Anvar Azimov, the current ambassador of Russia to Zagreb, gave an interview to RIA Novosti. In it, he shared information that in the current scenario of events related to the coronavirus pandemic, Russians should not be allowed to travel to Croatia until July-August.
According to the data provided by the Embassy of the Russian Federation, 120-150 thousand Russians go to Croatia every year. Most of them prefer to rest on the Adriatic coast. It was also revealed that the expenses of tourists from Russia exceed the expenses of other foreigners in Croatia by 2-3 times. About 18-19 million visitors visit the country every year. Most of them come from the European Union and the States. Croatia earns 14-15 million euros from them. This is 20% of the state's GDP.
Anvar Azimov told the agency during an interview that Croatia plans to reopen tourist destinations between mid-June and September. Of course, precautions will be followed. Initially, only neighboring countries will open, which include Slovenia and, perhaps, Germany, Italy. The restrictions will be gradually lifted. The two-week quarantine, which was previously mandatory for the EU countries, is already being lifted.
According to the tourism ambassador, the Croatian government has ceased to require a certificate from tourists showing a negative test result for COVID-19. However, residents of Russia are not yet allowed to visit the country. The diplomat outlined how important it is that direct flights begin to open.
The head of the Russian diplomatic mission said that if flights are resumed in Moscow in July-August, the Russians will be able to get to Croatia. But for now, tourism will not be as large-scale as it was before. Given that Croatia is interested in Russian visitors, the country may lift restrictions at the end of the summer.
