Prices likely to increase during summer season

Hrvoje Margan, president of the Catering and Tourism Guild at the Chamber of Trades and Crafts, spoke on the the HRT's Studio 4 program about the current state of the sector ahead of the upcoming season.

He said prices this season are expected to remain at last year’s levels, though increases are possible due to rising input costs, particularly food purchased from retail suppliers.

“In the end, it depends on how much traders raise their prices. Whatever they increase, caterers will have to follow,” he said, adding that price adjustments typically range between 3 and 5 percent.

He also noted that while revenues have grown, costs have risen more sharply. According to analyses by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, nominal revenues increased by 12 to 15 percent between 2024 and 2025.

“At the same time, expenses have risen by more than 20 percent. As a result, profit margins in catering have generally fallen below 10 percent, making it difficult for the sector to invest unless prices reflect costs,” he said.

Margan stressed that labour remains the largest expense, noting that it has roughly doubled in recent years. In year-round tourism, waiters earn between 1,200 and 1,500 euros per month, while chefs earn between 1,500 and 2,000 euros.

He added that, given current cost pressures, wages are expected to rise this year by several percent, alongside potential increases in prices across the sector.

The Draft Proposal for the Hospitality Industry Act has been presented and will remain in public consultation for the next month. The current regulations have already undergone nine amendments and additions, reflecting significant changes in the market for hospitality and tourism services.