AGP Executive Report

Air Links: Air Canada plans to add Dubrovnik to its network as it rolls out Boeing 787 service across 11 routes, opening a new long-haul connection for Croatia. Island Access: A new fast boat service links Split with eastern Brač, offering another way to reach the island. Winter City Breaks: Croatia Airlines will keep Zagreb–Madrid flights running beyond summer, with three weekly services until January 16 and again from March 15 to 27. Coastal Environment: Zlatni Rat beach is facing renewed erosion concerns after pine trees fell, highlighting pressure on one of Croatia’s best-known landmarks. Advent: More Croatian cities are capping food and drink prices at Christmas markets, while tourism officials welcome the move to keep festive outings more affordable.

Zagreb in Spring: The Festival of Lights returns with more than two dozen installations turning streets, parks and historic sites into an open-air gallery. The free event has drawn thousands of visitors since it began in 2017. Winter Connections: Croatia Airlines is keeping Zagreb–Madrid flights running three times a week until January 16, then resuming March 15–27. A new year-round fast boat also began linking Split with Omiš, Postira and Pučišća on Brač, improving access for residents and visitors. Travel Safety: Daytime headlights are now required on Croatian roads through March 31; drivers who fail to comply face a €30 fine. Coastal Care: Erosion has contributed to another fallen pine at Zlatni Rat beach on Brač, renewing concern about pressure on the protected site. Food and Climate: Croatian truffle hunters report smaller, scarcer harvests as heat and drought shrink yields and suitable habitat, putting a prized local food tradition under strain.

Truffle Season Under Pressure: Heat and drought are shrinking Croatia’s truffle harvests and damaging suitable habitats, echoing problems in Italy. Researchers and local officials are exploring forest restoration and ways to retain moisture. More Island Access: A subsidised year-round fast boat now links Split, Omiš, Postira and Pučišća, giving eastern Brač residents a daily mainland connection and visitors another way to explore the coast. Winter Flights: Croatia Airlines will keep Zagreb–Madrid flights running three times a week through January 16, then resume March 15–27, extending direct travel between the capitals beyond summer. Protecting Zlatni Rat: Another pine tree has fallen at the iconic Brač beach, where erosion and visitor pressure are raising concerns about the protected landscape. Planning Ahead: Pula has been named among Europe’s best-value destinations for 2027, with airfares down 20%. Croatia’s tourism minister also welcomed Advent price caps in several cities, aimed at keeping some food and drink affordable for visitors and locals.

Winter Connections: Croatia Airlines will keep Zagreb–Madrid flights running three times a week until January 16, then resume March 15–27, giving travellers a direct winter option. Island Travel: A new year-round fast boat starts November 1, linking Split with Omiš, Postira and Pučišća on Brač, with daily sailings designed around residents’ needs. Beach Watch: Erosion is raising concern at Zlatni Rat, where another pine tree has fallen. The protected beach’s changing shoreline faces pressure from visitors and boat anchoring. Road Rules: Daytime headlights are mandatory across Croatia from November 1 through March 31; drivers who fail to switch them on face a €30 fine. Food and Climate: Croatia’s white truffle habitats and harvests are shrinking amid heat and drought, a growing concern for a celebrated seasonal food experience. Advent on a Budget: The tourism minister welcomed price caps on some food and drinks at Christmas markets in Split, Pula and Poreč, aiming to keep the winter events affordable.

Winter Air Links: Croatia Airlines will keep Zagreb–Madrid flights running three times a week until January 16, then resume March 15–27, giving travellers a direct winter connection between the capitals. Island Connections: A new year-round fast boat links Split with Omiš, Postira and Pučišća on Brač, with daily sailings designed around residents’ mainland trips. Coastal Conservation: Another pine tree has fallen at Zlatni Rat, renewing concerns that erosion, visitor pressure and boat anchoring are damaging the protected beach. Travel Advice: Drivers in Croatia must use daytime or dipped headlights from November 1 through March 31; violations carry a €30 fine. Road Trips: Eighteen new ultra-fast EV charging points are operating on motorways A1 and A3, including six 400-kW chargers for electric trucks. Winter Events: The tourism minister welcomed Advent price caps introduced in several cities, including Split, to keep some food and drink affordable.

