Croatia Allocates €11 Million for Sports Competitions in 2027
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport has opened a public call worth €4.1 million, with applications open until September 11. The goal is to attract tourists and extend the season.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport has opened a public call worth €4.1 million, with applications open until September 11. The goal is to attract tourists and extend the season.
Croatia will secure a total of €11 million in 2027 for organizing international sports competitions. The Ministry of Tourism and Sport has already issued a public call worth €4.1 million, aimed at organizers of events that can boost the country's visibility on the European and global sports stage. Applications are open until September 11.
The remaining nearly €7 million from the total amount is earmarked for well-known competitions scheduled for 2027. Among these are the World Rally Championship, the World Obstacle Course Racing Championships, the Youth Sports Games, and the E1 Series World Championship for electric raceboats. Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina emphasized that the funds are allocated with the aim of stronger promotion of Croatia.
The state expects concrete economic benefits from these investments, primarily increased tourist spending and extending the season beyond the summer months. During its current mandate, the government has supported approximately 250 international sports competitions with nearly €80 million, indicating that major events are increasingly treated as part of the country's tourism promotion rather than just sporting occasions.
By the end of this year, the country will host several significant events: the World Obstacle Course Racing Championships, the European Gymnastics Championships, the Cro Race cycling race, and the Zagreb Judo Grand Prix. These events should serve as a prelude to more ambitious plans in 2027.
Although the numbers are impressive, the Ministry stresses that every contract must have clearly defined and measurable outcomes. This includes the number of foreign participants and guests, achieved media visibility, the number of overnight stays, and concrete benefits for local clubs and sports infrastructure. The emphasis is on the legacy the event leaves behind-equipment, knowledge, renovated facilities, and new audiences.
The way the €11 million will be distributed will show whether Croatia is building serious sports tourism or merely funding a series of expensive events with no lasting impact.
