Travel Essentials: Croatia’s new e-customs service launches on 1 November, letting travellers declare goods and pay import charges online up to five days before arrival; goods still need to be shown to an officer at the border. Air Links: China’s winter flight expansion includes Air China routes to Zagreb, adding to its growing European network. Autumn Escapes: Hvar is being promoted as a shoulder-season choice, with warm seas, quieter streets and a slower Dalmatian pace in September and October. Heritage: Archaeologists near Split have uncovered Bronze Age remains at Stobreč, while Rijeka’s historic torpedo launch station is set for restoration and a future as a tourist attraction. Camping: Four Aminess campsites have won ADAC Superplatz awards, adding to Croatia’s growing reputation for high-quality camping.
AGP Executive Report
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Customs Update: From 1 November, travellers entering Croatia can declare and pay import duties online up to five days before arrival, but must still show their goods to customs officers at the border. Autumn Escapes: Split topped a European shoulder-season ranking, with nearby Hvar offering milder weather, quieter streets and warm Adriatic waters in September and October. Ancient Split: Archaeologists in Stobreč have uncovered remains of a settlement dating to around 1500 BC, alongside Greek, Roman and later structures. Road Rules: Daytime headlights become mandatory from 1 November, and winter equipment rules start on designated roads on 15 November. Visitor Watch: A traveller has alleged an intimidating rental-counter dispute and a €3,500 security hold at SIXT’s Split Airport desk; the claims are not proof of systematic misconduct. Rijeka Heritage: Restoration of the historic torpedo launch station is expected to begin late this year, with plans to turn the site into a tourist attraction.
Travel Rules: From November 1, drivers must use daytime lights, and winter equipment becomes compulsory on designated roads from November 15. Car Rentals: A traveler’s complaint about an alleged €3,500 security hold at Split Airport raises questions about rental-counter practices; the claims have not been independently established. Tourism Safety: A German child remains in intensive care after her hair became trapped in a pool filter at a Rabac resort. Camping: Four Aminess campsites have earned the ADAC Superplatz award, adding to Croatia’s strong reputation for quality camping. New Attractions: Rijeka plans to restore its historic torpedo launch station and turn the site into a tourist attraction, with work expected to start this year. A proposed Šibenik airport, meanwhile, faces delays, with its study and design still unconfirmed and concerns raised about protected bird habitats. Accommodation: Croatia is moving ahead with new holiday-rental rules and digital registration, while 15,000 unlicensed apartments have been granted four more years.
Airport Plans: Šibenik’s proposed airport remains uncertain: feasibility documents due in July have not been publicly confirmed, and concerns have emerged over effects on protected bird habitats. Rijeka Heritage: Restoration of the historic torpedo launch station is expected to begin late this year, with plans to turn the site into a tourist attraction by 2027. Camping: Four Aminess campsites now hold the ADAC Superplatz award, adding to Croatia’s reputation for high-quality camping. Holiday Rentals: Croatia is advancing digital registration rules for rentals, while 15,000 unlicensed apartments have been given four more years. Visitor Safety: A German girl remains stable in intensive care after her hair became trapped in a pool vent at a Rabac resort; the incident is under investigation. City Travel: Zagreb has begun a 14-month plan to improve public transport, walking and cycling, with the strategy due in December 2027.
Culture: Vlaho Bukovac’s Pink Dream sold for a record €475,800 in Vienna and is due to go on display at Zagreb’s Klović Palace Gallery from November to March. Zagreb Travel: The city has begun a 14-month plan to improve public transport, walking and cycling, with completion set for December 2027. Visitor Safety: A German girl remains in intensive care, reported stable, after her hair became trapped in a pool filter at a Rabac resort. Camping: Four Aminess campsites now hold ADAC Superplatz awards, with the latest going to Atea on Krk. Holiday Rentals: Croatia will let about 15,000 landlords operating on temporary permits continue until the end of 2030 while they work to legalise their properties. Island Connections: A new fast catamaran route linking Brač, Omiš and Split is scheduled to start in November.
Zagreb Mobility: The city has begun a 14-month plan to ease congestion and make everyday trips safer, with better links between public transport, walking and cycling. Pool Safety: A German girl remains in intensive care after her hair became trapped in a pool vent at a Rabac resort; she is reported stable. Croatian Language Courses: A record 147 diaspora scholarship students are studying in Zagreb this winter, part of a programme offering 700 scholarships nationwide. Camping: Four Aminess campsites now hold ADAC Superplatz awards, while Croatia has been named Europe’s leading camping destination for quality in 2027. Holiday Rentals: The government will let about 15,000 apartments operating on temporary permits continue until the end of 2030, giving owners more time to legalise them. Dubrovnik Travel: A Polish visitor says two restricted-zone parking fines totalling €3,000 arrived more than a year after his trip, highlighting the need to check local driving rules.
Camping: Four Aminess campsites now hold the ADAC Superplatz distinction: Atea on Krk joins Maravea and Sirena in Novigrad and Avalona on Pag. The awards reinforce Croatia’s standing as Europe’s leading camping destination for quality in 2027. Holiday Rentals: The government has extended temporary permits for about 15,000 apartments and rooms lacking full legal documentation until December 31, 2030. New rules also plan registration numbers for tourist rentals advertised online. Sustainable Travel: Velebit is being developed as a sustainable destination, with tourism and conservation groups working together on experiences around the nature park, Cerovačke Caves and the Zrmanja River. Dubrovnik Stays: Villa Argentina, overlooking Dubrovnik’s Old Town, has joined The Leading Hotels of the World after reopening in September following renovation.
Holiday Rentals: Croatia is giving around 15,000 unlicensed apartments four more years to operate, until the end of 2030, while proposed rules would require rentals advertised online to carry registration numbers from 2027. Dubrovnik Visitor Alert: Some tourists are receiving €1,500 fines for entering restricted areas by car more than a year after their trips, prompting complaints about unclear signs and hard-to-reach authorities. Island Escape: A new travel feature spotlights Brijuni National Park, where visitors can explore Veliki Brijun by train or bike, with Roman sites and quiet coastal scenery. Camping and Nature: Croatia has been named Europe’s leading camping destination for quality in 2027, while a cross-border project is developing Velebit as a sustainable tourism destination. Tourism Pressure: Croatia recorded the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, with 24.5 overnight stays per resident. Dubrovnik Hotels: Villa Argentina, overlooking the Old Town, has joined The Leading Hotels of the World after reopening following renovation.
Holiday Rentals: Croatia will let about 15,000 apartments operating under temporary permits continue until the end of 2030, giving owners more time to legalise their properties. Separate proposed rules would require short-term rentals listed online to register digitally. Dubrovnik Visitors: Polish tourists say €3,000 in parking fines arrived more than a year after restricted-zone entries during their trip, raising concerns about confusing rules and delayed notices. Camping and Nature: Croatia has been named Europe’s top camping destination for quality in 2027. A Velebit initiative is also developing sustainable visitor experiences, while Brijuni National Park is drawing fresh attention for its scenery and heritage. Tourism Pressure: Croatia recorded the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 overnight stays per resident.
Camping: Croatia has been named Europe’s top camping destination for quality in 2027, reflecting years of investment in accommodation, facilities and services. Sustainable Travel: A cross-border initiative is positioning Velebit as a sustainable destination, bringing tourism, conservation and local development groups together. Cruise Links: Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Aura is set to visit Dubrovnik and Split on a 2027 Mediterranean itinerary. Air Access: Ryanair plans to cut 20 Belgian routes this winter after a flight-tax increase; Dubrovnik is among the affected destinations. Tourism Pressures: Croatia recorded the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 nights in tourist accommodation per resident, while foreign tourist revenue rose nearly 5%.
