Anamarija Ciccarelli
Episode · #319
POSLOVNI ĐIR Anamarija Cicarelli
Guest Anamarija CiccarelliHosted by Mojdana KoharevićMay 3, 2026
Anamarija Ciccarelli
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The world of private accommodation can seem straightforward: a space, a guest, a transaction. But behind the scenes, it's a constant negotiation with bureaucracy, evolving guest expectations, and fierce competition. Anamarija Ciccarelli has navigated these complexities for decades, first within her family's long-standing rental business on Brač, and now through her company Inter Ligo. She advises hosts on everything from administrative hurdles to marketing tactics and creating memorable guest experiences. Her perspective offers a clear view into what it takes to thrive in a market where 'every detail is important,' revealing how small, specific adjustments can dramatically shift a property's success.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Anamarija notes that new hosts often prioritize their creative vision—the apartment layout, the target guest—but their first question is almost always about administration. While the creative side captures imagination, the initial barrier to entry in private accommodation is rarely a lack of ideas; it's navigating the regulatory landscape.
02
Croatia's regulations for private accommodation include outdated mandates, such as requiring a 'do not disturb' sign in a private holiday home or a minimum of five hangers. Compliance isn't always about common sense or guest experience; often, it's about adhering to rules that have long outlived their practical purpose.
03
Anamarija emphasizes that two or three specific 'tricks' applied to an online listing portal can significantly increase a property's occupancy. Success in online booking isn't about passive presence; it's about actively understanding and exploiting the platform's visibility mechanisms.
04
The once-ubiquitous 'Zimmer frei' signs, with people waiting by the roadside for guests, have largely disappeared from the Croatian coast. Market forces, driven by digital platforms and guest expectations, inevitably push out outdated business models, forcing even the most traditional operators to adapt or exit.
05
Anamarija describes a themed apartment in Zagreb dedicated to Pink Floyd, where even the keychains are guitar picks, which significantly boosted its occupancy and attracted a specific guest profile. Theming a property isn't just about decoration; it's a strategic move to curate a specific lifestyle experience that resonates deeply with a niche audience, leading to higher bookings.
06
Despite having beautiful, well-appointed properties, many hosts struggle with poor quality photographs, which Anamarija identifies as the 'weakest link' in their marketing. The perceived value of an offering is often limited by its visual presentation online, regardless of its actual quality.
07
The rising trend of 'scent animation' involves using natural essential oils or fresh flowers to create a specific aroma within a rental property. Engaging guests through subtle sensory details, like a curated scent, can deepen their connection to the space and enhance their overall experience beyond visual appeal.
08
Guest reviews are now considered a 'new sales channel,' not just a feedback mechanism. Positive guest feedback has evolved beyond reputation management; it's become a direct, active driver of future bookings, effectively a form of peer-to-peer marketing.