In the first seven months of 2026, Croatia recorded 59.1 million overnight stays, with July delivering the best result in two years. Alongside growth in financial indicators, Minister Glavina and HTZ Director Staničić highlight competitiveness and strong market adaptability.
12.4 million tourist arrivals and 59.1 million overnight stays, these are the figures Croatia achieved in the first seven months of 2026. According to data from the eVisitor system released on Monday, August 10, both categories saw a one percent increase compared to the same period last year. July stood out in particular, with 4.7 million arrivals and 29.6 million overnight stays, it delivered the best monthly result in the past two years.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina did not hide his satisfaction. The numbers, he says, confirm the competitiveness and resilience of Croatian tourism. "We are pleased with the tourism results achieved in the first seven months of this year, especially the fact that July saw the best performance in two years," Glavina stated.
But it's not just physical traffic that's growing. Financial indicators are keeping pace, and in double digits. In July, the value of fiscalized receipts rose by 18 percent, while the number of issued receipts was eight percent higher compared to the same month last year. The minister attributes this growth to quality promotion and timely adaptation of the offer, thanking the entire tourism sector, especially accommodation providers, whose promotional deals further boosted competitiveness.
Of the total overnight stays, the Adriatic absorbed 56.1 million, a 0.5 percent increase compared to last year. The continental part of the country, including Zagreb, surpassed three million overnight stays, marking a one percent rise. In July, the most guests came from the German, Slovenian, Croatian, Polish, Czech, Austrian, and Hungarian markets.
When traffic is broken down by county, Istria emerges as the absolute leader, 16.7 million overnight stays in the first seven months. Split-Dalmatia County follows with 11.1 million, and Kvarner with 9.7 million. Among the most visited destinations in July were Rovinj, Vir, Poreč, Medulin, and Dubrovnik, while Split and Umag also ranked high in the cumulative January-to-July standings.
Looking at source markets, Germans recorded the most overnight stays, 10.3 million. Domestic guests from the Croatian market followed with 7.6 million, then Slovenians with 6.7 million. Austrians recorded 4.3 million, Poles 3.9 million, Czechs three million, guests from the United Kingdom 2.2 million, and Hungarians 2.1 million overnight stays.
Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, assessed that the results show Croatia's very strong position in the global tourism market, despite challenging circumstances. "What we particularly read from this year's tourism trends is a change in how guests make travel decisions. Last-minute bookings play an important role, and when choosing a destination, the best value for money is increasingly sought, along with safety and easy accessibility," Staničić said.
In this context, he added, Croatia has a range of advantages, from proximity to key source markets and good transport connectivity to the diversity of its offer. The Ferragosto period lies ahead, traditionally important for Italian guests, and excellent forecasts also arrive for the post-season, promotional activities kick off in mid-August, especially in the Polish and UK markets.
