In Croatia, there were eight percent more tourist arrivals in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year, and two percent more overnight stays, reported the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) on Tuesday.
According to eVisitor data, Croatia recorded 16.2 million arrivals and 88.5 million overnight stays during the first eight months, which represents an eight percent increase in arrivals and a two percent increase in overnight stays compared to the same period last year, and a stabilization of results compared to 2019, according to HTZ.
By counties, the highest number of arrivals and overnight stays in the eight months was recorded in Istria (4 million arrivals or four percent more and over 25 million overnight stays or two percent more), Split-Dalmatia County (3 million arrivals, which is nine percent more, and 16.4 million overnight stays or an increase of two percent) and Kvarner (2.6 million arrivals or three percent more and 15.4 million overnight stays, which is equal to 2022).
In Zagreb, there were 1.6 million overnight stays, which is 15 percent more than last year, while the rest of the continent recorded over 1.9 million overnight stays, which is 14 percent more.
Looking at destinations, the highest number of overnight stays during the first eight months was recorded in Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split, and Umag, while, by markets, the highest number of overnight stays was recorded from the German market (18.8 million overnight stays), Croatian (10.6 million overnight stays), Slovenian (9 million overnight stays), Austrian (6.6 million overnight stays), and Polish (5.7 million overnight stays).
– The tourist traffic recorded during the peak season, namely in July and now in August, confirms the observed trends where guests are making more arrivals but staying somewhat shorter – said HTZ director Kristjan Staničić.
Such traffic dynamics, as he noted, is logical given that last year global travel was still most intense during the main summer months, while this is the first year after the pandemic without travel restrictions and limitations, and the first in which all competition has fully returned.
When the impact of global inflation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is added, it can be concluded that Croatia, despite all circumstances, achieved excellent results, which will be further strengthened in the upcoming post-season period for which promotional activities are ongoing and for which there are very good forecasts, said Staničić.
