Croats Traveling More Frequently: Skiing in Focus, Costs of Foreign Vacations Doubled

Traveling remains a high priority for the citizens of Croatia, with an average of 4.6 trips per year, while the costs of foreign travel average a record 1,443 euros, according to the latest MasterIndex research conducted for Mastercard by the agency Improve in November this year. When it comes to plans for the upcoming winter, Advent trips and skiing remain popular choices among citizens.

The average number of vacation trips has remained stable compared to last year, with most travel occurring within Croatia (2.6 times). At the same time, business travel is slightly declining (2.6 times in 2024 compared to 3.1 in 2023). Thus, vacation travel remains dominant with a share of 64 percent, while business travel accounts for 36 percent.

Citizens are spending more on travel

For foreign travel for vacation purposes, the average cost per trip of 1,443 euros represents an increase of 243 euros compared to the previous year, while, for comparison, this cost was 684 euros in 2019. Moreover, 30 percent of respondents spend more than 1,000 euros on their trips.

– The research showed that 94 percent of respondents carry their payment cards when traveling abroad, with card payments accounting for 62 percent of all transactions. For example, in 2019, card payments accounted for only 41 percent of all transactions. These results confirm a strong shift towards contactless payments, especially in travel, where security and convenience are key. To further enrich the travel experience, through the platform Priceless.com, we connect travelers with unique experiences across Croatia – said Gea Kariž, Mastercard’s director in Croatia.

Every fourth respondent goes skiing

During this year’s winter season, 45 percent of respondents plan tourist trips abroad, which is on par with the previous year. Istrians (56%) and Zagreb residents (51%) lead the way.

Advent trips to European cities remain the most popular choice (planned by 54% of those planning trips abroad), followed by trips across Europe for other occasions at 24 percent, while 23 percent of respondents plan to go skiing. For New Year’s trips to some European cities, 17 percent of respondents decide, while 5 percent will celebrate the New Year outside Europe.

The average duration of Advent trips is up to three days, while skiing trips typically last up to seven days. Compared to the previous year, there is a decrease in the average number of planned days for New Year’s trips outside Europe (from 11 days in 2023 to seven in 2024).

Central Croatia and Gorski Kotar in Focus for Domestic Tourists

Those who do not travel abroad most often cite the reason that they do not travel in winter (54%), or that their personal finances do not allow it (43%). Business obligations prevent 17 percent of respondents, while 7 percent hesitate to travel due to uncertainty caused by geopolitical events.

When it comes to travel within Croatia, 55 percent of citizens are deciding on such vacations this winter, and they will most often travel to Central Croatia (35%) and Gorski Kotar and Lika (32%). Following are Istria and Kvarner, then Slavonia and Baranja, and finally Dalmatia. Domestic tourist trips are more frequently planned by women than men, citizens with higher incomes, and respondents from Istria, Primorje, and Gorski Kotar.

According to a global Mastercard survey from March this year, 73 percent of citizens in Croatia believe that investing in experiences is worthwhile, and 40 percent believe that these experiences bring them the best life memories. More than half are willing to travel to another country or even to another continent for experiences that passionately interest them.