Croatia tourism holds steady despite global tensions

Croatia's tourism sector remained stable during the first half of 2026, matching last year's visitor numbers despite geopolitical tensions, Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina said on Wednesday.

Speaking about the current season, Glavina said Croatia has maintained the same level of tourist arrivals as in the first half of 2025, demonstrating the resilience of the country's tourism industry despite global uncertainty, CE Report quotes HINA.

The minister also highlighted strong financial results, noting that revenue from foreign tourists reached EUR 945.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 9.2 percent compared with the same period last year. The figure represents an additional EUR 79.7 million in tourism revenue.

According to the Croatian National Bank, the first quarter also recorded 1.2 million tourist arrivals and 3 million overnight stays, up 9 percent and 8 percent, respectively, compared with the first three months of 2025. The positive trend continued throughout the pre-season, with Croatia reporting record tourism results.

Glavina said the latest figures reflect the growing competitiveness and value of Croatia's tourism sector. Compared with the first quarter of 2016, revenue from foreign visitors has increased by more than EUR 509 million, more than doubling over the past decade.

Tourism remains one of Croatia's key economic sectors, with authorities continuing efforts to extend the tourist season beyond the peak summer months and promote year-round travel across the country.

Photo: Chat GPT