While some destinations are discouraging travelers and even charging them – Venice, Italy will start dinging visitors €5 to enter the city on certain dates in 2025 – Croatia is welcoming people with open arms.
And it’s working. As of the end of September, 19.3 million visitors had 102.5 million overnight stays in the country, which is a 3% increase in arrivals and a 0.5% rise in stays compared to last year. U.S. travelers contributed with almost 700,000 arrivals and 1.9 million overnight stays, growing 8% and 7% respectively compared to 2023.
This growth is fueled by Croatia’s commitment to sustainability, focused on preserving its natural and cultural heritage. By promoting off-peak travel and highlighting lesser-known destinations, the country is mitigating over-tourism while still stimulating economic development in local communities.
It’s also because the country is beautiful with water so clear you can’t help but get into it, Croatian food that includes a bounty of fish dishes, activities such as hiking in Croatia, the hold-your-breath experience at the Skywalk Biokovom, cities like Split and Dubrovnik and islands such as Hvar and Korcula.
Top Events In Croatia
There’s more, too. The country has several signature events, such as the culinary experiences of Dubrovnik’s Good Food Festival, the vibrant Rijeka Carnival, Zagreb’s enchanting Advent celebrations, and Split’s lively New Year’s festivities. These seasonal events are key components of Croatia’s evolving strategy, which aims to attract travelers throughout the year. For more about Croatia’s year-round events, go here.
New Hotel Developments in Untapped Regions
Credit: Isabella Valamar Collection Island Resort
To meet the growing demand, Croatia is expanding its hospitality offerings in lesser-known areas. Recently launched, the Impresia Hotels collection features 17 boutique properties stretching from 17 boutique properties stretching from Pula to Zagreb, and Zadar to Dubrovnik. These hotels provide immersive experiences that showcase Croatia’s cultural heritage, offering a unique way to explore the country’s hidden gems, while also leading initiatives aimed at uplifting local communities. The fall has wine harvests and there are Christmas markets in the winter. These year-round opportunities are another reason for the increase in tourism.
For more information, visit impresiacroatia.com
Enhanced Travel Connectivity
Croatia continues to improve its infrastructure to support its growing tourism industry. Croatia Airlines has increased its seasonal services, and Rail Europe now includes Croatia in its network, making travel more accessible. Additionally, United Airlines recently announced more direct flights between Newark/New York and Dubrovnik, enhancing access for U.S. travelers.
Croatia’s forward-thinking approach to tourism development, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and year-round offerings, ensures a promising future. By extending the tourist season and broadening its appeal to diverse travelers, Croatia is poised to remain a favorite destination for adventurers and culture seekers.
There’s even more on he official Croatia Tourism website.
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