Croatia’s tourism sector has started 2026 on a very strong note. According to data from the eVisitor system, the country recorded more than 1.1 million tourist arrivals and 3 million overnight stays between January and the end of March. This represents a 9 percent increase in arrivals and an 8 percent rise in overnight stays compared with the same period last year.
The statistics include tourism traffic in both commercial and non-commercial accommodation, as well as activity in the nautical charter segment recorded through the eCrew system. The data show that Croatian tourism is maintaining a positive trend despite difficult and uncertain international conditions.
The Adriatic coast generated the largest share of overnight stays, with 2.1 million recorded in the first quarter. This was 12 percent more than a year earlier. Continental destinations also posted growth, with 890,000 overnight stays, representing a 3 percent year-on-year increase.
Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, stressed that the current tourism season is unfolding under demanding global circumstances, making clear forecasts difficult. However, he noted that Croatia still has important advantages, such as safety and proximity to key European markets. At the same time, he emphasized that price competitiveness will become increasingly important for travelers.
Among the regions, the highest number of overnight stays in the first quarter was recorded in Istria with 700,000, followed by Kvarner with 513,000 and Split-Dalmatia County with 326,000. The most popular destinations were Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Dubrovnik, Opatija, Poreč, and Zadar.
Domestic tourists generated the highest number of overnight stays during the first three months of the year, with more than 1 million nights recorded. Among foreign visitors, the largest share came from Slovenia, accounting for more than 314,000 overnight stays. Austria followed with 220,000, Germany with more than 209,000, and Bosnia and Herzegovina with 186,000.
Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, said the results confirm continuing positive tourism trends. According to him, promotional campaigns focused especially on the pre-season and post-season periods have contributed to this performance. Marketing messages have emphasized safety, quality, and the diversity of Croatia’s tourism offer.
Optimistic signals are also coming from the latest research by the European Travel Commission. It shows that as many as 82 percent of Europeans are planning to travel this spring and summer. This is the highest level recorded since 2020, although much will depend on the stability of the geopolitical situation. At the same time, experts point out that price will play an increasingly important role, and tourists will be more likely to choose destinations offering the best value for money.
The extended Easter weekend from April 3 to April 6 also delivered very good results. Over those four days, Croatia recorded 144,364 tourist arrivals and 501,014 overnight stays. The highest number of visitors came from Germany, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and Slovakia. The most visited destinations were Dubrovnik, Poreč, Rovinj, Zagreb, and Split.
All signs suggest that Croatia has entered 2026 with strong momentum. If it maintains its advantages in safety, accessibility, and the breadth of its tourism offer, while also keeping prices at a reasonable level, it may be heading for a very successful season.
