July saw 4.7 million arrivals and 29.6 million overnight stays. Minister Glavina emphasizes maintaining competitiveness, while HTZ Director Staničić highlights a shift in guest habits toward last-minute bookings.
According to data released by the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) on Monday, August 10, 2026, Croatian tourism recorded its best July in the past two years. In the seventh month, there were 4.7 million arrivals and 29.6 million overnight stays, representing a 2.5 percent increase in arrivals and a 1 percent increase in overnight stays compared to the same month last year. Data from the eVisitor system includes traffic in commercial and non-commercial facilities as well as nautical charter.
Cumulatively, in the first seven months of 2026, Croatia recorded 12.4 million arrivals and 59.1 million overnight stays, marking a 1 percent growth in both categories compared to the same period last year. Of the total overnight stays, 56.1 million were realized on the Adriatic (a 0.5 percent increase), while the continental part and Zagreb recorded over 3 million overnight stays, a 1 percent increase.
By county, the most overnight stays in the first seven months were recorded in Istria (16.7 million), Split-Dalmatia County (11.1 million), and Kvarner (9.7 million). Among destinations, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Poreč, Split, and Umag lead the way. In July alone, the most visited were Rovinj, Vir, Poreč, Medulin, and Dubrovnik.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina expressed satisfaction with the results, particularly highlighting July as the best in two years. He also noted strong growth in financial indicators. "In July, the value of fiscalized receipts rose by 18 percent, while the number of issued receipts increased by 8 percent compared to the same month last year. We are also seeing growth in road, air, and maritime traffic," Glavina stated.
The minister thanked the tourism sector for its efforts, with special emphasis on accommodation providers. "They responded to our appeals and, with their action offers, further contributed to the competitiveness of our offering," Glavina said. He added that a good part of August still lies ahead, after which a comprehensive review of the main part of the tourist season will be made.
HTZ Director Kristjan Staničić commented on changes in guest behavior. "From this year's tourism trends, the change in how guests make travel decisions is particularly evident. Last-minute bookings play an important role, and when choosing a destination, the best price-quality ratio is increasingly sought, along with safety and easy accessibility," Staničić said.
He cited Croatia's proximity to key emitting markets, good transport connectivity, and the diversity of its offering as key advantages. Staničić also announced the continuation of promotional activities for the post-season, starting in mid-August, with a special focus on the Polish and UK markets, alongside the traditionally important Ferragosto period for Italian guests.
In the first seven months, tourists from Germany recorded the most overnight stays (10.3 million). They are followed by domestic guests with 7.6 million overnight stays and guests from Slovenia (6.7 million). Also on the list of the most numerous are Austrians (4.3 million), Poles (3.9 million), Czechs (3 million), guests from the United Kingdom (2.2 million), and Hungarians (2.1 million overnight stays).
