AGP Executive Report

Ukraine Support Pressure: NATO leaders Rutte and Sweden’s Kristersson say many allies aren’t spending enough to back Ukraine, urging more countries to “put the money where the mouth is.” Croatia Economy Watch: The European Commission has cut Croatia’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.7% and flags higher energy prices and Middle East-linked uncertainty. Parliament & Public Health: Croatia’s Parliament is set to debate tighter rules on alcohol sales, including local limits on shop hours and stricter age checks. Tourism Connections: Jadrolinija’s new fast ferry “Kvarner bridge” will run from 24 June to 30 August, linking Crikvenica Riviera with Kraljevica, Senj, Krk (Baška/Lopar) and Rab. Dubrovnik Culture & Care: A €22m senior centre in Dubrovnik nears completion, while the Midsummer Scene Festival returns to Lovrijenac with a new Musketeers-themed show. Heritage Underwater: Archaeologists continue work on a submerged Neolithic settlement near Korčula, aiming to uncover possible residential structures.

WWII Safety Operation: Police divers removed an ~80kg WWII aerial bomb from the sea near Korčula’s Luka bay, then transported it to open waters for safe destruction, with access to the bay temporarily restricted. Active Travel Spotlight: Britain’s The Telegraph is spotlighting Dubrovnik’s new Camino trail, calling it a calmer, less crowded pilgrimage alternative to Spain’s Camino de Santiago and highlighting local stays, food and the route’s solitude. World Cup Travel Reality Check: The US confirmed ICE and HSI will have a visible presence during the 2026 World Cup as ticket demand and bookings lag in places—while separate reports keep warning fans about scams and unofficial “trip” arrangements. Croatia Tourism Infrastructure: Osijek’s €13.5m Copacabana pool redevelopment is set to open mid-June, and Dubrovnik’s Centre for the Elderly is nearing completion ahead of an October opening. EU Rules for Rentals: New EU short-term rental rules start today across Croatia, pushing digital host registration and data sharing to boost transparency.

World Cup Travel Scams: Ghana’s sports minister Kofi Adams is warning fans not to pay anyone claiming they can arrange 2026 World Cup trips, saying no ministry-backed “slots” exist. War Crimes Probe: Croatia-linked legal attention is also growing after Austria opened investigations into “human safari/sniper tour” allegations tied to the 1990s Siege of Sarajevo. EU Rules for Stays: New EU short-term rental rules kick in today across Croatia, forcing platform registration and data sharing to boost transparency. Summer Infrastructure Push: Osijek’s €13.5m Copacabana pool redevelopment is set to open mid-June, while Dubrovnik’s new Centre for the Elderly nears completion with a planned October opening. Tourism Demand Signals: Unforgettable Croatia says late bookings surged for 2026 after travellers shifted away from the Middle East. Marina Innovation: Monaco’s Smart Marina competition spotlights Croatia’s Adriatic region through a new architecture challenge focused on modern, public-facing waterfronts.

Croatia’s Safety Spotlight: The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed Croatia’s Level 1 travel advisory—the lowest risk level—giving Americans a rare “normal precautions” green light as summer demand climbs. American Access Boost: Interest is also rising thanks to easier routes like United’s seasonal Dubrovnik links from Newark, helping Croatia stand out as a calmer, orderly alternative to more crowded parts of Europe. Tourism Pressure & Policy: Croatia’s summer debate keeps heating up: Parliament has approved tougher Foreigners Act rules, including a basic Croatian language/Latin alphabet requirement for permit extensions, while also allowing foreign workers to switch jobs after six months—aimed at easing labour shortages in tourism and hospitality. City Upgrade: Zagreb’s historic funicular has reopened after its first major restoration in over 50 years, modernised for safety and accessibility while keeping its landmark look. Inland Momentum: Mt Kalnik is being pushed as a new inland hiking and heritage draw, with local gastronomy and preserved nature at the centre.

Foreign Worker Overhaul: Croatia’s Parliament has passed major amendments to the Foreigners Act, tightening access with a one-year Croatian language and Latin alphabet requirement while also making it easier for legal foreign workers to switch jobs after six months and extending allowed unemployment periods. Zagreb Tourism Boost: Zagreb’s funicular has reopened after its first major restoration in over 50 years, with modernised safety and accessibility while keeping its historic look. Dubrovnik Keeps Momentum: Dubrovnik’s early-season numbers look steady, and restoration work at Fort Lovrjenac is underway to upgrade utilities and improve the visitor area. Inland Spotlight: Mt Kalnik is being pushed as a new inland hiking and heritage destination, adding local gastronomy to its natural appeal. Season Pressure: The week also highlights the ongoing debate over tourism taxes and the strain from summer traffic and overcrowding.

