Croatia has recorded its strongest year for visitor volumes on record, with 15.5 million tourist arrivals and 79.2 million overnight stays logged up to 20 August, a one per cent increase on the same period of 2024.
Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina described 2025 as a record year, adding that reported tourist spending in January–August rose by 10.4% year on year, based on fiscal receipts. The headline figures were confirmed after a cabinet meeting and reported by state broadcaster HRT and Reuters.
Glavina said that, “including 20 August this year, we have had a record flow of tourist arrivals and overnight stays, and simultaneously record spending and growth in tourist activities.” Officials said they are working to spread demand beyond the summer peak. The government summary confirms 15.5 million tourist arrivals and 79.2 million overnight stays to 20 August, both up one per cent on 2024.
Tourism remains a significant driver of the Croatian economy. Reuters reported that the Croatian National Bank projects foreign-tourist revenue of about €15.5bn in 2025, a 3.6% rise on last year, and reiterated that tourism accounts for roughly 20% of output. This aligns with policymakers’ stated aim of developing a year-round model to reduce reliance on the high season.
Monthly statistics point to solid momentum entering the peak. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS) recorded 3.2 million tourist arrivals and 14.3 million nights in commercial accommodation in June 2025, up 12.6% and 14.5% respectively compared with June 2024. DZS reported that foreign visitors accounted for 92.5% of June nights.
Financial indicators are also positive. The Croatian Tourist Board, citing National Bank data, reported foreign-tourist revenue of €865.5m in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 6.65% year on year (€54m more than Q1 2024). The Ministry of Tourism and Sport highlighted the same figures, noting continued growth in the pre-season months.
Early-season volumes tracked by the eVisitor system showed steady growth. Provisional HTZ data indicate 7.5 million arrivals and 29.3 million overnight stays in the first six months of 2025, up four per cent in both measures compared with the same period of 2024. Officials have linked pre- and post-season gains to a broader offer beyond the Adriatic summer, including cultural and business events.
Local media provided additional corroboration of the national totals and ministerial messaging. Reports from Dnevnik.hr and tportal repeated the 15.5 million arrivals and 79.2 million nights up to 20 August, and quoted Glavina’s characterisation of the season. Business outlet SEEbiz carried similar remarks and noted the ministry’s emphasis on tackling malpractice affecting visitors.
Against the backdrop of record traffic, an incident in Zagreb has prompted scrutiny of urban transport practices. Jutarnji list reported that a tourist from New Zealand was charged €1,506 for a taxi ride of about 1.05km from the Central Station to Frankopanska Street in late May. According to the report, the case is under police investigation, with attention on billing and documentation. The episode has renewed discussion about consumer protection and enforcement during the peak season.
Officials have stated that managing visitor flows and raising value per trip remain priorities. With the mid-August peak passed, attention turns to shoulder-season performance in September and October, when capacity constraints ease and weather can remain favourable. Sector data so far—higher receipts in Q1, strong June volumes and record year-to-date totals—suggest continued momentum, subject to normal seasonal tapering and external conditions. Reuters’ reporting on the central bank’s 2025 revenue projection frames expectations for the full year.
For now, the official tally confirms that Croatia’s tourism sector is on course for a record outcome in 2025, supported by increased spending and steady growth beyond the core summer months. Authorities have reiterated that efforts will focus on dispersing demand across the calendar and maintaining standards in services that affect the visitor experience.
While some European destinations are introducing caps and restrictions to curb visitor flows, Croatia’s stated approach is to manage pressures while continuing to welcome tourists year-round.
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