Istria is expecting around 5% more tourists this holiday season compared to last year, according to estimates from the Istria County Tourist Board.
Approximately 40,000 visitors will spend the holidays in Istria, booking around 140,000 overnight stays in total.
Influx Expected in Popular Destinations
The largest influx of tourists is expected in the final days of 2023.
Domestic guests will account for much of the traffic, along with visitors from Slovenia, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
Around 50 hotels will be open over the holidays, including larger chains and smaller family-owned establishments.
Additionally, six campsites and numerous private villas and vacation rentals will host guests.
The most popular destinations are projected to be Rovinj, Poreč, Pula, and Umag.
Poreč Predicting Strong Turnout
Poreč is preparing for 3,500 to 4,000 guests to ring in the new year, likely resulting in around 15,000 overnight stays.
This matches last year’s holiday traffic, according to the Poreč Tourist Board.
Rovinj Preparations Underway
In Rovinj, several larger hotels and smaller accommodations are open and ready for New Year's Eve.
The city has become known for its diverse lineup of holiday events and activities.
Festivities Abound Across Istria
This year, nearly every city and town across Istria organized Advent happenings, from month-long programs to weekend-only and Christmas Eve events.
The increase in holiday spirit reflects Istria's growing popularity as a festive winter destination.
Holiday Ease for EU Travelers
With the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025, EU citizens will have an easier time visiting Istria and Croatia.
The ETIAS system will allow pre-screening and authorization for visa-free EU travelers.
This will smooth entry procedures for holidays and short trips.
For long-term EU residents like digital nomads, students, and families, Croatia’s immigration policies continue to welcome newcomers.
Investors can gain residency by purchasing property, while remote workers and students have access to temporary stay permits.
The holiday influx shows Istria’s ongoing popularity across all types of EU travelers.
Continued EU Mobility
Croatia’s entry into the Schengen Area in 2023 builds on policies like ETIAS to enable freedom of movement for EU citizens.
Joining Schengen has removed border checks for EU visitors to Croatia.
This further facilitates EU travel and tourism around the holidays and year-round.
As an integrated part of the EU, Croatia will continue updating its immigration policies to match European standards.
The country’s tourism appeal endures for short-term Schengen travelers as well as long-term residents and immigrants from across the EU.
A Win for Istrian Tourism
As the numbers indicate, Istria remains a top choice for domestic and international travelers over the holidays.
With exciting celebrations happening across the peninsula, 2023 is shaping up to be another prosperous year for Istrian tourism.