Domestic Weekend Travel Boost: Croatia’s tourism is getting a new rhythm as more people swap one big summer holiday for quick inland-to-coast mini-breaks, helped by faster motorway access and changing lifestyles—spreading demand beyond peak weeks. Cost of Living Meets Culture: Rising coffee prices are sparking unusually personal backlash, with locals treating the café ritual as part of everyday identity. Summer Taxes Debate: Ahead of the season, coastal municipalities are rethinking tourist taxes and seasonal levies as they juggle higher visitor pressure with rising costs for waste, water, and services. Road Reality Check: Summer traffic chaos is no longer just an inconvenience—it’s becoming a headline part of the driving experience, with bottlenecks around the A1 and ferry ports. Schengen Update: EU reporting and Frontex data point to fewer irregular crossings, but border risks remain persistent. Dubrovnik & Mljet Momentum: Dubrovnik arrivals and overnights are holding steady, while Mljet’s new daily Dubrovnik boat line is giving the park a strong early start. Transport Watch: Croatia Airlines’ Split runway incident is under investigation, while Fort Lovrjenac restoration is underway.

World Cup Buzz: Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalić has named a preliminary squad for the 2026 tournament, with stars like Modrić and Gvardiol alongside a deep group of midfield and forward options, as preparations ramp up in Rijeka and warm-ups follow. Dubrovnik Infrastructure: Just days after the government flagged the Dubrovnik motorway as a national priority, Croatia’s state motorway operator cancelled two key international tenders after bids came in well above the planned budget. Year-Round Travel: Ryanair is keeping Dubrovnik connected in winter, adding year-round flights to Dublin and Krakow to help the city move beyond a strictly summer-only rhythm. Tourism Workforce: New reporting says Croatia’s seasonal workers now have more leverage, with staff increasingly choosing jobs based on pay and—more importantly—living conditions. Design & Stays: Villa Dubrovnik has been named among the world’s most beautiful hotels for 2026 in the Prix Versailles awards. Culture on Screen: Zagreb’s “City of Film 2026” officially opened with free screenings starting at the main railway station.

Dubrovnik Road Shock: Just days after the government named the Dubrovnik motorway a national priority, Croatia’s state motorway operator cancelled two key tenders (Rudine–Slano and Slano–Mravinjac) because bids came in far above the planned budget. Winter Flight Boost: Ryanair will keep Dubrovnik’s Dublin and Krakow routes running all year, adding much-needed off-season demand. Air Travel Disruption: Croatia Airlines’ A220 aborted takeoff at Split, veered off the runway, and was damaged—everyone evacuated safely; investigations are ongoing. Cost Pressure for Guests: April inflation in Croatia rose to 5.8%, with transport and housing costs climbing fast, while restaurant and accommodation prices also increased. Island Strain: Record arrivals are again raising alarms about water, sewage, waste and electricity capacity on islands. Transport Reality Check: Jadrolinija is under summer pressure, with more sailings cancelled as peak season nears.

Dubrovnik Road Shock: Croatia’s motorway-to-Dubrovnik push hit a snag as two major tenders were cancelled after bids came in far above the planned budget—right after the government called the full link a national priority. Winter Flight Boost: Ryanair is keeping Dubrovnik connected year-round, adding all-winter service to Dublin and Krakow (twice weekly), replacing weaker winter links. Air Safety Disruption: Croatia Airlines’ A220 aborted takeoff at Split, veered off the runway and damaged lights/markers—everyone evacuated safely, but the airport saw delays. Island Pressure: With summer arrivals climbing, Jadrolinija is under strain and residents warn infrastructure—especially water and transport—can’t keep up. On-the-Ground Alerts: A WWII bomb will be removed from the seabed near Korčula on May 18, with temporary safety zones. Tourism Costs: April inflation rose to 5.8%, keeping household pressure high ahead of the peak season. Local Life: Vir’s population has surged past 4,000 as families relocate for year-round support.

Road Tragedy: A bus crash near Slavonski Brod on the Zagreb–Serbia highway killed 10 and injured at least 45 early Sunday; the bus had Kosovo plates and was on a Germany–Pristina route, with authorities still investigating the cause. Eurovision Buzz: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest reaches its Grand Final in Vienna today, with free global streaming options widely available—plus protests and boycotts still casting a shadow. Sports Spotlight: Miami won the debut FIBA 3x3 World Tour Zadar 2026, beating Amsterdam 21–19 in a packed Adriatic finale. Tourism Pressure: Croatia’s summer strain keeps building: island infrastructure is under water-and-services stress, and the sector still can’t find enough workers even after importing thousands. Transport Updates: Croatia Airlines plans to cancel about 900 flights next quarter, while Jadrolinija cuts 15 sailings on the Split–Ancona peak route.

Airline Cuts: Croatia Airlines says it will cancel about 900 flights in the next quarter (around 5% of planned operations) as jet-fuel costs keep biting, while Jadrolinija also trims peak-season capacity with 15 fewer sailings on the Split–Ancona line. Island Pressure: With record arrivals continuing, Croatian islands are again warning about strained water, sewage, waste and power systems as summer populations can multiply fast. Workforce Crunch: Even after importing thousands of seasonal workers, the tourism sector still says it needs roughly 5,000 more staff for this summer. Rail Access: The Adriatic Express returns for summer 2026 with direct overnight service from the Czech Republic to Rijeka—and for the first time, onward direct connections to Koper. Travel Market Signals: Ryanair’s latest move to axe 12 routes and 700,000 seats across Europe underlines how quickly airline capacity can shift when airport fees and fuel costs change. Local Policy: Parliament adopted amendments to Croatia’s Foreigners Act to better manage foreign labour while tightening oversight.

