A New Zealand tourist was left shocked after being charged €1,506 for a short taxi ride in Zagreb. Authorities quickly intervened, cancelling the charge and pledging stricter monitoring of the sector.
The case struck a nerve in a country where tourism accounts for nearly one-fifth of GDP.
Croatia has worked hard to build its reputation as a high-value destination, and stories of price gouging risk undermining that image.
The scandal underscores a broader challenge: balancing booming visitor numbers with fair practices and transparent service. For Croatia, winning the trust of repeat travelers may prove as important as attracting new ones.