ZAGREB, 23 Dec (Hina) - Croatia expects a record tourism year in 2025 with over 21.6 million visitors and around 110 million overnight stays, Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina and Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ) Director Kristjan Staničić said, adding that 2026 could be similar if prices stabilise.
Glavina and Staničić told a press conference that Croatia is best known globally for tourism and sport, and this year's results are a source of pride.
Glavina noted that for the first time growth occurred beyond summer, with December arrivals up 5% and overnight stays 6% compared with last year, thanks to Advent events, contributing to annual growth of just over 2% in arrivals and 1% in overnight stays versus 2024.
He highlighted the results of tourism reform, including legislation to curb the rapid growth of private accommodation, aiming for a sustainable accommodation structure. From 2016 to 2025, around 25,000 new private accommodation beds were added; in 2025, this number is set to decrease by about 10,000. Average occupancy increased from 59% to 60%, and is expected to continue rising in hotels and camps, boosting long-term rental and affordable housing options.
Glavina announced that the results of a new TOMAS survey on tourist behaviour and spending will be published at the start of 2026, noting that most Croatian citizens support tourism, which is key for sustainable policies. He also pointed to rising wages in tourism, now above the national average, and said improvements to the Foreigners Act will ease employment of foreign workers. A new hospitality law should be ready by summer 2026, addressing unregistered activity in households and restricting advertising or sales on platforms.
Regarding 2026, Glavina and Staničić stressed price competitiveness as crucial, given European and global trends of shorter, lower-budget trips and rising off-season demand. Prices must be stabilised, reflecting higher quality or added services, or adjusted to demand.
Staničić said HTZ will strengthen promotion through digital channels and markets, with a larger budget than in 2025, running eight main campaigns, attending 33 fairs and being partner country at a Slovenian tourism fair. Value for money will be key.
Asked about expected 2025 tourism revenue, Glavina confirmed the Croatian National Bank estimate of around €15.5 billion from foreign tourists.
