Published on
November 10, 2025
The Kvarner region in northern Croatia has enjoyed a stellar post-season in tourism, boasting encouraging figures that suggest a strong foundation for year-round tourism. Despite the cooler autumn months, October 2025 saw an impressive surge, with 150,000 arrivals and over 550,000 overnight stays, marking an increase of 5% in overnight stays and 2% in arrivals compared to the same month in 2024. This growth underscores the continued success of the region’s efforts to extend its tourism season and diversify its offerings beyond the summer peak. This significant post-season boost signals not only a promising future for Kvarner tourism but also confirms the region’s evolving role as a key destination for visitors year-round.
Strong Performance Across All Tourism Sectors
The rise in arrivals and overnight stays is indicative of the diverse appeal of Kvarner, which has increasingly focused on attracting tourists during the off-peak months. Notably, hotels saw a 1% increase in arrivals, though there was a slight dip in overnight stays. This trend was more than offset by the impressive performance of five-star hotels, which experienced a 14% increase in arrivals and a 9% jump in overnight stays.
Meanwhile, campsites flourished, showing a 12% increase in arrivals and 13% growth in overnight stays. The success of these more affordable accommodation options highlights the region’s broad appeal, catering to both luxury travellers and those seeking budget-friendly options. On the other hand, household/private accommodations saw a modest rise of 1% in arrivals, but with a slight decline of 2% in overnight stays, indicating a shift towards other accommodation types.
The Island Gains: Rab and Krk Lead the Charge
Rab and Krk have emerged as standout locations in Kvarner’s tourism landscape. The island of Rab recorded a 56% increase in arrivals and a 45% boost in overnight stays, solidifying its position as a top destination for visitors. The island of Krk also performed exceptionally well, with 10% more arrivals and 18% more overnight stays. These remarkable gains reflect the region’s growing reputation as a top destination for island tourism.
Equally important is the performance of the Rijeka Ring, which also experienced an 8% rise in arrivals. The growth across these popular spots shows that Kvarner’s tourism is spreading well beyond its flagship cities like Rijeka and Opatija, making the region more attractive to a wider range of travellers.
The Impact of International Markets
The tourism data reflects the ongoing influence of key international markets. Germany, Croatia’s largest tourist market, contributed to a 4% increase in arrivals for Kvarner. Other neighbouring countries, such as Slovenia, Hungary, and Italy, also showed significant growth, particularly in terms of overnight stays. Slovenia recorded a 19% increase, while Hungary and Italy saw rises of 31% and 7% respectively.
Domestically, Croatia itself saw a notable boost, with the local market increasing by 15% in overnight stays. This underscores the importance of both international visitors and domestic tourists in sustaining the growth of the Kvarner region’s tourism economy.
Setting Sights on Year-Round Tourism
The increasing number of visitors, coupled with the growth across key markets, signals a shift towards year-round tourism. This goal has been a major focus for Kvarner’s tourism authorities, who have worked to diversify offerings and attract tourists outside the traditional summer months. Initiatives focusing on regional cuisine, active tourism, and health tourism have been instrumental in this strategy. These sectors have been particularly successful during the pre- and post-season, encouraging tourists to visit during the less crowded months of the year.
The consistent post-season growth seen in October and 2025 overall aligns with Kvarner’s broader strategy to develop a more sustainable, year-round tourism model. This shift not only supports the local economy but also enhances the overall travel experience by easing seasonal pressure on destinations and spreading the benefits of tourism more evenly throughout the year.
Optimistic Future: British Tourists to Fuel Growth
The recent partnership between Kvarner tourism authorities and the UK’s Jet2 Group marks a significant milestone for the region’s growth. The agreement is set to bring a 45% increase in British tourists over the next four years, cementing the UK as an increasingly important market for Kvarner. With Brits being some of the highest spenders in Croatian tourism, this agreement is expected to bring a substantial economic boost to the region.
Research from the British Association of Travel Agents places Croatia firmly in the top 15 travel destinations for Brits in 2026, which signals a bright future for the region as a key European destination. With British tourists typically spending significantly more than other nationalities, the expected rise in their numbers is a significant win for Kvarner’s tourism economy.
Travel Tips: What to Do in Kvarner
For travellers heading to Kvarner, there’s more to explore than just the beaches. Here are a few travel tips to make the most of your visit:
Explore the Islands: Rab and Krk are must-visit destinations, with stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and charming historical sites.Indulge in Local Cuisine: Kvarner’s culinary offerings, particularly seafood and regional delicacies, are a highlight.Health and Wellness Tourism: Consider visiting the spa resorts in Opatija or enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Gorski Kotar region for a rejuvenating experience.Active Tourism: Hike the scenic trails of the Učka Mountain or explore the biking routes around Kvarner for an adventurous getaway.Cultural Discoveries: Don’t miss out on visiting Rijeka’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites or experiencing the vibrant local festivals throughout the year.Final Thoughts: The Bright Future of Kvarner Tourism
The post-season success of Kvarner tourism in October 2025 is a clear indication that the region is on track to become a year-round destination for tourists. With impressive growth in arrivals and overnight stays, particularly from Germany, Slovenia, and Hungary, the Kvarner region is well on its way to achieving long-term tourism sustainability. The partnership with Jet2 and the increasing interest from British tourists further cement this positive trend. For those planning to visit, Kvarner offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities that are sure to provide a memorable experience, no matter the season.
