Home » Europe » Croatia sees surge in tourism as more international tourists arrive
Friday, July 5, 2024
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Croatia is seeing a significant increase in travel demand, with the number of international tourists increasing by 20.8% in May, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a popular travel destination.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Croatia surged to 1.66 million in May, a massive 20.8% increase compared to the same month in 2023. The data, released by the Croatian Statistics Office on Friday, highlights the country’s growing attractiveness as a travel destination.
Furthermore, the number of foreign tourist overnight stays in Croatia increased by 25.6% in May, reaching 6.3 million. Domestic tourism also grew, with domestic tourist arrivals increasing by 12.9% to 283,185 and domestic tourist overnight stays increasing by 8.9% to 618,917.
A total of 16,855,000 foreign tourists are expected to visit Croatia in 2023, up 10% from the previous year. Tourism remains an important industry for Croatia, accounting for one-fifth of the country’s GDP.
Airport boosts Croatia’s travel and tourism industry
Croatia’s main airports play a vital role in the development of the country’s travel and tourism industry. Croatia’s largest and busiest Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tudjman Airport) is located in the capital, Zagreb. It handled 3.72 million passengers in 2023. Split Airport (Lesnik Airport), the main gateway to the Dalmatian coast and neighboring islands, is particularly busy during the tourist season, handling 1.57 million passengers in 2021. Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi Airport) is based in the historic city of Dubrovnik and manages significant international flights, especially from Europe, during the summer season.
These airports are crucial in connecting Croatia with the rest of Europe and the world, allowing tourists to explore Croatia’s incredible landscapes, historical sites and beautiful coastline.
Airlines strengthening Croatia’s connectivity
Several airlines are making Croatia more connected and accessible, boosting its travel and tourism industry. Croatia Airlines is the national airline, operating domestic and international flights mainly within Europe and is a member of Star Alliance. Tradeair operates scheduled, charter and cargo flights, serving regional and domestic routes.
Ryanair has a large presence in Croatia and operates numerous flights to various European destinations, especially during the tourist season. EasyJet operates flights to several Croatian airports, including Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, connecting with various European cities. Eurowings, a German low-cost airline, flies to destinations such as Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar. Volotea operates seasonal flights to Split and Dubrovnik from various European cities, while Norwegian Air Shuttle operates seasonal flights to Dubrovnik and Split from several cities in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.
These airlines contribute significantly to the tourism sector, driving the influx of tourists and business travelers and ensuring the continued growth and success of Croatia’s travel and tourism industry.
Popular tourist destinations in Croatia
Dubrovnik: Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik boasts stunning medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s historic Old Town is a must-visit destination. Split: Home to the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, Split is a city that perfectly blends ancient history with modern life. Visitors can explore historical sites, enjoy the lively waterfront, or take day trips to the nearby islands. Plitvice Lakes National Park: A natural wonder, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a series of waterfalls and cascades surrounded by lush forests. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Hvar: Renowned for its sunny climate, lavender fields, and vibrant nightlife, Hvar is a popular destination for those looking to relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy the island’s beautiful scenery. Zagreb: Croatia’s capital city is a mix of history and modern attractions. Visitors can explore museums, art galleries and parks, as well as enjoy a vibrant café culture. Zadar: Known for its Roman and Venetian ruins, Zadar is a city rich in history and culture. Highlights include the Sea Organ, a unique architectural acoustic artwork, and the Salute to the Sun installation. Rovinj: A picturesque coastal town on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj is known for its charming old town, narrow cobbled streets and beautiful beaches. Pula: Home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, Pula offers a glimpse into the ancient past. The city’s rich history and beautiful coastline make it an attractive destination.
These destinations highlight the diverse attractions Croatia has to offer, from historical sites and natural wonders to vibrant cities and beautiful islands, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Tags: Croatia Airlines, Croatia Travel News, Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Airport, EasyJet, Eurowings, Ryanair, Split, Split Airport, Travel Industry News, Travel News, Volotea, Zagreb Airport
