3 million tourist overnight stays recorded in Croatia in the first quarter

According to data from the eVisitor system, which includes tourist traffic generated in commercial and non-commercial accommodation as well as nautical charter (the eCrew system), Croatia recorded more than 1.1 million arrivals and 3 million overnight stays from January to the end of March. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an increase of 9% in arrivals and 8% in overnight stays. Of this, 2.1 million overnight stays were recorded on the Adriatic (+12%), while 890,000 overnight stays were recorded on the continent (+3%).

“Tourism this year is unfolding in challenging circumstances, making it very difficult to predict further developments. Croatia will know how to leverage its strategic advantages, such as safety and proximity to key source markets. Price competitiveness remains a crucial factor in destination choice, and we must all pay particular attention to it. If all stakeholders in the value chain act in a spirit of solidarity, we will create the conditions for an excellent continuation of the tourism year and, more importantly, strong foundations for the next one. We are satisfied with the results, but also realistic, knowing that the most demanding part of the tourism year still lies ahead,” said Tonči Glavina.

Looking at results by counties, the highest number of overnight stays in the first quarter was recorded in Istria (700,000), Kvarner (513,000) and Split-Dalmatia County (326,000). At the destination level, the leading locations were Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Dubrovnik, Opatija, Poreč and Zadar.

“Current tourism results confirm positive trends, aligning with our activities and campaigns, particularly those focused on promoting the pre- and post-season. We have modified and adapted our communication messages in line with current circumstances, placing emphasis on safety, quality and the diversity of Croatia’s offer. The desire to travel remains strong, as shown by the latest research from the European Travel Commission, according to which 82% of Europeans plan to travel this spring and summer—the highest recorded share since 2020, provided the geopolitical situation does not worsen. Travellers will pay particular attention to prices and will choose destinations that offer value for money,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB).

By markets, the highest number of overnight stays in the first three months was generated by domestic guests (over 1 million), followed by visitors from Slovenia (over 314,000), Austria (220,000), Germany (over 209,000) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (186,000).

It is also worth noting that data from the eVisitor system show that during the extended Easter weekend, from 3 to 6 April, Croatia recorded 144,364 arrivals and 501,014 overnight stays. The highest number of visitors during this period came from Germany, the domestic market, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Slovakia. The most visited destinations during the extended weekend were Dubrovnik, Poreč, Rovinj, Zagreb and Split.

Source: CNTB
Photo: Ivan Šardi / CNTB