Cappelli: For the first time in Croatian history, a plausible figure of one hundred million overnight stays

With almost 15 million tourist arrivals and 85 million overnight stays, Croatian tourism in the first eight months of this year records increases of 14 and 13 percent compared to the same period last year, and by the end of the year, record revenues are expected to exceed last year’s 10 billion euros, emphasized Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli on Wednesday.

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“Tourism revenues last year amounted to approximately 10 billion euros, which includes revenues from both foreign and domestic tourists, and by the end of this year, they could increase by 5 to 7 percent compared to last year’s figures. These are conservative estimates, which means that the revenue growth for this year could be even higher,” Cappelli explained at a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism where he presented the results of tourist traffic for the first eight months and August.

He also highlighted that the excellent results of this year’s tourism are due to good season preparation, investments from both the private and public sectors, the engagement of all tourism workers, and other related activities, transport, trade, and others.

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Good results, he adds, have contributed almost every month this year, as well as August, in which 4.4 million tourists achieved nearly 32 million overnight stays, which are increases of 6 percent compared to the same month last year.

“The forecasts for the post-season are also excellent, and it is possible that by the end of the year we will approach the figure of one hundred million overnight stays for the first time in Croatian history. Additionally, on an annual basis, we expect a higher tourism growth than the European average,” said Cappelli.

Continuation of the trend in the post-season

The director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), Kristjan Staničić, also emphasizes that the trends for the post-season are positive, especially in September, where capacity occupancy is still high.

“The summer part of the tourist year has met expectations with high growth rates, and as more than 500 thousand tourists are currently staying in Croatia, we believe in the continuation of the trend,” said Staničić, adding that preparations for next year have already begun and that expectations are similar.

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He announced campaigns for both domestic and foreign markets by the end of this year, especially before Christmas, as well as appearances at four major fairs in Europe, which will enhance promotion for certain segments of tourism, such as nautical and congress tourism. By the end of the year, a competition for strategic projects for cooperation with airlines will also be ongoing, from which he expects Croatia to be significantly better positioned as an air destination starting next year.

According to the presented data, in August, out of a total of 4.4 million tourists, just over 4 million were foreigners, who achieved 28.2 million overnight stays, which is 6 percent more than in August last year.

Domestic tourists also recorded increases, with 1.4 percent more in August, and their overnight stays increased by 8 percent.

By regions, the most tourist overnight stays in August were in Istria (8.6 million), followed by Kvarner (6.1 million) and Split-Dalmatia County (6 million). Next are Zadar County (almost 5 million), Šibenik-Knin (2.4 million), Dubrovnik-Neretva (2.2 million), Lika-Senj (1.5 million), and Zagreb (250 thousand overnight stays in August).

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Interestingly, many continental counties also recorded increases in overnight stays in August, some even above 10 percent.

Among cities and municipalities, the August tourist ‘champions’ are Rovinj, Medulin, Poreč, Dubrovnik, Umag, and Crikvenica.

From abroad, the most overnight stays were achieved by Germans, Slovenians, Italians, Poles, and Austrians, while by types of accommodation, the most tourists stayed in households, followed by camps and hotels, with increases also recorded in overnight stays in nautical ports.