Foreign tourist spending in Croatia rises 9.2% so far this year

ZAGREB, 1 July 2026 – Croatia’s tourism sector has continued its strong momentum in 2026, with foreign tourist revenue rising significantly in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest figures released by the Croatian National Bank (HNB).

Foreign visitors generated €945.2 million in revenue between January and March 2026, representing a 9.2% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The total was €79.7 million higher than a year earlier.

Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina welcomed the latest figures, saying they reflect the strong performance of Croatia’s tourism sector.

According to the minister, the first quarter saw 1.2 million tourist arrivals and 3 million overnight stays, marking increases of 9% in arrivals and 8% in overnight stays compared with the same period last year.

Glavina also noted that tourism revenue has more than doubled over the past decade. Compared with the first quarter of 2016, foreign tourist revenue has increased by more than €509 million, highlighting what he described as the growing competitiveness and value of Croatian tourism.

Data from Croatia’s eVisitor system, which records tourist traffic in commercial and non-commercial accommodation as well as nautical charter activity, show that from January to the end of May, Croatia welcomed 4.5 million arrivals and recorded more than 14 million overnight stays.

Compared with the same period in 2025, this represents growth of 5% in arrivals and 7% in overnight stays.

The Adriatic coast accounted for 12.2 million overnight stays, an increase of 8% year-on-year, while destinations in continental Croatia recorded 3% growth in overnight stays.

The Ministry of Tourism says the latest figures support its strategy of strengthening both the pre-season and post-season, while continuing to develop Croatia as a year-round tourism destination.