Panic in Croatia as tourists abandon beautiful island over new rules - 'it's a ghost town'

Frustrated hospitality owners in the town of Hvar on the Croatian island of the same name staged a protest on Wednesday, October 2, in response to a new rule that has left them facing cancellations for next season.

According to 24sata, they temporarily closed their bar businesses in the centre of town for a day, urging local authorities to take action that will secure the future of tourism and their livelihoods. 

The peaceful protest was particularly directed towards the executive authorities, while they also appealed to the local council to make decisions that would allow them to operate normally in the upcoming season.

One primary concern is the current noise protection law which prescribes the maximum permissible levels of noise.  

“The season behind us has inevitably failed, largely due to the current noise protection law, and revenues have been far below expectations. Under the current circumstances, long-term business is unprofitable and unsustainable, while the current noise law is unenforceable,” complained from the newly founded association of Hvar Town hospitality business entrepreneurs, "Dictum, Factum!".

They highlighted that the council and executive authorities have the tools to reach a satisfactory solution, as has been achieved in places like Novalja on the island of Pag or Porec on the western mainland. 

“Hvar has always been and remains a tourist destination offering entertainment options for both young and older guests – a vibrant Mediterranean town. To label it as a ‘party destination’ is absurd. 

“Party destinations, like Ibiza or Mykonos, build their reputation and offerings around dozens of clubs where parties go on around the clock. This is not the case in Hvar!”

“By bringing order, with a focus on controlling public spaces, rather than "making rash decisions" without long-term strategy or consideration, Hvar risks being transformed from a lively, attractive leader in tourism into a provincial backwater,” the hospitality owners stated.

They warned that the consequences for the island’s tourism in the coming seasons could be far-reaching and that they were confident that a compromise could be reached that satisfies everyone. This would allow the city to maintain its status as one of Croatia’s top tourist destinations, while also preserving its reputation.

The statement was signed by ten bar establishments: Aloha Bar, Central Park Club Hvar, Kiva Bar, Lola Bar, Lime Bar, Nautica Bar, Seven Bar, Sidro Bar, Silk Street Food Hvar, and Vintage Bar Hvar. 

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, spokespersons "Dictum, Factum!" said: "Many people around the world visit Hvar as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, and they are familiar with how vibrant and lively Hvar town is.

"This season, due to a law that allowed us to play music not more than 65dcbl, the situation became horrible... In the middle of the tourist season, we were repressed and threatened to turn [down] the music in our bars, cafes and restaurants, even for weddings.

"65dcbl is the sound of two people talking so it is just not possible to hear the music in the bar or have a first dance at the wedding in these conditions. Now we are facing cancellations for the next year...

"This law applies both to indoor and outdoor spaces, so many towns in Croatia made some changes regarding it to ensure bars, restaurants and clubs could work normally. But not Hvar.

"We appeal to Hvar town and city council to revise this decision and allow us normal working conditions, otherwise Hvar town will become a ghost city that just few will visit in the future."

Hvar Island lies in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast, between the islands of Brac, Vis and Korcula. Its location at the northeast centre of the Adriatic sailing routes has long made it an important base for trade throughout the wider Mediterranean and is now a favourite among tourists, one that is consistently listed in the top 10 islands in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

During the tourist season, the port of Hvar is filled with large yachts and sailboats, with all-night discos attracting large groups of young holidaymakers.