Croatian Charter Association (CCA): Giving Croatia’s Charter Industry a United Voice

• 21.10.2025.
• News

The establishment of the Croatian Charter Association (CCA), the first national organization uniting charter companies and nautical tourism professionals, has been announced for the 2025 Biograd Boat Show.The goal is to jointly address the industry’s many challenges, represent members’ interests before institutions, and promote professional and safety standards.

The founding assembly of the Croatian Charter Association (CCA), a new national professional body bringing together professional charter companies and related businesses in nautical tourism will be held in Biograd during the Biograd Boat Show, on 23 October 2025 at 5 PM, in the Captain’s Club, Marina Kornati. The assembly is being organized by leading industry representatives, and a press conference will follow at 6 PM, also in the Captain’s Club.

CCA: More than an Association – A Shared Voice of the Charter Sector

Those who have built Croatia’s charter industry over the years are finally joining forces to protect their shared interests, raise professional standards, and present Croatia as one of the world’s leading charter destinations. UCH will focus on long-standing sector issues that have remained on the sidelines.

“For decades, the charter industry has been one of the strongest and most stable pillars of Croatian tourism. By founding the Croatian Charter Association, we aim to unite the experience and knowledge of the sector, define shared interests, and approach institutions with clear, well-founded proposals. It’s time for the profession to speak with one voice,” said the Association’s Founding Committee, which includes some of the country’s most respected and experienced charter companies.

Charter at a Crossroads: Same Problems, Higher Stakes

While the number of guests and the financial impact of the charter industry continue to grow, many key issues remain unresolved. Croatia still lacks a clear strategy for the development of nautical and charter tourism. Companies operate in an environment marked by unfair competition, rising operational costs (from moorings to maintenance), insecure seasonal employment conditions, and a lack of structured international promotion.

In times of political uncertainty and economic turbulence, charter companies are often hit the hardest, even though their contribution goes far beyond yacht rentals. According to official data, only 48% of nautical tourists’ total spending goes toward boat rentals, while the rest supports hospitality, retail, fuel, marinas, excursions, and entertainment. In other words, charter guests fuel the local economy, yet the industry itself often operates without systematic support.

Problems have been ignored or resolved too slowly for years. The founding of the Croatian Charter Association is, therefore, the sector’s response, an industry that no longer wishes to stay silent. The Association’s mission is to provide charter companies with a shared platform for dialogue with institutions, to improve safety and service standards, and to position Croatia as a relevant and competitive charter destination.

The Association’s 11 founders come from leading domestic charter companies with extensive experience and fleets numbering in the hundreds. They now wish to channel that collective knowledge into joint action.

What Does CCA Aim to Achieve?

TThe Croatian Charter Association is being established to ensure systematic growth and strengthen the charter sector, both domestically and internationally. Its focus includes promoting responsible tourism, preserving the marine environment and cultural heritage, and introducing clear professional and ethical standards across the industry. IIt also aims to improve navigation safety and enhance the quality of services.

Education and continuous professional development of staff are among CCA’s priorities, as well as cooperation with domestic and international organizations to exchange knowledge and experience. A key task will be to advocate for members’ interests with government bodies, local authorities, and relevant institutions abroad, fostering stable and fair business conditions.

How Will the Association Operate?

CCA is founded on principles of openness and transparency. Its activities and decisions will be made public through regular reports, open meetings, and online communication channels. The Association is non-profit; all collected funds will be used exclusively to achieve its goals.

CCA also leaves room for cooperation with related national and international networks, alliances, and initiatives that can contribute to sector development.

Who Can Become a Member?

The Association is open to all legal entities in Croatia engaged in charter activities that share its core values and objectives. Membership categories include:

• Founding members – companies that initiated the establishment,
• Regular members – charter companies that meet legal requirements,
• Honorary and supporting members – individuals and institutions contributing expertise or support to the Association’s goals.

All those who wish to actively participate in shaping the future of Croatian chartering are welcome to join, provided they act in line with professional standards and the principles of transparent, responsible business.

What Comes Next?

Membership applications are open to all legal entities operating in accordance with professional standards and willing to contribute to the growth of an industry that has long lacked a unified voice.

The first concrete step has already been announced: the founding assembly will take place on 23 October at 5 PM in Biograd, during the Biograd Boat Show, an event that every year gathers those who build Croatia’s nautical tourism day by day.

More details and statements from the Founding Committee members will soon be available at carter.hr.
Stay with us, we’re reporting firsthand.

And if you manage a charter company and believe the time has come for a structured leap forward, now may be the right moment to join.

 

• Share:

---