After “outstanding” tourism figures for the first half of 2024, Croatia is expected to have its most successful year for tourism to date, Tourism and Sports Minister Tonci Glavina announced on July 4.

Croatia, whose economy relies heavily on tourism, saw a rebound post-pandemic and tourism numbers have continued to grow strongly in the last few years. 

In the first six months of 2024, Croatia saw a 7% increase in tourist arrivals and a 3% rise in overnight stays y/y, Glavina said on July 4.

Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic also highlighted the rise in tourist arrivals and overnight stays in the first half of the year, as well as a 25% rise in income from foreign tourists in the first quarter.

"The results of tourism in the first half of the year are outstanding," Glavina stated following a government session. "We anticipate a strong summer season and an excellent postseason, demonstrating our commitment to making Croatia a year-round destination."

Air traffic has been a big driver, boasting a 25% surge over last year. "Air traffic generates new motives and new arrivals of tourists, and we expect around 250 connections with foreign destinations this summer, surpassing last year’s numbers," Glavina said.

Glavina noted that the highest volume of flights will come from Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands. Major airports in Croatia have reported substantial growth: Zagreb airport saw a 16% increase in arrivals, Dubrovnik over 25%, Split 10% and Zadar a whopping 57% increase.

"We expect this tourist year to be the most successful so far," Glavina said. He urged stakeholders to maintain high service standards and balance price and quality, especially with major sports events in Europe this summer.

Domestic tourists were the dominant market in the first half of the year. "This indicates increased opportunities for travel among locals, though rising prices can pose a challenge," Glavina noted.

Regarding inflation and pricing, Glavina commented, "I do not believe summer tourism prices will lead to new inflation pressures. Croatia maintains a good price-quality ratio and should not be more expensive or cheaper than competitors like Italy and Spain."