engleski

Economic Impacts of Tourism in Croatia

Tourism is an important economic activity in most countries around the world. As well as its direct economic impact (activities as Accommodation and food services, Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation services and related services, Rental and leasing services or Air transport services), the sector has significant indirect and induced impacts (activities as Agriculture and fishing, Manufacture of food products, Construction, Wholesale and retail trade or Real estate activities). Croatia is also an important tourist destination in Europe. In 2015, there were about 14 million tourist arrivals and 71 million tourist nights. Concerning the structure of the total tourist arrivals, the share of foreign tourist arrivals was 88 per cent and of domestic ones 12 per cent. With total population of 4, 2 million and total GDP of 44 billion Euro (current prices), foreign tourist arrivals have significant influence on Croatian economy. We use macroeconomic analysis with the aid of input-output analysis to show contribution and significance of tourism on the Croatian economy. The macroeconomic analysis is based on data provided by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics and Croatian National Bank. We analyse key macroeconomic variables, i.e. gross value added, employment, investment and balance of payment. The input-output analysis is based on the official input-output tables for Croatia (prepared at the 65 activity-division level.) By using the input-output analysis we calculate the matrix of technical coefficients as well as the value added coefficients. By using the matrix multiplier, we analyse multiplicative effects, both direct and indirect. The conclusions point to limitations and shortcomings of using the input-output analysis and importance of the tourism for growth and development of Croatia. The results of input-output analysis suggest significant multiplicative effects of the tourism (activities) for the Croatian economy. In regard to the fact that tourism income contributes with about 17 per cent in the total GDP, it can be stated that it constitutes one of the major drives of the Croatian economy and foreign trade. Croatia needs tourism for investments and a stronger economic growth, for employment / new jobs creation and for the overall contribution to the society.

tourism; economic impact; Croatia; Input-output table

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