Visitor Services: Mursko Središće has added QR-code grave searches at three cemeteries, helping visitors find family graves ahead of All Saints’ Day. Getting Around: New motorway charging points on the A1 and A3 include six 400-kW chargers for electric trucks. Croatia also has €1.7 billion in railway projects underway, with faster, safer passenger travel among the goals. Advent Season: More cities are capping prices on selected Christmas-market food and drinks; Split limits fritule to €4 and sausages and mulled wine to €3. Tourism Trends: Foreign visitors now spend an average of €162 a day on the Adriatic, up 15% from 2022. Health Tourism: Hotel Minerva has reopened in Varaždinske Toplice after a €40 million renovation, adding seven pools and more than 260 rooms. Coastal Escapes: Šibenik recorded 6.37% more arrivals from January to August, while Pula made a best-value list for 2027 after airfares fell 20%.

Flight Disruption: A Jet2 flight from Samos to Manchester made an emergency landing in Split on Friday after a technical issue. All 171 people aboard were safe, and a replacement aircraft was sent for passengers. Health Tourism: Hotel Minerva in Varaždinske Toplice has reopened after a €40 million renovation, with more than 260 rooms and a new seven-pool complex. Tourism Spending: New survey results put average daily tourist spending at €162 on the Adriatic and €164 in continental Croatia, up 15% and 21% respectively since 2022. Air Links: Air Montenegro plans to begin three weekly Podgorica–Zagreb flights in late November, improving winter connections. Value Breaks: Pula made Skyscanner’s best-value destinations for 2027 list after airfares fell 20% and hotel rates 4% year on year. Advent Markets: Osijek is joining Pula, Poreč and Split in capping prices on selected festive food and drinks; Split’s limits include €3 sausages and mulled wine and €4 fritule.

Health Tourism: Hotel Minerva in Varaždinske Toplice has reopened after a €40 million renovation, adding seven pools and more than 260 rooms. Tourist Spending: New survey results put average daily spending at €162 on the Adriatic and €164 in continental Croatia, up 15% and 21% respectively since 2022. Air Links: Air Montenegro plans to launch Podgorica–Zagreb flights on November 24, with three weekly services through winter and into the 2027 summer schedule. Festive Season: More Croatian cities are capping Christmas market prices; in Split, sausages and mulled wine will cost no more than €3, and fritule €4. Culture: Zagreb’s Archaeological Museum has put a 2,300-year-old Egyptian Book of the Dead on permanent display. Value Breaks: Pula ranks among Skyscanner’s best-value destinations for 2027, with airfares down 20% and hotel rates 4% year on year. Wellness: Topusko’s thermal spa complex has also reopened after a €48.3 million upgrade, expanding its year-round visitor offer.

Value Break: Pula ranked among Skyscanner’s best-value destinations for 2027, with airfares down 20% year on year and hotel rates 4% lower. The Istrian city pairs Roman sights with Adriatic beaches. Wellness Tourism: Topusko’s thermal spa complex has reopened after a €48.3 million renovation, adding 175 rooms, pools and wellness facilities to strengthen year-round travel in inland Croatia. Winter Connections: Ryanair is linking Zagreb and Warsaw over the winter, while Split has announced new attractions and a music line-up for its 2026 Christmas market. Visitor Outlook: A tourism forecast projects Croatia’s international overnight stays will grow 68% by 2036. Road Safety: Croatia recorded 65 road deaths per million residents in 2025, the EU’s third-highest rate—a concern for visitors planning road trips.

Value Breaks: Pula ranks among Skyscanner’s best-value destinations for 2027, with airfares down 20% and hotel rates 4% lower year on year. Roman sights and Adriatic beaches make it an easy city-and-coast getaway. Wellness Tourism: Topusko’s €48.3 million spa renovation has reopened, adding 302 beds, upgraded pools and wellness facilities to boost year-round travel in Croatia’s continental region. Winter Events: Split’s Advent market runs from November 27 to January 6, with concerts, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Travel Outlook: Croatia’s international overnight stays are forecast to grow 68% by 2036, while Ryanair’s new winter Zagreb–Warsaw link expands access. Visitor Costs: Tourists in Croatia now spend an average of €162 a day, while Croatian campsites are reported as Europe’s most expensive.

Split for Christmas: Split’s Advent programme will run from 27 November to 6 January, with concerts, an ice rink and a panoramic Ferris wheel aimed at drawing visitors over the holidays. New Zagreb link: Ryanair has started twice-weekly winter flights between Zagreb and Warsaw-Modlin, adding another option for travel between Croatia and Poland. Travel updates: Croatia’s new online customs service for travellers is due to launch on 1 November. UK Blue Badge permits are also recognised in Croatia, according to updated guidance on European travel. Tourism outlook: A forecast commissioned by Accor projects a 68% rise in international overnight stays in Croatia by 2036, as Europe’s tourism demand grows. Visitor costs: Croatian campsites are ranked the most expensive in Europe, while tourists in Croatia reportedly spend €162 a day—price and value remain key concerns for visitors.

Split for Christmas: Split’s 2026 Advent runs from 27 November to 6 January, with concerts, a returning ice rink and a Ferris wheel among the attractions. Local Life: A village shop in Brseč has served locals, holiday-home owners and visitors for 30 years, offering a glimpse of everyday life on the coast. New Flights: Ryanair has launched twice-weekly winter flights between Zagreb and Warsaw-Modlin, adding another option for travellers between Croatia and Poland. Visitor Spending: New research puts average daily tourist spending at €162 on the coast and €164 in continental Croatia, up from 2022; restaurant prices remain a familiar concern. Camping Costs: Croatian campsites are among Europe’s priciest, but German campers rate their quality the highest. Travel Update: Croatia’s online customs service for travellers is due to launch on 1 November.

Air Connections: Ryanair’s new Zagreb–Warsaw Modlin route has started operating for winter, with four weekly flights. Zagreb Airport also reached four million passengers earlier than ever, helped by growing international connections. Tourist Spending: Visitors spend an average of €162 a day on the coast and €164 inland, up 15% and 21% respectively since 2022. Restaurant prices remain a concern. Camping: Croatian campsites are Europe’s most expensive, but German campers rate their quality highest, supporting strong demand for 2027. Travel Updates: Croatia’s new online customs service for travellers is due to launch on 1 November.

Visitor Spending: Tourists in coastal Croatia now spend an average €162 a day, up 15% from 2022; continental visitors average €164, up 21%. New research also flags persistent complaints about restaurant prices. Camping Costs: Croatia’s campsites are rated among Europe’s best by German campers, but are also the most expensive, according to new research. German visitors remain a key market. Air Links: Zagreb Airport welcomed its four-millionth passenger of 2026 on October 26, earlier than ever. Ryanair has also started four weekly winter flights between Zagreb and Warsaw Modlin. Charter Market: Croatia leads the world in charter fleet size, with nearly 5,000 vessels, but earns less than Greece. Industry challenges include market saturation, falling peak-season prices and rising operating costs. Driving Rules: A proposed change could sharply raise speeding fines by reducing camera tolerances. For example, a 86 km/h reading in a 50 km/h zone could mean a €390 fine instead of €130. The rule is not yet in force.

Air Travel: Zagreb Airport welcomed its four-millionth passenger of 2026 earlier than ever, with traffic nearly 40% above 2019 levels. Ryanair has also launched four weekly winter flights between Zagreb and Warsaw Modlin. Charter Market: Croatia remains the world’s largest yacht-charter power, but falling peak-season prices, market saturation and rising costs are squeezing earnings as Greece gains ground. Travel Practicalities: From November 1, visitors can declare and pay eligible customs charges online up to five days before arriving in Croatia, though goods must still be presented to an officer. Proposed traffic-rule changes could also sharply raise speeding fines, so drivers should watch their speed. Camping: Croatia has been named Europe’s leading camping destination for quality in 2027, while four Aminess campsites have earned prestigious ADAC Superplatz awards.

Charter Market: Croatia has nearly 5,000 charter vessels and led the world in fleet size, but oversupply has pushed peak-season sailing prices down by 50% or more. Industry voices point to rising costs and stronger Greek competition as reasons Croatia earns less from chartering. Road Rules: A proposed change to speed-camera tolerances could sharply raise fines; one example would increase a €130 penalty to €390. Customs Update: From 1 November, travellers can declare and pay import charges online up to five days before arriving in Croatia, though goods must still be shown to customs officers. Shoulder-Season Escape: Hvar is being promoted as an autumn favourite, with warm seas, fewer crowds and a quieter island pace. Visitor Safety: A child was left in intensive care after her hair became trapped in a hotel pool vent in Rabac. Heritage: Rijeka’s historic torpedo launch station is set for restoration, with work expected to begin late this year and finish in 2027.