Kristjan Staničić vows crackdown on illegal rentals to protect legal Croatian tourism operators

Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ), has been confirmed for a new four‑year mandate, bringing his tenure close to a decade. He said that eliminating illegal private‑rental operators will most help those who operate within the law and comply with regulations.

Staničić stressed that private accommodation, especially family‑run rentals, accounts for about 52 % of all tourist stays in Croatia and is a major asset. He clarified that his earlier comments about the sector were misinterpreted, noting that hotels and family rentals have different business models, costs and guest profiles, and that both should succeed.

The director’s aim is to protect legal providers while maintaining the overall strength of Croatia’s tourism industry, which contributes roughly one‑fifth of the national economy.