Croatia boosts safety measures ahead of peak 2026 tourist season

Dubrovnik

Croatia has stepped up preparations for the peak 2026 tourist season, with a strong focus on safety, coordination, and maintaining its competitive position on the global travel market.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina held a high-level preparatory meeting in Novalja on Friday, bringing together key stakeholders from across the tourism sector, emergency services, and coastal counties.

Among those present were Health Minister Irena Hrstić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić, senior police and fire officials, and local representatives.

Ahead of the meeting, contracts worth more than €1 million were awarded to support additional medical teams across seven coastal counties during the summer months.

Funding will also support the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and the continued implementation of the Safe Tourist Destination project in cooperation with the Interior Ministry.

“Through these investments, we are further strengthening the readiness of our emergency services ahead of the most demanding part of the year. Safety remains one of Croatia’s key advantages over competing destinations, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing this standard,” Glavina said.

Croatia has already recorded a strong start to the year. In the first three months of 2026, the country welcomed more than 1.1 million arrivals and recorded 3 million overnight stays. This represents a 9% increase in arrivals and an 8% rise in overnight stays compared to the same period last year.

(Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Sport)

Officials noted that the positive momentum from a record-breaking 2025 has continued into 2026.

However, caution remains due to ongoing global uncertainty, particularly with a growing trend towards last-minute bookings, as travellers delay decisions until closer to their departure dates.

During the meeting, it was emphasised that Croatia continues to strengthen its position as a safe, accessible, and reliable destination on the global market.

Research indicates that the country is increasingly seen as a stable and desirable choice for international travellers.

With the most critical months of the tourist season, July and August, still ahead, authorities stressed the importance of full preparedness and close coordination among all stakeholders.

(Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Sport)

The meeting in Novalja focused on aligning activities and ensuring that Croatia is fully equipped to handle the peak influx of visitors, while safeguarding its reputation as one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations.