Brač tourism debate: German entrepreneur criticizes rising prices

A debate has emerged regarding the commercialization and rising costs of tourism on the Croatian island of Brač. Christoph Ph. Schließmann, a German entrepreneur and professor who has visited the island for 18 years, published an open letter expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of local hospitality. He noted that prices for simple meals, such as ćevapčići, have reached 20 to 25 euros, comparable to prices in central Frankfurt, and criticized the trend of charging for services that were previously free, such as public showers.

Schließmann argued that the focus has shifted from fair pricing to maximizing profit per guest, which he believes erodes the authentic Dalmatian atmosphere and the sense of hospitality that long-term visitors value. He emphasized that the issue is not an inability to pay, but a perceived lack of value for the money spent.

In response, economic analyst Petar Vušković defended the changes as a natural result of market mechanisms. Vušković stated that Brač is no longer the same as it was twenty years ago and that the island has undergone significant economic and social transformations. He explained that rising prices and the introduction of fees for certain services are direct consequences of increased demand, higher costs of living, and the necessity of maintaining island infrastructure within a modern market economy.