306% growth in tourists in Croatia over Christmas & New Year holidays 

(Photo credit: J Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

There were 144,000 tourist arrivals and 424,000 overnight stays in Croatia over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, the Ministry of Tourism said on Friday. 

The data was taken from the eVisitor system from the period 24 December – 6 January and represented growth of 306 percent in terms of arrivals and 190 percent in overnight stays compared to the same period last year. 

When we compare these results with those achieved in the same period 2019/2020. year, 73 percent of arrivals and 76 percent of overnight stays were realised. 

“The results achieved during the Christmas and New Year holidays are optimistic and confirm the market position of our country as a quality and well-prepared destination. Numerous domestic cities such as Opatija, Dubrovnik, Split, Osijek or Zagreb have prepared interesting content that could be enjoyed in compliance with all epidemiological measures. In order to suppress the spread of the pandemic, reduce the daily number of newly infected and continue with the positive tourist flows, I call on everyone to behave responsibly and get vaccinated. We will continue to implement all activities that will ensure that our country maintains the position of the most successful destination in the Mediterranean,” said the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić, adding that the goal this year is to achieve 90 percent of the results from the record 2019.

Out of the total number, 91,000 arrivals and 298,000 overnight stays were realised on the Adriatic coast, while in continental Croatia, including the city of Zagreb, there were 54,000 arrivals and 126,000 overnight stays.

The most overnight stays on the coast were realised in Istria, Kvarner and Split-Dalmatia County, while on the continent most overnight stays were realised in Zagreb, Krapina-Zagorje and Međimurje counties. 

Looking at destinations, the most overnight stays in this period were realised in Zagreb, Opatija, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, while most overnight stays, looking at markets, were realised by domestic guests, followed by Austrians, Slovenes and Germans. 

“In the Christmas and New Year period, we have recorded excellent results, which will certainly contribute to the overall positive impact of tourism on final revenues in 2021, as well as on the entire Croatian economy. This year, our focus is on a year-round, sustainable tourist offer, but also to maintain the image of a safe destination that we built last year. That is why it is crucial to get vaccinated in as many numbers as possible, because the 2022 tourist year will take place in the circumstances of a pandemic and I appeal for additional responsibility of the entire tourism sector,”concluded Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac.