A delegation of Polish journalists, influencers, travel bloggers, and representatives from LOT Polish Airlines touched down in Dubrovnik this week as part of a strategic promotional visit to spotlight the new direct flight between Warsaw and Dubrovnik. Organized in collaboration with the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB), Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, and Dubrovnik Tourist Board, the visit underscores Poland’s rising importance as a key tourism market for Croatia.
Poland currently ranks among the top five most significant source markets for Croatian tourism. In 2024 alone, Polish travelers made 1.2 million visits and recorded 7.1 million overnight stays in Croatia—a year-on-year increase of 8% in arrivals and 6% in overnight stays.
“Polish visitors have consistently shown strong affection for our country, appreciating not only the coast and natural beauty but also Croatia’s rich gastronomy and cultural heritage,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board. “This new Warsaw–Dubrovnik route with LOT Airlines is a major step in improving year-round connectivity and strengthening our ties even further.”
LOT Polish Airlines, which flew nearly 120,000 passengers between the two countries in 2024, confirmed Croatia’s growing significance in its route network. “Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb continue to attract high demand from Polish travelers,” said Robert Ludera, Director of Flight Network Planning at LOT. “Our goal is to ensure reliable and high-quality links between Central and Southern Europe, and this route is part of that strategy.”
The 30-member delegation, led by Małgorzata Kowalska, Director of the CNTB office in Poland, was treated to a curated itinerary across Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Highlights included visits to the iconic Dubrovnik city walls, oyster tasting in Ston, a tour of Cavtat and the Konavle Heritage Museum, and a wine tasting at Crvik Winery.
Julijo Srgota, Director of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, emphasized the importance of the Polish market to the region: “Poles feel right at home here, particularly in Pelješac, Korčula, and Konavle. They’re not just looking for sun and sea—they’re seeking active holidays and authentic eno-gastronomic experiences.”
He also noted the importance of LOT’s new winter route, which now connects Warsaw and Dubrovnik twice a week. “This winter link is a game-changer for our year-round tourism ambitions,” Srgota added.
Polish tourists have so far in 2025 recorded the most overnight stays in Kvarner and Istria, with strong interest also in Zagreb, Rovinj, Opatija, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik.
As Croatia heads into the busy summer season, LOT’s Warsaw–Dubrovnik route is poised to become a crucial connector for one of the country’s most engaged tourism markets.