Croatia’s tourism sector entered 2026 with strong momentum after posting more than €15.3 billion in foreign tourism revenue in 2025, alongside a busy Easter period that brought tens of thousands of visitors to key regions.
Early indicators from Dalmatia and Istria point to steady demand, even as industry leaders warned that inflation, rising travel costs, and global uncertainty could shape booking patterns later in the year.
Officials said that the country’s performance last year, combined with a solid start to the current season, places Croatia in a strong position, though pricing and competitiveness remain central concerns.
Revenue growth continues
Croatia generated €15.298 billion in foreign tourism revenue in 2025, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. The growth added €292.5 million in income and came alongside record numbers of arrivals and overnight stays.
In the final quarter of 2025, tourism revenue reached €1.886 billion, up 3.8% compared with the same period in 2024.
Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina welcomed the results, stating that record revenues accompanied strong visitor numbers and showed continued development in the sector.
He said that early trends in 2026 remain positive, though the global environment makes forecasting difficult.
“It is realistic to expect that this year, more than before, travel decisions will be made at the last minute,” Glavina said, adding that most guests could decide within one or two weeks before traveling.
He stressed that maintaining a balanced tourism offer and responsible pricing would be central to keeping growth stable.
Easter boosts early season
The 2026 season opened with strong Easter travel across coastal regions, particularly in Split and Istria.
In Split-Dalmatia County, around 12,000 visitors were expected over the extended holiday weekend, generating about 40,000 overnight stays. The city saw busy waterfront areas as cruise ships docked, flights resumed under the summer schedule, and hotels reported high occupancy.
Tourism officials noted that many visitors had booked their trips months in advance, especially airline passengers. Travelers from North America and other distant markets returned, though some said rising travel costs could affect future decisions.
Air travel expands
Air connectivity remains a major driver for the 2026 season.
Split Airport is entering the year with its largest flight schedule to date, with 45 airlines connecting the city to 85 destinations across 28 countries. A new seasonal direct service to the United States is set to begin on May 1, operated by United Airlines.
At the same time, a large share of visitors continues to arrive by car from nearby countries, especially Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tourism officials said that this mix of long-haul and regional travelers supports stable demand across different periods of the season. More
