Croatia: New rules for tourist guides - public consultation open until April 5th
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched a public consultation on five new regulations that will govern the work of tour guides and employees in tourist boards. The consultation is open from the beginning of March and lasts until 5 April 2026., and it's about by-laws that further align Croatian legislation with to the legal acquis of the European Union and the requirements of the OECD.
Four regulations relate to tourist guides, while one refers to Professional exam for working in tourist boards. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, The aim of the new rules is to modernise the system, simplify procedures and strengthen professional standards in the sector.
Five regulations for public consultation
The following draft regulations are currently available on e-Consultation:
- Regulation on the Professional Examination for Tourist Guides
- Regulation on the Inventory of Protected Areas (Sites)
- Regulation on the Tourist Guide ID Card
- Regulation on Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications of Tourist Guides and Tourism Agency Business Managers
- Regulation on the professional examination for work in tourist boards
This is part of a wider reform of the tourism system, which has been worked on by a special working group with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Ministry of Veterans, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Community of Tourist Guide Companies.
Simplification of the examination system
One of the key changes relates to new model for the professional examination for tourist guides. The current system organised by counties is changing to a regional approach.
In future, exams should be conducted at the level four regions, and, from:
- unique General part of the exam,
- tea special part for guidance on protected sites.
This model should simplify the process and allow for greater standardisation of the knowledge and competencies of tourist guides throughout the country.
New list of protected sites
An important change also relates to the redefinition list of protected areas and sites which require special authorisation to operate.
According to the draft regulation, the number of such sites is reduced from more than 500 to 107. Among them is 28 sites associated with the Homeland War, including individual cities, nature parks and other areas of special historical and cultural significance.
At those locations, additional training will be required for management, and the Ministry states that the aim is, to ensure professional and responsible interpretation of recent Croatian history.
Strengthening professional standards in tourism
The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, emphasised that the adoption of new regulations is part of a broader tourism reform aimed at:
- Improvement of the tourist system
- reducing administrative barriers
- alignment with European regulations
- Strengthening professional standards in the sector.
The proposed amendments are particularly important for Tourist guides, travel agencies and tourist boards, as they define clearer rules for work, qualifications and education.
Consulting open until the beginning of April
All interested stakeholders in the tourism sector – guides, travel agencies, destination organisations, and the professional public – can participate in the public consultation via the platform. e-Consultations.
Comments and suggestions can be submitted by 5 April 2026., after which the Ministry will consider the submitted remarks before the final adoption of the regulation.
