ZAGREB

New visa procedure of Croatia, which is the youngest member of EU, has been allowing tourists from non-EU countries on a visa since April, which automatically decreased the number of Turkish tourists in the country. 

Following the new procedures on visa started on April 1st, Turkish tourists as well as Russian tourists going on a holiday to Croatia were affected adversely while Italians, Germans, and Austrians still preferred travelling to the country on vacation.

The amount of decrease in Turkish visitors to the country is 21 per cent when compared to last year, according to data released by the Croatian Culture Ministry.  

Touring agencies and local tourism establishments are also complaining about the decreasing number of Turkish tourists, who generally preferred taking vacation during the off-season.

Efforts have been going on to ensure that tourists can get the visa more easily, officials from the Croatian Tourism Ministry have said. 

Meanwhile, those who encounter visa obstacle to have their holidays in Croatia began preferring Montenegro as an alternative destination, which has also a coast on the Adriatic Sea.

englishnews@aa.com.tr