Strong Start to 2025 for Croatia’s Tourism Industry
Croatia’s tourism sector is on an impressive trajectory in 2025. In the first seven months of the year, the country welcomed 12.2 million visitors, generating 58.7 million overnight stays. These figures represent a 2% increase in both arrivals and overnight stays compared to the same period in 2024, cementing Croatia’s position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations.
The industry’s performance is being driven by strong arrivals from four key markets: Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and Poland. Their consistent demand for Croatia’s coastal beauty, historic towns, and cultural heritage has provided stability and growth, even in the face of seasonal fluctuations.
July Brings a Temporary Dip
While 2025’s overall numbers remain positive, July did register a slight decline. The month saw 4.6 million tourist arrivals, a 2% drop compared to July 2024, and 29.2 million overnight stays, down by 1%.
Foreign arrivals in July totaled nearly 4.2 million, a decrease of 2%, with overnight stays falling by 1%. Domestic tourism also experienced a modest drop: 429,000 arrivals and 3.3 million overnight stays, both down by 1%.
Despite these figures, tourism leaders highlight that the minor mid-summer dip is outweighed by the strong growth seen across the rest of the year.
Foreign Visitors Lead the Way
From January to July, foreign tourists accounted for 10.3 million arrivals, a 1% increase compared to the same period last year. They generated 51.4 million overnight stays, also up by 1%.
Germany remains the largest source of foreign tourists, followed closely by Slovenia, Austria, and Poland. Collectively, these markets provide a large proportion of the country’s international overnight stays.
Polish visitors, in particular, have shown steady growth, while Austria and Slovenia continue to deliver reliable numbers, benefiting especially regions close to their borders. German tourists remain the most numerous, drawn by Croatia’s Adriatic coastline and cultural offerings.
Domestic Tourism on the Rise
Domestic tourism has shown remarkable strength in 2025. The first seven months brought 1.8 million Croatian tourists, representing an 8% increase over 2024. They contributed nearly 7.3 million overnight stays, up 6% year-on-year.
This surge in local travel reflects growing interest among Croatians in exploring their own country, supported by infrastructure improvements, domestic marketing campaigns, and favorable travel conditions.
Accommodation Preferences and Trends
Accommodation trends in 2025 reveal a shifting landscape:
- Commercial accommodations dominate, accounting for 86% of overnight stays.
- Non-commercial stays (private homes, informal lodging) make up 12%.
- Nautical tourism represents 2% of the total.
Private household accommodations recorded 12.3 million overnight stays, a 2.3% decline compared to 2024. Campsites saw 5.7 million overnight stays, down 1.1%. Hotels, however, recorded 4.8 million overnight stays, marking a 2.3% increase—the only category to register growth.
The hotel sector’s performance suggests changing traveler preferences, with more visitors seeking full-service facilities and curated experiences.
Regional Hotspots Continue to Shine
Croatia’s most visited regions remain Istria, Split-Dalmatia County, and Kvarner. These areas attract millions each year thanks to their mix of pristine beaches, cultural landmarks, and accessible transport links.
In July, the island city of Hvar stood out with a 3% increase in arrivals and nearly 2% more overnight stays compared to July 2024. Between January and July, Hvar’s arrivals rose by 4.8%, while overnight stays increased by 2.8%—a clear indication of its growing appeal.
Current Tourist Demographics
As of now, more than one million tourists are in Croatia. The majority are from Germany, followed by Slovenia, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. These visitors are concentrated in the country’s most popular coastal regions, with Istria, Split-Dalmatia, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar leading the list.
Why 2025 Is a Strong Year Despite July’s Slowdown
Tourism analysts point out that while July’s dip is notable, it does not overshadow the broader growth trend. Year-to-date increases in both arrivals and overnight stays show that Croatia continues to thrive as a destination for both short getaways and extended stays.
The rise in domestic travel, coupled with the steady performance of key international markets, has positioned Croatia for a strong finish to the year. The increase in hotel stays also reflects a growing demand for higher-end travel experiences.
Outlook for the Rest of the Year
With the peak season still underway and autumn tourism on the horizon, Croatia’s outlook remains optimistic. The country’s combination of natural beauty, rich history, and varied accommodation offerings continues to attract a loyal and diverse visitor base.
Sustained demand from Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and Poland, alongside robust domestic tourism, is expected to keep arrival numbers and overnight stays on an upward trend through the end of 2025.
Tourism authorities are confident that Croatia will finish the year with figures surpassing 2024, further solidifying its position as a leading European travel destination.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
