Significant Changes in Tourism: New Laws, Stricter Oversight, and Digitalization

In 2026, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to adopt three important laws that will cover key areas of the tourism system: tourist boards, tourist fees, and hospitality.

In the fourth quarter of 2026, amendments to the Law on Tourist Boards and the Promotion of Croatian Tourism are planned. The new legal framework is expected to prevent blockages in the operation of tourist boards, more clearly define the responsibilities of directors and members of management bodies, and regulate the transfer of rights and property in the event of their cessation.

The amendments also aim to strengthen the role of tourist boards in combating unregistered hospitality activities and providing accommodation in households, in cooperation with the State Inspectorate and other competent authorities. The law also provides for stronger oversight mechanisms for the operation of tourist boards, the digitalization of processes, and the possibility of conducting additional economic activities for greater financial sustainability and independence.

In the second quarter of 2026, amendments to the Law on Tourist Fees are planned, aimed at improving the collection of debts and shortening the deadlines for making decisions on the amount of fees. Due to the overload of the State Inspectorate and frequent statute of limitations on procedures, a large portion of debts for tourist fees has had to be written off so far.

The new law is expected to introduce more effective collection mechanisms and a higher degree of automation. Additionally, a shorter deadline for making decisions on the amount of fees is planned, which would allow tourist boards to plan revenues more realistically and adapt to market trends.

The first law planned to be adopted in the next year, in the first quarter, is the new Law on Hospitality Activities, which will replace the existing, frequently amended law from 2015. The new regulation brings alignment with the European Regulation on Short-Term Rentals and clearer rules for renters, hospitality providers, and family farms.

All accommodation service providers, except hotels and camps, will be required to obtain a registration number for each accommodation unit before advertising on online platforms such as Airbnb or Booking, as we have already reported.