Croatia has closed 2025 with its strongest tourism results in history, achieving a record-breaking 110.1 million overnight stays and more than 21.8 million arrivals, according to data from the national eVisitor system. The figures represent a 2% increase in arrivals and a 1% rise in overnight stays compared with 2024.
Most of the tourism activity remained concentrated along the coast, where the Adriatic region recorded 104.6 million overnight stays, up 1%. Continental Croatia, including Zagreb, saw 5.6 million overnight stays, marking a 2% annual increase.
Minister: “A Strong, Record Year Despite Global Challenges”
Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina welcomed the results, emphasising that 2025 had delivered records across all sectors.
“We are very satisfied with the results, which were record-breaking in every segment. We had a record pre-season and post-season, and for the first time ever we exceeded 110 million overnight stays, alongside record revenues,” Glavina said.
“This was also the year in which we successfully carried out one of the most demanding reforms in tourism — the reform of accommodation capacity — and we are already seeing the benefits. The year ahead brings new challenges, from geopolitical instability to economic uncertainty in our key markets. Price competitiveness will be crucial in 2026, and we must take market signals seriously,” he added.
Istria Leads, Dubrovnik Among Top Destinations
By county, the highest number of overnight stays in 2025 was recorded in:
Istria – 30.3 million
Split-Dalmatia – 20.9 million
Kvarner – 18.5 million
Zadar region – 15.5 million
Dubrovnik-Neretva – 9.3 million
Šibenik-Knin – 6.6 million
Lika-Senj – 3.5 million
The cities with the most overnight stays were Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Split, Poreč and Umag.
HTZ Director: “Premium and Sustainable Tourism Will Shape 2026”
Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), highlighted the sector’s resilience despite inflation, climate pressures and global instability.
“The excellent results achieved in 2025 motivate us to continue working towards our strategic goals. In 2026 we will focus on further strengthening Croatia as a year-round destination, developing premium and sustainable tourism, collaborating more closely with airlines and tour operators, and increasing digital campaigns,” Staničić said.
He added that quality and value for money must remain central priorities, especially in a year that will test Croatia’s price competitiveness.
Germany Tops the List of Source Markets
The most overnight stays in Croatia in 2025 came from:
Germany – 22.3 million
Croatia – 13.8 million
Slovenia – 11.1 million
Austria – 8.2 million
Poland – 7.3 million
Czech Republic – 4.9 million
United Kingdom – 4.1 million
December Delivers Strong Growth
Croatia’s tourism sector also posted excellent results in December, with 450,000 arrivals and 1.1 million overnight stays, both up 7% year-on-year. The strongest performances came from Kvarner, Istria, Split-Dalmatia, and in city terms Zagreb, Opatija, Split, Dubrovnik and Rovinj.
Christmas and New Year Surge
During the Christmas and New Year period (24 December – 1 January), Croatia recorded:
Most overnight stays in this holiday period were recorded in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Opatija, Poreč and Split, with hotels (279,000 overnight stays) and private accommodation (128,000) leading the way.
@croatiafulloflife Kudin Bridge ???? — a historic Adriatic crossing that has connected locals for centuries. Step onto the bridge and feel the stories of the past, with breathtaking views to match ????????️ ???? @toncijankovic_photography #CroatiaFullOfLife ♬ Wonder – Shane Weisman