Salaries are not an expense, but infrastructure: Valamar continues to invest in people

Valamar continues to make significant investments in its employees this year.

The most desirable employer in tourism is raising salaries again, but also the bonus for local employees, which is increasing from 400 to 600 euros. In agreement with social partners, employee salaries are increasing through an increase base of 5%, with an additional increase in coefficients by more than 30% of jobs according to the tariff schedule. 

After negotiations and consultations with union representatives, we decided to sign the Annex to the Collective Agreement and the Agreement for Valamar and Imperial, he said Eduard Andic, president of the Croatian Tourism and Hospitality Union, and added:

"Our request for an increase in the calculation base resulted in an agreement on its increase by 5%, An extended period for the payment of bonuses for domestic workers was accepted, and a proposal to reinstate medical examinations for workers was also accepted, so that the negotiations resulted in a further increase in material and other rights for workers. Our efforts in the next negotiations will be directed at further increasing the calculation base and increasing the ratio of salaries for complex jobs in order to preserve professional workers who are the only guarantee for the quality of the tourist season and the satisfaction of our guests.", ordered Andic.

The Trade Union of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia is also satisfied with the agreement reached. 

The agreement reached is the result of a continuous and responsible social dialogue in which both parties recognized the need for additional improvement of the material position of employees, he pointed out. Vedran Sabljak, president of the Trade Union of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia, and added that it is important to emphasize that these changes are aimed at strengthening the basic rights of workers, income stability and additional material conditions.

"In the Trade Union of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia, we welcome the fact that, along with the increase in the base, the measure of payment of the allowance for workers who are not in accommodation with the employer has been extended for an additional three months, but we also expect that in the future the payment period will be extended to the entire year. We are equally pleased with the fact that this year the employer agreed to introduce additional health insurance for permanent employees, because health care has a real and measurable value, and health has no alternative. The Trade Union of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia will continue to insist on additional improvements in working and material conditions, in line with economic trends and real living costs. Our goal is to make work in tourism sustainable, valued and attractive in the long term.", He said Vedran Sabljak, President of the Trade Union of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia. 

In addition to attractive salaries, Valamar provides quality accommodation and meals to employees who come to work in the destination.

In addition to accommodation and financial incentives, employees are also offered numerous other benefits, including the Family & Friends program with preferential accommodation prices in Valamar hotels and resorts, discounts in restaurants and bars, and benefits at more than 300 external partners, as well as annual material rewards for dedicated work and contribution.

The 9+ Program for the best seasonal workers has also been introduced since autumn 2025, with the aim of retaining a quality workforce. Inclusion in the program provides long-term stable employment for an indefinite period through a guarantee of employment in subsequent seasons, guarantees nine months of employment each year, and an additional reward of 800 euros per year.

Through the "First for a Reason" initiative, Valamar continues to strengthen long-term relationships with employees, encouraging their professional development and career advancement in tourism.

"Our employees are the foundation of Valamar's success, which is why we continuously invest in their salaries, safety and development. We want to clearly show them how much we value their contribution, and at the same time, through programs such as 'Roof over the Head' and 9+, we create conditions for stable and long-term work in tourism. Our goal is to remain the employer of choice, but above all, a partner to our employees in their professional and personal development.She said Ines Damjanic, Vice President for Human Resources at Valamar.