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According to data from the eVisitor system, which tracks tourist traffic generated in commercial and non-commercial facilities as well as nautical charter (eCrew system), Croatia recorded 4.5 million arrivals and over 14 million overnight stays between January and the end of May. Compared to the same period last year, this represents a 5 per cent growth in arrivals and a 7 per cent increase in overnight stays. Out of the total number of overnight stays, 12.2 million were registered on the Adriatic coast, which is 8 per cent more than last year, while the remainder was recorded in the continental part of the country, which saw a 3 per cent growth in overnight stays.
"A 5% growth in tourist arrivals and 7% in overnight stays in the first five months of this year confirms that the measures and policies we are implementing are yielding tangible results, particularly in boosting the pre and post-season and developing year-round tourism. The data for June so far is also encouraging, showing very positive trends. Given the circumstances surrounding the recent crisis in the Middle East, we reacted quickly in terms of promotion as well. We redirected existing marketing campaigns in our most important source markets to highlight our competitive advantages, such as proximity to key markets and the country's safety. In these circumstances, alongside a good price-to-quality ratio, these factors are high on tourists' list of priorities and preferences. However, the most intense part of the tourist year lies ahead – July and August, when we generate the largest share of tourism traffic. According to current research and trends in key source markets, demand is somewhat more reserved than in previous years, which is why it is vital to continue managing a responsible and competitive pricing policy. Through high-quality package holidays and an offer that meets guest expectations, we must further solidify Croatia's position as a destination providing an excellent price-to-quality ratio," noted Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
When breaking down Croatia's tourism results by county, the highest number of overnight stays during the first five months was recorded in Istria (4.1 million overnight stays), Split-Dalmatia County (2.2 million overnight stays) and Kvarner (2.1 million overnight stays). In terms of specific destinations, the leaders were Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Poreč and Zadar.
"These positive results confirm that Croatia maintains a strong position in the international tourism market, meaning that interest in our country remains stable despite the challenging circumstances currently facing the global travel sector. According to the latest European research, demand for travel to the Mediterranean remains very strong, with destination safety, quality of the offer, good value for money and proximity being among the key factors when choosing a holiday. These are precisely the main communication messages in our marketing campaigns, through which Croatia aims to attract even more guests," stated Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, adding that the pre and post-season periods are playing an increasingly vital role in our country's overall tourism results.
Looking at the source markets, the highest number of overnight stays during the first five months was generated by guests from Germany (2.7 million overnight stays), domestic tourists (2.5 million overnight stays) followed by guests from Slovenia (1.3 million overnight stays), Austria (1.1 million overnight stays), the UK (over 670 thousand overnight stays) and the US (over 540 thousand overnight stays).
When analysing the results by accommodation type within the commercial segment, hotels – which account for a 15 per cent share of total capacity – generated 43 per cent of all overnight stays. Campsites, making up 20 per cent of total capacity, accounted for 16 per cent of overnight stays, while private household accommodation, which represents 52 per cent of total capacity, generated 23 per cent of all overnight stays.
Data from the eVisitor system also reveals that during the extended bank holiday weekend for Corpus Christi, specifically from 4 to 7 June, Croatia recorded 378 thousand arrivals and 1.7 million overnight stays. During this long weekend, the highest number of guests arrived from Germany, Austria, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, the UK and the US among others. Regionally, the highest number of overnight stays during the extended weekend was recorded in Istria, Split-Dalmatia County and Kvarner, while the top destinations were Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split and Medulin.
