Croatia records 7% rise in overnight stays as peak-season demand softens

Data from the eVisitor and eCrew systems show that 4.5 million tourists visited Croatia between January and the end of May, generating more than 14 million overnight stays.

Of that total, 12.2 million overnight stays were recorded along the Adriatic coast, an increase of 8% compared with 2025, while continental destinations saw a 3% rise.

“The 5% growth in tourist arrivals and 7% increase in overnight stays during the first five months of the year confirm that the measures and policies we are implementing are delivering concrete results, particularly in strengthening the pre-season and post-season and promoting year-round tourism. The figures for June so far are also very encouraging,” Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina said in a statement issued by the HTZ.

Glavina noted that, due to the crisis in the Middle East, Croatia’s existing marketing campaigns in key foreign markets had been adjusted to highlight the country’s competitive advantages, namely its proximity to major source markets and its reputation as a safe destination. Together with good value for money, these factors remain among tourists’ top priorities.

“However, the most intensive part of the tourist year is still ahead of us. July and August account for the largest share of annual tourist traffic. According to current research and trends in our key source markets, demand is somewhat more subdued than in previous years, making it essential to maintain a responsible and competitive pricing policy. Through quality package offers and products that meet visitors’ expectations, we must further strengthen Croatia’s position as a destination offering excellent value for money,” Glavina said.

Istria leads, Germans remain top visitors

The highest number of overnight stays during the first five months of the year was recorded in Istria County with 4.1 million, followed by Split-Dalmatia County with 2.2 million and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (Kvarner) with 2.1 million.

Among destinations, tourists showed the greatest interest in Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Poreč and Zadar.

Visitors from Germany generated the highest number of overnight stays, at 2.7 million, followed by domestic tourists with 2.5 million. They were followed by visitors from Slovenia (1.3 million), Austria (1.1 million), the United Kingdom (more than 670,000) and the United States (more than 540,000).

Hotels, which account for 15% of accommodation capacity, generated 43% of all overnight stays. Campsites, representing 20% of capacity, accounted for 16%, while private accommodation, which makes up 52% of total capacity, generated 23% of overnight stays.

HTZ Director Kristjan Staničić said the positive results confirmed Croatia’s strong position on the international tourism market.

“Interest in our country remains stable despite the challenging conditions facing the global travel sector,” Staničić said.

He added that the latest European surveys continue to show strong demand for Mediterranean destinations, with travellers placing particular value on safety, quality and good value for money. Croatia’s marketing campaigns are therefore focused on emphasising those strengths.

According to eVisitor data, Croatia recorded 378,000 arrivals and 1.7 million overnight stays during the extended Corpus Christi holiday weekend. Most visitors came from Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, the UK and the United States, with a high number of domestic visitors as well.

The highest number of overnight stays during the holiday weekend was recorded in Istria, Split-Dalmatia County and Kvarner, while the most popular destinations were Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split and Medulin.

(HINA)