Foreign Policy & Migration: Croatia’s parliament has adopted amendments to the Foreigners Act, aiming to balance easier mobility for foreign workers with tighter oversight of employers and migration processes. Tourism & Travel Demand: Croatia’s cruise and tourism calendar keeps expanding, with Unforgettable Croatia launching a 2027 small-ship programme (136 guaranteed departures) and adding a complimentary Michelin Star option. Digital Push in the Regions: Šibenik is setting up a Centre for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence for Šibenik-Knin County, with training for citizens, public staff and entrepreneurs plus a stronger push for e-Građani services. Air Connectivity Watch: Ryanair is cutting 12 routes and 700,000 seats tied to its Thessaloniki base and winter capacity, while passenger traffic across Europe still rose in March (+3.8% year-on-year). Sports & Spotlight: Croatia’s World Cup build-up continues as squads are announced and base-camp planning ramps up ahead of June kick-off.

World Cup momentum: New York/New Jersey has locked in its 2026 FIFA World Cup match schedule, hosting eight games including the final at MetLife Stadium, with squads starting to drop—France’s 26-man roster is out and features Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise. Health & travel pressure: Officials are warning of a “summer of sin” STI spike tied to mass partying, while heat-risk research flags outdoor queues and fan festivals as the biggest danger for spectators in Texas. Croatia tourism signals: Croatia’s supermarket “price wars” are intensifying as shoppers push back on high costs, and camping is no longer “cheap tourism” as premium sites in Istria, Kvarner and parts of Dalmatia compete with hotels. Digital push in Šibenik: A new Centre for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence is being set up to boost e-Građani use and cybersecurity skills across the county. Transport shake-up: Ryanair is axing routes and cutting winter capacity in Greece, including Thessaloniki, with 700,000 seats reportedly disappearing.

World Cup Heat Warning: Academics say England fans in Texas face serious health risks from extreme heat—especially outside AT&T Stadium at outdoor fan festivals and queues—after forecasts flagged a high chance of dangerously hot “wet bulb” conditions for the June 17 opener vs Croatia. Dubrovnik in the Spotlight: Croatia’s Eurovision semi-final run brought more global attention to Dubrovnik via the show’s postcard video, reinforcing the city’s growing role as a recognizable tourism and filming backdrop. Split Festival Boost: ULTRA Europe confirmed its 2026 return to Split (10–12 July) with major new names and continued Destination Ultra events, backed by city and government support. Zagreb Pay Growth: Zagreb’s average net salary hit €1,753 in February, up year-on-year, underlining stronger local purchasing power heading into the season. Travel Tech for Croatia: Uber’s boat-hiring partnership with Click&Boat launches a pilot from mid-June across coastal cities including Split and Dubrovnik, making skipper-led day trips bookable in-app.

Uber Boat Booking: Uber is teaming up with Click&Boat so travellers can book private boat days straight from the Uber app, launching from mid-June across 23 coastal cities including Croatia (think Split and Dubrovnik). World Cup Heat Risk: For England fans heading to the Croatia opener in Texas, experts warn the danger is outside the stadium—extreme heat and outdoor queues could push conditions into potentially life-threatening territory. Dubrovnik in the Spotlight: Dubrovnik got a sunny Thursday boost before a more unsettled weekend, and it also kept showing up on the world stage via Eurovision’s “postcard” coverage. Family Travel Update (UK): UK airport e-gates get easier for kids this summer: children aged 8+ can use them from 8 July, easing queues for families. Split Festival Buzz: ULTRA Europe returns to Split from 10–12 July, with strong international interest already flagged for VIP and accommodation. Zagreb Pay Rise: Zagreb’s average monthly net salary hit €1,753 in February, up 7.7% year-on-year. BDS Solidarity: A Palestine solidarity coordinator visited Ljubljana, Rijeka and Zagreb, saying BDS activity across Europe has grown fast since Gaza began in 2023.

Tourism Pressure Check: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković says the boom may have hit its “growth limits” and urges smart pricing as rivals cut rates across the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik Buzz: A viral “You can’t park there” moment shows just how chaotic parking can get in the Old City. Infrastructure Push: Zagreb is getting a €29.6m third lane on the bypass (Zagreb zapad–Lučko) plus more works starting next week on the Bregana–Zagreb zapad stretch. Housing Reality Split: Croatia’s market is splitting into two worlds—expensive, investor-driven coastal demand versus weaker inland demand. Railway Revival: Croatia’s rail upgrades are moving from neglect toward EU-funded modernization. Eurovision Spotlight: Dubrovnik popped up in Eurovision’s global “postcard” coverage after Lelek qualified for the Grand Final. Archaeology Finds: Zadar’s Relja district has revealed Roman graves under a fast-developing neighborhood.