ZAGREB, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Croatia's revenue from foreign tourists totaled 945.2 million euros (107.8 million U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2026, up 9.2 percent year-on-year, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports said Tuesday.
Tourism indicators also showed strong growth, with 1.2 million arrivals and 3 million overnight stays recorded in the same period, up 9 percent and 8 percent year-on-year, respectively. The positive trend continued throughout the pre-season with record results. The ministry said the figures confirm the strengthening competitiveness of Croatian tourism.
Croatia is a tourism-oriented country, with tourism representing one of the key pillars of its national economy and contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The sector has recorded strong, often record-breaking performance in recent years, reinforcing its strategic importance for the country's overall economic stability and growth.
This year's tourist season has been more challenging due to disruptions in transport and travel caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonci Glavina in May called on the entire tourism sector to cut prices by 10-20 percent, noting that such discounts are necessary as competing countries are introducing similar measures.
He stressed that the tourist season is important not only for this summer but also as a foundation for next year, which could face similar challenges if inflation and energy prices remain high. ■