Croatia’s foreign tourist revenue jumps to record high

Croatia’s foreign tourist revenue jumps to record high

According to data from the Croatian National Bank (HNB), in the fourth quarter of 2023, revenues from foreign tourists amounted to 1.63 billion euros, representing a growth of 10.9 percent compared to the same previously record-breaking period in 2022, with an increase in revenue of 160 million euros.

Overall, in 2023, revenues from foreign tourists reached 14.6 billion euros, marking an 11.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022, with an additional revenue of 1.49 billion euros, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport has said in a statement.

Last year, Croatia recorded 20.6 million arrivals and 108 million tourist nights.

Breaking down the tourism figures by regions, the most overnight stays were seen in Istria (30 million nights, up by 2% from 2022), Split-Dalmatia County (20.2 million nights, up by 3%), and Kvarner (18.5 million nights, up by 1%).

Popular destinations for overnight stays included Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split, and Umag.

“The record revenues from foreign tourists in 2023 only confirmed the growth trend we experienced throughout the year, especially during the pre and peak seasons, which is exceptionally important for us. 

With everything achieved in the past year, as well as the indicators and forecasts at the beginning of this year, we can be very satisfied because it confirms that we are on the right track to achieve strategic goals that will enable Croatia to become a sustainable, year-round, and competitive destination in the future. 

All the results we have achieved are the merit of all employees in the tourism sector, and I believe that through the joint synergy of all stakeholders and in strong partnership with the Croatian Government, this positive trend will continue in the future,” emphasised Minister of Tourism and Sports, Nikolina Brnjac.

Analysing visitor origins, Germany led with 23.6 million nights, followed by Croatia with 13 million nights, Slovenia with 10.6 million nights. 

Austria followed with 8.4 million nights, then Poland with 6.7 million nights, Czech Republic with 5.5 million nights and Italy with 4.2 million nights. 

UK with 3.7 million nights, Hungary with 3.6 million nights, Slovakia with 3.3 million nights, and the Netherlands with 3.1 million nights were next.