Neum bolsters infrastructure for upcoming season amid growing labor shortages

Davor Kresic, Sales Director for a prominent Neum hotel, confirmed that preparations are entering their final phase, with major facilities scheduled to open between mid-March and early April. "Current bookings are trending at last year’s levels or slightly higher," Kresic noted, adding that final assessments will depend on the performance of ongoing package sales.

The guest demographic remains predominantly European. Market analysis indicates that the majority of visitors originate from the European Union, specifically France, Poland, Slovenia, Scandinavia, Hungary, Germany, and Austria.

The challenge of labor migration

Despite efforts to retain local talent, Neum is increasingly reliant on international labour to maintain service standards. Kresic highlighted that the shortage of qualified domestic staff has left the industry with no choice but to look abroad.

"We are forced to import labour again this season. Given that major regional destinations like Croatia are struggling with the same issue, it is difficult to expect a different outcome for us," Kresic stated. He further specified that the majority of foreign workers are being recruited from Nepal and the Philippines.

Infrastructure and urban development

While the city’s tourist infrastructure is generally assessed as high-quality, logistical bottlenecks such as parking and traffic flow remain a priority. Nikola Prkacin, Director of the Neum Municipal Tourist Board, acknowledged that while long-term plans for large-scale public garages are in development, they will not be operational for the 2026 season.

"This is a strategically vital project requiring significant capital, so our focus this year remains on optimizing existing regulations," Prkacin explained.

Recent investments have focused on urban aesthetics and accessibility. Following the successful opening of a renovated promenade last year, new projects are underway to extend the walkway into the southern part of the city. Additional efforts include:

• Renovating public lighting systems.
• Landscaping public areas and seasonal flower beds.
• Annual beach restoration and nourishment, set to begin with the onset of warmer weather.

The Neum Tourist Board expects these enhancements, coupled with a robust summer event calendar, to maintain the town's competitive edge in the regional market.