Tourism in Central Dalmatia outperforming last year

Central Dalmatia has entered the peak summer season on a positive note, with tourism figures showing growth compared with the same period last year.

The region has recorded a three per cent increase in tourism activity during the first part of the year, while visitor numbers in the opening days of June have also been slightly higher than in 2026.

Air travel continues to play a key role in bringing visitors to the region.

Over two days this weekend, around 170 flights carrying approximately 42,000 passengers are expected to pass through Split Airport. Visitors from the United Kingdom and the United States are among the largest international markets and currently top tourism statistics in Split, HRT reported.

Popular destinations across the region are already experiencing strong visitor numbers. Beaches in Makarska and Split are busy, with Bačvice remaining one of the city’s most visited seaside locations.

Meanwhile, the redeveloped Žnjan area is attracting increasing numbers of visitors, not only for swimming and recreation but also for its growing food and hospitality offer.

Tourism officials and hospitality businesses are placing a strong focus on authentic local experiences. New restaurants are opening across the region, with many highlighting traditional Dalmatian cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.

The Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board also pointed to growing interest in regional gastronomy. The county has been designated a European gastronomic region for 2027, with officials emphasising authenticity as a key part of its tourism strategy.

Accommodation providers are reporting stable demand. Higher-category hotels continue to perform well, while family-run and private accommodation operators remain active despite concerns over rising operating costs and government anti-inflation measures.

According to representatives of Croatia’s family accommodation sector, many small rental operators adjusted prices last year, introducing modest discounts. Some last-minute offers remain available, although there have been no major changes in overall pricing.

One of the strongest performers during the pre-season period was the town of Bol on the island of Brač, which recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers during May.

Bol

The destination also received international recognition this month after Zlatni Rat beach was ranked first on a list of the world’s most beautiful beaches published by the global Corona Beach Guide on World Oceans Day, ahead of destinations in the Seychelles, Maldives and the Caribbean.

At the same time, the start of the summer ferry season is becoming increasingly noticeable across Central Dalmatia’s ports. The busiest route remains the connection to Brač, which traditionally experiences the highest demand during the summer months.

Jadrolinija expects more than 45,000 passengers and over 12,000 vehicles to travel on its services this weekend. The company says ferry traffic is broadly in line with last year’s figures, with a slight increase in vehicle numbers.

Despite higher fuel costs, Jadrolinija has confirmed there are currently no plans to increase ticket prices. The company said maintaining reliable local connections remains its priority as demand continues to rise.

While larger crowds are expected in the coming weeks as the season reaches its peak, tourism operators across Central Dalmatia are entering the summer with optimism, supported by growing visitor numbers, strong transport demand and continued international interest in the region.