The Croatian National Tourist Board has reported positive results for the 2023 tourist season and launched a new campaign to encourage early bookings for 2024.
After a record pre-season and busy summer months, Croatia is looking ahead to next year.
Campaign Aims for 2024 Early Bookings
After an extremely successful 2023 tourist season in Croatia, the Croatian National Tourist Board has launched a promotional campaign to drive early bookings for 2024.
As stated in their official press release, the campaign targets key incoming markets including Germany, Austria, the UK, Switzerland, and Belgium.
Promotions on booking platforms in these countries will run through February 2024.
“Earlier travel planning and bookings are a trend that is slowly but surely returning,” said Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board. “Our goal is to strengthen Croatia’s position as an ideal vacation destination that will be one of the first choices for foreign guests when planning their next holiday.”
Croatia Sees Growth in 2023 Season
The new campaign comes on the heels of a successful 2023 summer season in Croatia.
According to data from the Tourist Board, Croatia saw 8% more arrivals and 2% more overnight stays in the first eight months of 2023 compared to 2022.
Looking at different regions, Istria saw the most overnight stays from January to August 2023, with over 25 million—a two percent increase over 2022.
Split-Dalmatia and Kvarner also saw growth in overnight stays.
Continental Croatia recorded 1.9 million overnight stays in the first eight months, a 14% jump from 2022.
Zagreb saw 1.6 million overnight stays, 15% higher than last year.
More Arrivals, Shorter Stays Observed
“Tourist traffic achieved in the peak season confirms the trend of more arrivals but shorter stays,” remarked Staničić.
He noted this trend makes sense as 2023 was the first year without pandemic travel restrictions.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and global inflation were also factors that impacted traveler behaviors.
In August alone, Croatia saw 4.6 million arrivals, up one percent over August.
However, overnight stays in August dropped two percent to 31.5 million.
The Croatian Tourist Board said this confirmed the pattern of more arrivals but shorter stays continuing through the summer peak.
ETIAS to Simplify Travel
The successful 2023 season and new 2024 campaign present opportunities for EU travelers planning holidays in Croatia.
Starting in May 2025, citizens of EU countries will need to register for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver to enter Croatia and other Schengen countries.
ETIAS will make travel simpler by allowing pre-screening of visitors.
EU citizens can easily apply online before their trip.
Once approved, the ETIAS will be valid for three years for unlimited entries.
This is expected to streamline immigration processes for EU visitors to Croatia.
Croatia’s Growing Appeal for EU Expats and Digital Nomads
Croatia's vibrant tourism industry and summer campaign also showcase the country’s draw for EU expats and location-independent workers.
Its beautiful coastline, historic cities, and outdoor lifestyle attract digital nomads and those seeking to relocate long-term.
While Croatia is not yet part of the Schengen Area, its future accession could ease immigration for EU citizens.
Croatia joining Schengen would allow long-term visa-free stays for EU expats and remote workers throughout Europe’s borderless zone.
For now, Croatia continues appealing to location-independent EU citizens with its affordable cost of living and idyllic lifestyle.
What Now?
Looking ahead, officials remain optimistic about the upcoming off-season
Promotional campaigns are already underway to attract visitors in autumn and winter.
After overcoming pandemic obstacles and global instability, Croatia’s tourist industry has proven resilient.
Building on a successful 2023 season, the country is poised for more growth in 2024 and beyond.