Croatia Seals Illegal Campsites, Fines Unregistered Accommodation Providers

Croatian tourism inspectors have cracked down on illegal accommodation providers, uncovering a significant number of unregistered businesses during intensified oversight between April 20 and August 15. Across 2,059 inspections, authorities identified 166 cases of unregistered hospitality services and advertising of such services.

Eight illegal campsites were immediately prohibited from further operation. The crackdown also resulted in the sealing of 23 holiday homes, 56 apartments, seven rooms, three campsites operating within households, one campsite on an agricultural farm, and one hostel. These properties will remain sealed for at least 30 days, pending rectification of irregularities or obtaining the necessary permits.

Measures were also taken against legal entities and individuals providing accommodation without proper authorization. This included four so-called campsites with a total of 178 mobile homes and six glamping tents, one boutique hotel, 13 apartments, and 24 rooms. Inspectors noted that many of these illegal operators were foreign nationals from countries including Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition to service bans, 71 charges were filed against offenders. Authorities issued 97 penalty orders, imposing fines amounting to 142,054.66 euros. Furthermore, illicitly gained profits exceeding 436,076 euros were identified and confiscated. The State Inspectorate (DIRH) emphasized that these inspections will continue until the end of the tourist season to combat unregistered rentals, protect legitimate businesses, and ensure fair market competition. They urged those operating without registration to comply with regulations.