Food & Wine: Finland’s team surprised the field to win Croatia’s 2026 World Olive Picking Championship, harvesting 55.4 kilograms by hand in 45 minutes on Brač. Travel Inspiration: Croatia featured in 67% of AI-generated summer seaside recommendations analysed for British holidaymakers, placing it fourth behind Spain, Greece and Italy. Cruise Connections: Norwegian Aura’s 2027 Mediterranean plans include calls in Dubrovnik and Split; its inaugural voyages will begin earlier than scheduled. Air Links: Ryanair plans to cut its Dubrovnik–Charleroi route as part of winter reductions tied to Belgium’s higher flight tax. Tourism Pressure: Croatia recorded the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 overnight stays per resident. Getting Around: A new fast catamaran link is planned from November between Brač, Omiš and Split. National Parks: Krka’s waterfalls remain a must-see, but swimming is not allowed in the national park.
AI Travel Picks: Croatia appeared in 67% of AI-generated recommendations for seaside summer holidays from UK searches, ranking just behind Spain, Greece and Italy. Zagreb Heritage: A new exhibition marks 150 years of Mirogoj Cemetery, with displays at the City Museum through October 29 and at the cemetery from October 31 to November 6. Food Tourism: Finland won the World Olive Picking Championship on Brač, harvesting 122 pounds in 45 minutes. Getting Around: Sveti Ilija Tunnel is closed for repairs until December 21, with drivers diverted via Šestanovac and Dubci; a new fast catamaran linking Brač, Omiš and Split is due to start in November. Tourism Snapshot: Croatia recorded the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 overnight stays per resident.
Brač Olive Harvest: Finland, despite having no olive trees, won Croatia’s World Olive Picking Championship, harvesting 122 pounds in 45 minutes. Teams from 10 countries competed on the island. Getting Around: The Sveti Ilija Tunnel is closed until December 21 for repairs, affecting access between the A1 motorway and the Makarska Riviera. Drivers are being diverted via Šestanovac and Dubci. Dubrovnik Food Scene: The city’s 170-metre Dubrovnik Table brought local producers and restaurants to Stradun, raising more than €20,000 for charity during the Good Food Festival. Tourism Pressure: Croatia recorded Europe’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, with 24.5 overnight stays per resident, ahead of Malta and Cyprus. Island Connections: A new fast catamaran link between Brač, Omiš and Split is due to start in November.
Makarska Riviera Access: The Sveti Ilija Tunnel is closed for repairs until 21 December, disrupting the direct route between the A1 motorway and the coast. Drivers are being diverted via Šestanovac and Dubci. Dubrovnik Food Festival: A record 170-metre table on Stradun showcased local food and wine on Sunday, raising more than €20,000 for local charities. Tourism’s Scale and Value: Croatia had the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 overnight stays per resident. But just €48 of every €100 tourists spend stays in the domestic economy, prompting calls for stronger ties between tourism businesses and Croatian suppliers. New Connections: Croatia and China welcomed the Beijing-Bucharest-Zagreb air route, which officials say could boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges. A new fast catamaran link connecting Brač, Omiš and Split is also due to start in November.
Tourism’s Scale and Local Payoff: Croatia recorded the EU’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 overnight stays per resident. Yet just €48 of every €100 tourists spend stays in the domestic economy, prompting calls for stronger links between tourism businesses and Croatian suppliers. New Travel Links: A Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb air route is expected to strengthen tourism ties with China. From November 1, a daily catamaran will connect Pučišća and Postira on Brač with Omiš and Split, cutting the journey to Split to about 70 minutes. Zagreb on the Move: Uber’s driverless taxi service, launched in the city in April with local partner Verne and Pony.ai, is the most advanced of the company’s European robotaxi projects as it tests the model in other cities.
