Croatia: Tourist Inspections Lead to Closures and Heavy Fines

Croatia's State Inspectorate has intensified its efforts to combat unregistered tourist accommodation and advertising, conducting 1,441 inspections nationwide between April 20 and July 20. The operation specifically targeted online platforms where individuals were offering illegal lodging services.

During these inspections, irregularities were identified in 122 cases. This led to the imposition of 68 administrative measures that prohibit the unregistered provision of services and their advertising. The inspectorate detailed that these measures included sealing properties until compliance is achieved, with a minimum 30-day closure period. The crackdown affected various types of establishments, including seven holiday homes, one hostel, 36 apartments, one campsite, and two individual rooms operating without proper registration.

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Due to violations of the provisions of the Law on Prohibition and Prevention of Unregistered Activities by residents and citizens of the Republic of Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, a total of 68 administrative measures prohibiting unregistered provision of services in households and their advertising have been issued.

Beyond these closures, the inspectorate also took action against hoteliers providing accommodation without the necessary permits from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This involved one boutique hotel, 13 apartments, 24 rooms, and two campsites with multiple mobile homes and glamping tents. In total, 62 charges were filed against offenders, 60 penalty orders were issued, and fines amounting to 81,169.08 euros were levied. Furthermore, the authorities confiscated illegally acquired profits exceeding 343,812 euros.

The State Inspectorate announced that these intensified inspections will continue throughout the tourist season to curb illegal rentals, protect legitimate businesses, and ensure fair market competition. They also urged all unregistered providers to legalize their operations in accordance with current regulations, warning of significant fines for non-compliance.

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We urge all providers of hospitality services in households who have not yet registered their activity to do so in accordance with current regulations to align their business with legal obligations.