Fuel crisis uncertainty looms as Croatia gears up for the summer tourism season

DUBROVNIK, Croatia -- Summer is still a few months away, but the streets of Croatia's old town of Dubrovnik are already teeming with tourists from all over the world. It's usually a sign of a strong season ahead, but this year uncertainty hangs in the air.Global instability triggered by the Iran war and surging fuel prices have brought unpredictability to the tourism industry, including in Dubrovnik, Croatia's top Adriatic Sea destination that draws millions of visitors annually. The stakes for Croatia’s economy are high: The tourism sector is one of the country’s key sources of income and is largely dependent on international travelers.Though tourist numbers have been up in Dubrovnik, officials are warning nothing is guaranteed. The fuel crisis and Persian Gulf tensions could drive up airfares and slow arrivals just as the season gathers pace.Miro Draskovic, director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, noted that while the American market remains strong, some Australian travelers — typically among the top 10 nations coming to the city — are now “facing difficulties traveling toward Europe.”“The situation for sure is very, very difficult, and we are following what’s happening every day," he told The Associated Press.So far, things are looking good. Dubrovnik airport