Tourism Pressure: Croatia recorded Europe’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, with 24.5 overnight stays per resident—over three times the EU average. Where the Money Goes: Just €48 of every €100 tourists spend stays in Croatia’s domestic economy, prompting calls for stronger links between tourism businesses and local suppliers. Travel Connections: A daily catamaran linking Pučišća, Postira, Omiš and Split is due to start on November 1, cutting the trip from Pučišća to Split to about 70 minutes. Prices and Value: A German newspaper warned that high accommodation and restaurant costs could put visitors off, renewing debate over how Croatia can protect its reputation without competing as a cheap destination.
Tourism Trends: Croatia recorded Europe’s highest tourism intensity in 2025, at 24.5 overnight stays per resident. Foreign visitor revenue rose nearly 5% in the first half of 2026 to €4.59 billion, while arrivals and overnight stays also grew through September. Island Connections: A new daily catamaran linking Pučišća, Postira, Omiš and Split is due to start on 1 November, cutting the trip from Pučišća to Split to about 70 minutes. Travel Infrastructure: Work has begun on a 5.2-kilometre A7 motorway section between Križišće and Jadranovo, with completion expected in three years. International Links: Croatia and China welcomed the recently established Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb air route as a boost to tourism and business ties. Sustainable Travel: Croatian conservationist Kristijan Curavić used a seabed appeal near Krapanj to call for stronger action against ocean pollution. Beyond the Crowds: Lastovo is gaining attention as a quieter island escape, with protected nature, dark skies and access from Split or Hvar. Visitor Costs: Germany’s Die Welt warned that high prices may be putting visitors off, noting quieter beaches and old towns during the 2026 summer season.
Pricing Pressure: Germany’s Die Welt warns that high accommodation and restaurant bills could damage Croatia’s tourism appeal, citing quieter-than-usual beaches and old towns this summer. Tourism Revenue: Foreign visitors spent €4.587 billion in the first half of 2026, up nearly 5% year on year. Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, both modestly higher than a year earlier. Coastal Access: Construction has begun on a 5.2-kilometre stretch of the A7 between Križišće and Jadranovo. The €151 million project includes a tunnel and viaducts, with completion expected in 36 months. New Inland Attraction: Bjelovar’s Wellovar geothermal complex opened to the public with 10 pools; 511 tickets were sold in its first 90 minutes. Hotel Growth: Rijeka’s 112-year-old hotel has reopened as Croatia’s first Tribute Portfolio property.
Coastal Connections: Construction has begun on a 5.2-kilometre stretch of the A7 motorway between Križišće and Jadranovo. The €151.48 million project is due to take three years and is part of a planned extension towards Žuta Lokva. Tourism Performance: Croatia welcomed 20.1 million visitors and recorded 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% respectively year over year. Foreign-visitor revenue rose nearly 5% in the first half, to €4.59 billion. New Attraction: Bjelovar’s Wellovar geothermal park has opened to the public, with 10 indoor and outdoor pools and strong opening-day demand. Pricing Pressures: At a tourism industry congress in Poreč, hospitality operators warned that rising costs and staff shortages are squeezing margins, as experts debate how Croatia can avoid competing as a budget destination.
New Attraction: Bjelovar’s geothermal Wellovar park opened to the public with 10 pools; 511 tickets were sold in its first 90 minutes. Dubrovnik Access: A new Park & Ride at Pobrežje will offer 572 spaces and electric-bus links, helping visitors avoid driving into the Old Town. Tourism Strategy: At a Poreč industry gathering, Croatian experts argued the country should not compete as a cheap destination, as rising costs squeeze hospitality businesses. Visitor Safety: A chemical reaction at a Poreč hotel prompted an evacuation; 21 people sought medical care, with injuries reported as minor. Cruise Plans: Royal Caribbean’s 2028 season will include Croatia on seven-night Greek Isles itineraries from Ravenna. Heritage and Nightlife: Pula Arena is among historic sites hosting music festivals, renewing debate over how to balance cultural preservation with large events. Rijeka Hotel: A 112-year-old hotel has reopened as Croatia’s first Tribute Portfolio property.
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