 percent of GDP.
Secretary of State Simon Zajc said that, under strict precautions, smaller accommodation for up to 30 people could be reopened starting next week and, starting in June, hotels, spas and other tourist facilities could be reopened.
However, the Cabinet will continue to consult epidemiologists about the reopening, according to Zajc.
According to the president of the Slovenian Tourism Association, hotel occupancy could reach thirty percent in summer and fifty percent in autumn if the borders were reopened to countries where the epidemiological situation is similar to that of Slovenia.
Croatia awaits Slovenian tourists
After the Germans, Slovenes spend most of their guest nights in Croatia. Slovenian citizens also own 120,000 properties, 8,500 boats and thousands of rented campsites in the coastal country.
Croatia is in serious talks with Slovenia to find a solution for safe border crossings, with Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli reopening the Croatian-Slovenian border on June 1, but no later than June 15. The Minister of Tourism also revealed that Slovenians, but also other European Member States, are being consulted on the opening of so-called tourist corridors.
Half of the 20 million tourists visiting Croatia arrive in July and August. Tourism revenues represent almost 20 percent of the country’s GDP.
The spread of the new coronavirus has also slowed significantly in Croatia and Slovenia, so governments are gradually easing restrictions and restarting the economy with strict precautions.
2,112 people were registered in Croatia, and the number of deaths rose to 83 yesterday. Since the first infection appeared just over two months ago, 1,560 patients have been declared cured.
In Slovenia, the number of known coronavirus infections is 1,445, and the number of deaths from coronavirus deaths is 98. Since the outbreak, 57,474 coronavirus tests have been conducted in countries with a population of two million. Of the diagnosed patients, 56 are in the hospital, 17 of whom are cared for in the intensive care unit.
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