Published on
September 14, 2025
In 2025, Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most famous coastal cities, has been a major player in the marine tourism industry. The city has grown to be a major force in the world’s maritime tourism market thanks to its beautiful architecture, rich history, and immaculate coastlines. The Croatian National Tourist Board’s (HTZ) most recent data indicates that, in comparison to the previous year, nautical tourism has grown steadily in the first eight months of 2025. These encouraging patterns show that Dubrovnik is growing in popularity as a top nautical destination in addition to preserving its dominant position in the travel industry.
August 2025: Peak Tourist Month Sees Impressive Results
August, historically the peak of the tourist season in Dubrovnik, saw notable increases in both arrivals and overnight stays. Specifically, the city recorded 10,028 nautical arrivals and 66,157 overnight stays in August 2025. This represents a 10% increase in arrivals and an 11% rise in overnight stays compared to the same period in 2024. These numbers highlight the growing interest in Dubrovnik’s nautical offerings, a segment that continues to perform strongly year after year. The warm summer weather, coupled with the city’s world-class marina facilities, makes Dubrovnik an attractive choice for international sailors, yacht owners, and cruise visitors.
Year-to-Date Performance: A Steady Upward Trend
When looking at the period from January to August 2025, Dubrovnik has welcomed a total of 33,673 nautical arrivals and 220,526 overnight stays. This marks an 8% increase in arrivals and a 7% rise in overnight stays compared to the same period in 2024. These figures are impressive, especially considering the global travel challenges faced in the past few years. The consistent growth of Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism sector suggests that the city is well on its way to achieving another successful year. With an attractive combination of rich cultural experiences and accessible maritime opportunities, Dubrovnik continues to be a favourite among nautical travellers.
International Visitors: A Global Appeal
Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism is not limited to a specific group of travellers; rather, the city attracts visitors from around the world. In August 2025, the largest number of visitors arrived from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Croatia, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Germany, and Canada. This diverse mix of countries reflects Dubrovnik’s global appeal, with visitors from both traditional European markets and distant locations like the US and Australia. The growing number of nautical tourists from non-European countries, in particular, highlights Dubrovnik’s expanding role as a prime destination for international maritime tourism.
The diverse nationalities of Dubrovnik’s nautical guests also indicate the city’s broad cultural appeal. While Croatia’s proximity to other European countries ensures a strong presence from neighbouring nations, the strong showing of countries like the US and Australia suggests that Dubrovnik is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for long-haul travellers. With the city’s well-developed infrastructure and an established reputation for luxury, Dubrovnik has successfully attracted a global audience of high-end tourists seeking unique nautical experiences.
Economic Impact: High-Spending Tourists Fuel Growth
Nautical tourists, in particular, are a valuable segment of Dubrovnik’s tourism market. Unlike traditional land-based tourists, those arriving by yacht or cruise ship often have higher spending power. According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, visitors arriving via nautical channels typically contribute more to the local economy, spending on a range of services, including yacht rentals, marina fees, and luxury accommodations. Additionally, many of these travellers choose to spend time in high-end restaurants and indulge in premium experiences, further boosting local businesses.
The economic impact of nautical tourism is significant not only for Dubrovnik but for Croatia as a whole. With an international clientele that often includes well-established and high-spending nations such as the US, UK, and Australia, Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism market continues to be a major driver of economic growth. The city’s ability to attract affluent tourists ensures that the benefits of the sector are widely felt across its economy, from hospitality providers to local artisans and service providers.
National Growth: A Trend Across Croatia
The growth in Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism mirrors broader national trends observed across Croatia. In 2024, Croatia welcomed over 21.3 million visitors, with a total of 108.7 million overnight stays. This marked a 4% increase in tourist arrivals from the previous year. Dubrovnik, as one of the country’s most well-known tourist destinations, naturally contributes significantly to these national figures.
Furthermore, the Croatian National Tourist Board has made substantial efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices while encouraging quality over quantity. The focus on attracting high-spending, longer-staying tourists aligns with Dubrovnik’s efforts to position itself as a luxury destination, particularly in the nautical sector. With improved infrastructure, enhanced services, and a commitment to maintaining the city’s natural beauty, Dubrovnik is poised to continue attracting discerning travellers from all corners of the globe.
A Bright Future for Dubrovnik’s Nautical Tourism
Looking ahead, the outlook for Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism remains strong. The consistent growth in arrivals and overnight stays, coupled with the city’s established reputation as a top maritime destination, positions Dubrovnik as a key player in the global nautical tourism market. As more travellers seek out unique, high-end travel experiences, Dubrovnik’s combination of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and luxurious amenities makes it an increasingly attractive choice for those navigating the seas.
A Global Nautical Hub
In conclusion, with remarkable increases in both arrivals and overnight stays, Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism industry is poised for another prosperous year in 2025. The city’s standing as a well-known maritime destination is highlighted by its capacity to attract tourists from all over the world as well as the significant economic value of nautical tourism. Dubrovnik is expected to stay one of the top destinations for foreign visitors looking for a top-notch maritime experience as long as it keeps improving its tourism infrastructure and marketing its nautical offerings.
[Image Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre Official Website]
