Zadar Sees Drop in Tourists, Water Reductions Loom
Tourist Board Director Iva Bencun says timely information for renters and guests can mitigate the impact of potential water shortages on tourism.
Tourist Board Director Iva Bencun says timely information for renters and guests can mitigate the impact of potential water shortages on tourism.
The tourist season in Zadar is not going according to planned figures. According to data, in July 2026, the city was visited by two percent fewer tourists compared to the same period last year. Local hospitality businesses are also reporting decreased traffic, hoping for a better August and the post-season.
However, a much greater concern than the statistics themselves is the continuation of extreme heat with no rain in sight. This poses a threat of water supply reductions for Zadar, and shortages have already been recorded in several places in the hinterland. The director of the water utility, Tomislav Matek, confirmed that they responded urgently and supplied residents with water, but he describes the situation across Croatia as worrying.
Iva Bencun, director of the Zadar Tourist Board, is aware of the potential impact on an already sensitive season. In a statement to Antena Zadar, she explained that it is realistic to expect shortages to affect tourism because guests on vacation least expect problems with basic supplies.
It is expected that water shortages will affect tourism, as guests on vacation least expect drought. However, our experience is similar to that with roadworks or other objective circumstances, as people understand what is happening. This is not just our problem; climate change is a global phenomenon that also affects Croatia. If rain stays away for so long, it is difficult to do anything about it. We will see what follows, but with timely notifications to owners and guests, much can be prevented.
Bencun emphasizes transparency as the most important tool. She believes that if guests are informed in a timely manner about objective reasons, such as prolonged drought and global climate change, they will show understanding.
Additional hope comes from the fact that the most numerous guests in Zadar are domestic tourists. Although it is unpleasant to arrive on vacation and be left without a regular water supply, it is estimated that they should best understand the seriousness of the water supply situation in the country.
Good news also comes from the director of the water utility, Tomislav Matek. He announced that normalization of the water supply is expected, especially since after the Assumption holiday, the number of tourists traditionally decreases, which relieves the system.
